The HCC Certificate in Arboriculture

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by arboriculture experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate. You have 2 years to complete the course.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Lesson 1 – Amenity Woodland

Lesson 2 – Formation and Properties of Soil

Lesson 3 – Tree Nomenclature and Plant Selection

Lesson 4 – Ill Health of Trees

Lesson 5 – Plant Handling and Supply

Lesson 6 – Shrub and Tree Pruning

Lesson 7 – Tree Inspection and Surveys

Lesson 8 – Tree Felling and Disposal

Lesson 9 – Health, Safety and Legal Issues

Lesson 10 – Maintaining Equipment

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

There are no exams. On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* The HCC Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• With further practical experience you could work in the public and/or private sector as a:
  • Ground worker/climber (many arborists start their career as a ground worker, with some progressing onto a career as a climber)
  • Tree surgeon/arboriculturist cultivating and managing trees or shrubs
  •  Arboricultural officer within a local authority managing tree stock and tree maintenance staff
  • Woodland manager
• If you already work in arboriculture or forestry, or in the planning/grounds maintenance/environmental services section within a local authority, this course would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients an excellent theoretical understanding of tree care.
• You could progress to the following HCC course:

  The HCC Diploma in Arboriculture

You do not need previous gardening or arboriculture knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

There are 2 ways you can enrol

• Pay the total course fee of £345 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 5 instalments of £50