Arborist 

Technician

Arborist Technicians are adventurous and curious individuals, whose deep appreciation for trees, love of physical activity, and visual way of working create the beautiful communities we all enjoy. 

forest of trees with mountainous background in bc

As an Arborist Technician, you’re skilled in all aspects of tree care, including identifying plants and examining and diagnosing pests and diseases.  

You enjoy working in an outdoor setting, and have an approach that spurs you to interact with your surroundings. You use your knowledge to assess the health and structure of a tree, determine its needs and identify appropriate treatments.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to identify different types of plants and trees
  • How to treat injured and diseased plants and trees
  • How to fall, limb and buck trees
  • How to prune and perform other work on trees from the ground
  • How to chip brush, cut wood and clean up after tree care operations 

Key Job Skills

  • Active listening
  • Plant and tree identification
  • Plant and tree treatment
  • Falling, limbing and bucking
  • Pruning and other groundwork 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 8 weeks over 1 year
Work-Based Training
1600 HOURS
General Skills
Adventurous Athletic Curious

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information and Resources

Note: Arborist Technician must be taken before Climbing Arborist.   

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

Certificate of Qualification Exam

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.