ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture

Online study

This course is delivered online or via mixed study¹

Upon enrolment you receive access to our unique online learning platform and lesson materials, providing you with the learning resources you need.

You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), 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 will be guided in the preparation of your portfolio work. (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.

You will be assessed, through a portfolio of completed coursework for the Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture (Ref: 610/7027/0).

Mixed Study¹

As part of your enrolment onto this course you will receive access to our unique online platform which will provide you with online access to your course materials – making them easy to access on-the-go.
Once logged on, you can also request to have the materials supplied in printed format for you to keep, make notes and use for future reference.

¹ Mixed study option is available to request from within the online platform, a one-off fee is payable to cover printing and postage costs (available for UK based students only).

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.

ABC/SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture (in partnership with the RFS) – A 6-unit study programme following the ABC/SEG Awards syllabus.

Students must complete the following 5 mandatory units:

• Unit 1 – The Interaction of Soil Environments and Woody Plants (Ref:M/651/9265)
• Unit 2 – Woody Plant Physiology (Ref:R/651/9266)
• Unit 3 – Woody Plant Health (Ref:T/651/9267)
• Unit 4 – Tree Inspections and Principles of Tree Works (Ref:Y/651/9268)
• Unit 5 – Compliance Related to Tree Surgery Operations (Ref:A/651/9269)

Plus complete 1 of the following options:

• Unit 6 – The Supply, Planting and Aftercare of Woody Plants (Ref:H/651/9270)
• Unit 7 – The Principles of Aerial Tree Surgery and Ground Based Arboricultural Operations (Ref:J/651/9271)
• Unit 8 – Basic Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology (Ref:K/651/9272)
• Unit 9 – Principles of Tree Surgery Machine Use and Maintenance (Ref:L/651/9273)
• Unit 10 – Ancient Veteran and other tress of Special Interest (Ref:M/651/9274)

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 12-18 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

ABC/SEG Awards and RFS qualifications:

Assessment is through a portfolio of completed coursework. When you pass all six units you will be awarded:

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture (Ref: 610/7027/0)¹

The qualification covers the theory component of and can lead to the:

RFS Certificate in Arboriculture

To gain the full RFS certificate – widely recognised throughout the arboriculture industry and strongly advised for those pursuing a related career – you will also need to complete a suite of practical competence tests. For details of how to apply for the RFS Certificate in Arboriculture please click here.

¹ The ABC/SEG Awards registration fee of £73.50 should be paid when you enrol on the course, but no later than 30 days after your enrolment date. The registration fee is correct at time of publishing.

• 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 a sound theoretical understanding of tree care.
• You could gain the full RFS Certificate in Arboriculture by completing the relevant practical competence tests (see details in ‘Qualifications’ section)

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