Climbing 

Arborist 

Climbing Arborists take to the air, caring for the trees that surround us. They enjoy the challenge of working outdoors, while displaying their caring nature in the way they maintain our green spaces.

forest of trees with mountainous background in bc

As a Climbing Arborist, you’ll spend your days up in the trees, letting your curious and nimble nature help you navigate a challenging and invigorating environment.

You don’t shy away from diverse weather conditions, and you’re great at guiding your work through visual assessments. You’ll assess trees for health risks, either using climbing equipment or vehicles to safety carry out your tasks.

What You'll Learn

  • How to assess trees and shrubs for risks
  • How to do aerial work with a lift truck and climbing equipment
  • How to conduct tree climbing and pruning at heights
  • How to identify and remediate issues for trees
  • How to identify common tree health disorders  

Key Job Skills

  • Active listening
  • Plant and tree identification
  • Plant and tree treatment
  • Falling, limbing, pruning and bucking
  • Climbing equipment use 

Start Your Apprenticeship

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

Technical Training 8 weeks over 1 year
Work-Based Training
1800 HOURS
General Skills
Adventurous Athletic Curious Visual

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

Note: Arborist Technician must be taken before Climbing Arborist. 

Program Updates

Individuals applying for a Sign-off Authority number for Climbing Arborist do not require Arborist Technician certification. Updated forms are posted below in the Challenge a Certification Exam section.

The Exam Breakdown is available for the Certificate of Qualification and show the approximate percentage of weighting per General Area of Competency (GAC).

The apprenticeship pathway for Climbing Arborist is now available for registration. Both the apprenticeship and challenge pathway requires the candidate to demonstrate competency in a practical assessment in addition to a written exam. See Occupational Performance Standards for an overview of the competencies that are assessed.

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.