RECERTIFICATION

Collecting and submitting the recertification documents on time is the responsibility of each certified individual.

Important: An expired certification – whether SKT, HUB, ETW, or ETT – means that the entire exam must be repeated. After expiration, titles and logos may no longer be used.

SKT A / B / C + Aerial Work Platform – recertification every 3 years

For successful recertification, we need the following from you:

• Completed recertification application form
• Copy of the certificate or card
• Participation in a 4-hour rescue training session or the Climb Update: Rescue & Ascent Techniques course – or participation in an advanced SKT course within the 3-year validity period
• 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)

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

The application must be submitted within the 3-year validity period. The so-called "bonus year" serves solely for submitting the application – not for collecting further proof or continuing education hours. What is collected during the bonus year already counts toward the next recertification cycle.

For successful recertification, we need the following from you:

• Completed recertification application form
• Copy of the certificate or card
• Proof of at least 2 years of tree care activity within the 3-year validity period
• 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 30 hours of continuing education* in tree care within the 3-year validity period (not during the bonus year)

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

New since 2022 – due for the first time at the end of 2025. The same deadlines apply as for the ETW: all required proof must be collected within the 3-year validity period.

For successful recertification, we need the following from you:

• Completed recertification application form
• Copy of the certificate or card
• Proof of at least 2 years of tree care activity at ETT level (in an advisory and/or management position) within the 3-year validity period
• Proof of 45 hours of continuing education* in tree care within the 3-year validity period (not during the bonus year)

COMBINED RECERTIFICATION: ETW + ETT

ETW and ETT can optionally be recertified together – this aligns the expiration dates and simplifies administration. A dual certification with both titles and logos is possible.

Example 1: ETW expires 12/2024, ETT expires 12/2025 → new combined expiration date: 12/2028
Example 2: ETT expires 12/2025, ETW expires 12/2026 → new combined expiration date: 12/2029

For successful combined recertification, we need the following from you:

• Completed recertification application form
• Copy of both certificates or cards
• Proof of at least 2 years of tree care activity (in an advisory and/or management position) within the 3-year validity period
• 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 a total of 45 hours of continuing education* within the 3-year validity period (not during the bonus year)

ETW + ETT recertifications are only approved by the EAC if all proof is received by the EAC no later than December 31 of the year following the expiration of the certification. If your certification expires in 2026, you can submit the application by the end of 2027 at the latest.

You can find out when your certification expires on your certificate or on the EAC website.

What counts as continuing education?*

All specialist lectures, seminars, and events related to tree care and rope climbing technique, for example:

• Spring & Autumn Tree Symposium
• Industry trade fairs & professional conferences: here
• Courses and workshops at our facility (hours according to certificate of attendance)
• Seminars and workshops at Vlasitz & Zodl
• Events, workshops, conferences, and webinars on topics relevant to tree care**
• Courses and workshops from other providers approved by ATI (on behalf of the EAC)**

Note: A maximum of 1/3 of the required continuing education hours may be credited for practical training. The remainder must be of a technical or theoretical nature.

Official EAC guidelines on the recognition of championship participation: PDF (English)

**For crediting external events, we only accept certificates of attendance and/or certificates from recognized training institutes and organizations (according to ONR 121122 continuing education). Please check with us before attending external events to confirm whether they can be credited – to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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

• SKT A / B / C + Aerial Work Platform
• ETW / Tree Care Professional according to ONR 121122
• ETT / Arborist according to ONR 121122
• COMBI Recertification: ETW + ETT