ETW – European Tree Worker (Training Program 2026/2027)
The certifications for European Tree Worker (ETW) and European Tree Technician (ETT) were developed by the European Arboricultural Council (EAC) and are recognized throughout Europe.
As a European Tree Worker, you carry out the essential work on and in the tree on the basis of professional arboricultural knowledge – with the goal of maintaining the health and safety of trees. Aspects of nature, environmental, occupational, and accident protection are an integral part of the training. The activities include planting, inspection, and care of trees.
An international EAC supervisor is present at every exam to oversee the examination.
Good to know: although the ETW is standardized throughout Europe, country-specific differences exist in the legal framework. We teach and examine on the basis of Austrian law.
Bonus: upon passing the exam, you receive two certifications: European Tree Worker and Arborist according to ONR 121122.
Course Content
The training program is divided into 3 blocks (14 days) and concludes with a certificate exam. Content overview:
- Tree biology – nomenclature, ecological cycle
- Soil science – soil samples, harmful organisms
- Tree pruning – crown care, topiary, fruit tree pruning
- Plant protection
- Tree planting – species selection, tree identification, care of newly planted trees
- Tree protection – root curtain
- Crown stabilization
- Species protection
- Tree inspection – diagnosis of tree damage and its treatment
- Legal, economic & social aspects of tree care
Blocks:
- Block practical days: 2 days
- Block I (theory): 6 days
- Block II (theory): 6 days
- Exam
Requirements
- Valid occupational health examination for "work at heights with risk of falling"
- 16-hour first aid certificate (no more than 4 years old; refresher courses are fine)
- Proof of at least 1 year of practical tree care experience with climbing and/or aerial work platform skills
- ETW climbing: valid SKT B certificate
ETW platform: valid HUB certificate
All details on admission criteria, exam rules, and exam procedure can be found at the EAC.
What to Bring
- Complete, inspected PPE including inspection protocol
- Valid occupational health examination
First aid certificate
Included in the training program: 190+ pages of course script, supplementary materials, Ö-Normen, as well as free admission to the SPRING Tree Symposium.
The ETW certificate and the Arborist certification according to ONR 121122 must be recertified every 3 years. An expired certificate means that the entire exam must be repeated. All information on recertification can be found here.
The next step after the ETW: the ETT – European Tree Technician.
You can find all dates in our course calendar.
Investment
Course: € 2.552,00 excl. VAT (€ 3.062,40 incl. VAT)
