Following QCA accreditation, the theory element is now a stand alone qualification
[known as the Certificate in Arboriculture (theory)] and is administered by ABC in
partnership with the RFS. It is suitable for all those wishing to acquire evidence
of their professional competence and as a first step towards studying for the prestigious
RFS (level 6) Professional Diploma in Arboriculture.
The practical tests can be
taken in blocks or spread to suit a candidates particular situation. The same is
true of the theory element for which this course is designed. Students can begin
their course at any time, taking up to two years if necessary to complete their studies,
before, during or after acquiring their practical experience. Some elements of the
theory examination assume practical knowledge and experience and we would advise
students not to sit the ABC examination until they have at least some of the necessary
practical qualifications.
Many of the associated practical tests are now legal requirements
for operators of some machinery and, in order to qualify for the RFS Certificate,
students will need to train for and pass four compulsory practicals ~ another thirteen
are available as options from which you must choose at least three.
Depending upon
the individual circumstances, the IHRS may be able to help with advice and introductions
that will enable students to find appropriate practical tuition and/or work experience
although this is, obviously, much easier if the student is already studying for,
or has completed, the theoretical element.
When students have obtained a pass in
the theory examination and the required practicals, they will be awarded the RFS
(level 2) Certificate in Arboriculture.
An introduction to the course
This course is intended to meet the needs of those either in, or wishing to enter,
forestry, tree surgery or the associated professions.
The RFS certificate is a
craft level 2 qualification that has two elements: practical and theory and this
course is designed to provide the knowledge and information necessary for the theory
element, studied in tandem with practical work experience.
Qualification Structure
The ABC (level 2) Certificate is made up of six units:
(1) Describing
soil formation, nutrient requirements, associated problems and treatment.
(2) Understanding
tree biology, physiology, causes and signs of ill health and treatments.
(3) The
selection, supply, planting and aftercare of plants, to include nomenclature.
(4) Tree
surgery operations including health and safety and equipment maintenance.
(5) Carrying
out tree inspections/surveys and understanding statute and common law
(6) Basic understanding
of woodlands and forestry to include ecology.
A scanning electron micrograph of a longitudinal section through an ash (Fraxinus excelsior) seed.
Research results suggest that the thin layer of endosperm in front of the embryonic radicle is involved in the control of dormancy release and germination
The examinations, which consist of three papers, are held on the same day twice yearly in December and June at centres throughout the UK.
Paper 1 will last two hours and will examine units 1, 3 and 6 covering:
Soils, Nutrients,
Water, Problems and Treatment, Plant Selection, Supply, Planting and aftercare, Forestry,
Community Woodlands and Ecology
Paper 2 will last one and a half hours and will examine
units 2 and 5 covering:
Nomenclature, Biology, Physiology, Ill health and Treatment,
Tree Inspections/Surveys, Statute and Common Law.
Paper 3 will last one and a half hours and will examine unit 4 covering Tree Surgery, Health and Safety and Equipment Maintenance.
Assessment Pass 50% -
Credit 60% -
Distinction 75% -