Landscape Horticulturist
Landscape
Horticulturist
- How to survey, assess, design and build various landscapes
- How to identify a diverse range of plant material
- How to care for all kinds of plants, trees and shrubs
- How to diagnose and treat plants
- How to manage plant pests and incorporate integrated pest management
Landscape Horticulturists are the masterminds behind many of the green spaces in our communities, knowing which plants and features would enhance the area for everyone’s enjoyment.
As a Landscape Horticulturist, you’ll enjoy spending most of your time outside, designing and maintaining the various landscapes that cover our communities, from parks to botanical gardens, and more.
Your work will take you to a wide range of sites, where you’ll assess landscapes, identify and treat plants, and put your vision to work—creating living art.
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
Program Information and Resources
Exam Information and Resources
Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page.
- Exam Breakdown
- Code Book Required: none
- Exam Breakdown
- Code Book required: none
- Exam Breakdown
- Code Book required: none
- Exam Breakdown
- Code Book required: none
- Red Seal Occupational Standard
- Red Seal Exam Preparation Guide
- Red Exam Breakdown (online)
- Red Seal Exam Breakdown (pdf)
- Code Book provided: none
Program and Exam Updates
January 2023: For information regarding transition to the harmonized program, please see the Transition Update or Transition Plan. Apprentices who have attained Current Level 1, 2, or 3 should contact their Apprenticeship Advisor to discuss options for addressing gaps in their training before taking their next level of technical training.
March 2018: Transition Plan
March 2018: OPSN 2018 009 (Harmonization)
April 2023: OPSN-2023-002 (Harmonized Level 3 SLE Launch)
March 2022: OPSN-2022-006 (Harmonized Foundation SLE Launched)
September 2021: OPSN-2021-001 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Launch)
April 2019: OPSN-2019-004 (Harmonized Level 1 SLE Launch)
Challenge the Certification 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.
Online Application
Create a SkilledTradesBC Portal account to start your application
Declaration Forms Instructions
A section-by-section guide on how to complete the declaration forms
Employer Declaration
A form for your employer to document and attest to your work experience
Statutory Declaration
A form for you to document and attest to your work experience from self-employment or because a direct supervisor cannot be contacted
- Customer service
- Physical fitness
- Equipment and vehicle operation
- Plant health management
- Landscape design and maintenance
Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.
Climbing Arborist
Climbing
Arborist
- 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
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.
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.
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 the Trade 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.
Program Information
Program Information
Note: Arborist Technician must be taken before Climbing Arborist.
Challenge the Trade
Challenge the Trade
If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.
OR
If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.
- Active listening
- Plant and tree identification
- Plant and tree treatment
- Falling, limbing, pruning and bucking
- Climbing equipment use
To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training.
Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools.
Arborist Technician
Arborist
Technician
- 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
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.
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.
Program Information and Resources
Program Information and Resources
Note: Arborist Technician must be taken before Climbing Arborist.
Exam Information and Resources
Challenge the Trade
Challenge the Trade
If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.
OR
If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.
- Active listening
- Plant and tree identification
- Plant and tree treatment
- Falling, limbing and bucking
- Pruning and other groundwork
To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training.
Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools.
Utility Arborist
Utility
Arborist
- How to identify and apply regulations
- How to use aerial lifts, chippers, and chainsaws
- How to assess, identify and prune trees
- How to fall and buck
- How to use rigging and climbing gear
Utility Arborists step in and clear vegetation from electrical equipment and structures, ensuring the continued and safe flow of power to our homes and communities.
As a Utility Arborist, you’ll find the balance between physical, adventurous and nimble work with the need to be extra careful.
You’ll clear trees and plants away from electrical equipment, including power lines, whether because of natural growth or storms. Your work will require a solid grounding in the use of arborist equipment and an excellent understanding of safety regulations.
Program Updates
None.
Program Information and Resources
Program Information and Resources
Exam Information and Resources
Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.
Information:
Information:
Challenge the Trade
Challenge the Trade
If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.
- Coordination
- Critical thinking
- Equipment operation
- Tree and plant pruning, falling, and limbing
- Site inspections
To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training.
Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools.
For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.
Proximity Verification Form