TRAINING TO BECOME A EUROPEAN TREE WORKER CLIMBING

• Basics of Tree Care – 2-day course (or proven expertise: horticultural or forestry qualification)
• SKT A – week-long course (Monday–Saturday, including certificate exam). Prerequisites: valid occupational health examination** for "work at heights with risk of falling" (e.g. according to G41), valid 16-hour first aid certificate*, horticultural or forestry qualification (or attendance of our Basics of Tree Care course)
• Chainsaw course – 2-day course
• SKT B – week-long course (Monday–Saturday, including certificate exam). Prerequisites: valid SKT A certificate, proof of chainsaw competence (or attendance of our chainsaw course), proof of 200 climbing hours (logbook), valid occupational health examination**, valid 16-hour first aid certificate*
• SKT C / Rigging specialty course – optional 5-day course including certificate exam. Prerequisites: valid SKT B certificate, valid occupational health examination**, valid 16-hour first aid certificate*, ideally at least 1 year of SKT B practical experience, course: rigging on a model

• European Tree Worker (ETW) climbing / Arborist according to ONR 121122 ("skilled worker") – 3 blocks + certificate exam. Prerequisite: valid SKT B certificate, proof of at least 1 year of work experience with rope climbing technique and chainsaw, valid occupational health examination** for "work at heights with risk of falling according to G41," valid 16-hour first aid certificate*

ETW / Arborist according to ONR 121122 – recertification every 3 years

• European Tree Technician / Tree Technician according to ONR 121122 ("master") – 5 blocks + certificate exam. Prerequisite: valid ETW or ISA Certified Arborist certificate, proof of at least 3 years of professional experience in the tree care industry

ETT / Tree Technician according to ONR 121122 – recertification every 3 years

*16-hour first aid courses can be taken at various rescue organizations (Red Cross, Order of Malta, Samaritans, etc.)
**The occupational health examination for "work at great heights with risk of falling according to G41" is performed by (almost) all occupational physicians. The report must state that you are "fit for work at great heights with risk of falling." If you can't find a place to get examined, please get in touch; we have a list. 😊

To round off and refresh the training, we hold a Tree Symposium twice a year, as well as numerous additional courses and workshops throughout the year.