Exciting News:

Great news for all arborists and tree enthusiasts! As the first two ETW preparation courses in English were a great success and received such positive feedback, we are excited to make ETW English prep courses a permanent part of our program.

➡️ Follow the link for infos on ETW Prep Course + Exam 2026: here.

The European Tree Worker (ETW) and European Tree Technician (ETT) certifications developed by the European Arboricultural Council (EAC) are recognized throughout Europe and beyond.

The European Tree Worker carries out operations on and in amenity trees with the aim of keeping the trees healthy and safe. They act on the basis of arboricultural knowledge and take conservation matters, environmental protection and safety regulations into account. Tree care operations require a profound and highly qualified training with a special focus on work safety.

Objectives

  • To ensure high quality work and training in tree care operations.
  • To ensure a safe working environment according to best working practice and European standards
  • To promote the international exchange of employees.
  • To enable each country to have a good chance of getting Europe-wide invitations to tender in fair competition within the field of arboriculture.
  • European Tree Worker certification proofed and controlled by the European Arboricultural Council.
  • Each ETW certification is supervised by an international EAC-supervisor.

Tree maintenance comprises of the planting, monitoring and maintenance of trees. The European Tree Worker has, according to the curriculum, to know:

  • Elements of tree maintenance
  • Safe working practice
  • Arboricultural matters with practical experience
  • Legal and social regulations.

Conditions of entry

Open access to the examination is offered to all those who possess the technical skill to carry out the mentioned operations. Potential candidates must provide:

  • Proof of physical and mental ability to carry out tree care operations safely, with a medical certificate (For Austria max. validity is: 3 years or otherwise specified by physician).
  • Proof of a valid qualification in first aid, according to the national regulations (For Austria max. validity is: 4 years; refresher courses are eligible).
  • Proof of training in the use of chainsaws (either on the ground or in the tree), and if required in their own country, a qualification or a license for the use of a chainsaw in the tree. The certificates for the aerial chainsaw use, provided by the professionally recognized organizations are also accepted.
  • Proof of a minimum of one year practical experience in tree care must be provided.
  • For the climber: Proof of skills in aerial rescue must be provided; not older than 1 year. If no proof of aerial rescue training is available, the candidate will be required to carry out simulation 3 (aerial rescue) as part of the examination, which will involve extra costs for the candidate.
    alternatively: attendance of our SKT-B course week* or one-day Climb Update! to freshen up your climbing skills and prepare for the exam.
  • For the MEWP operator: Proof of skills in the use of a MEWP/Platform and emergency situations must be provided.
    alternatively: attendance of our platform course.

*If you have not attended climbing courses in your home country, you are welcome to join our SKT A/B/C courses. All our SKT courses are conducted bilingually in German and English, and course materials are also available in English. Dates you find in the online calendar: here.

These tree care topics will be covered in our prep course:

  • tree biology
  • pruning techniques
  • plant protection | detection & treatment of pests & diseases
  • selection of quality of trees
  • tree planting
  • tree ID
  • bracing/cabeling
  • tree soil
  • tree protection on construction sites
  • tree inspection
  • work safety
  • species protection & ecology
  • brief climbing + platform review for the exam

Additional information regarding the entry conditions, the examination rules & regulations and the examination procedure, etc. can be found on the website of the EAC: here.

Why take our ETW prep course?

This unique program offers aspiring tree workers from across Europe and beyond the opportunity to receive comprehensive, English-language training and certification—promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange in arboriculture.

Hosted by the renowned Arbor Technical Institute Kreitl, the ETW course welcomes arborists, tree care professionals, and nature enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and earn the European Tree Worker certification. The intensive program covers essential aspects of modern tree care, preparing participants thoroughly for the ETW exam.

An international team of experienced instructors delivers up-to-date training on topics such as tree biology, pruning, risk assessment, climbing methods, plant protection, work safety, and leadership. The course also highlights ecological and sustainable practices, fostering a deeper understanding of trees’ vital role in our environment.

By offering the ETW prep course in English, the Arbor Technical Institute and its partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing arboricultural education and sustainability while supporting the global arborist community.

After careful consideration, we’ve concluded that offering online days for the prep course is not feasible or realistic at this time. We weighed all the pros and cons, and given that tree work is a highly practical field, the associated training needs to be hands-on as well. For that reason, we are continuing to offer the course exclusively in person. Past participants — including those who initially inquired about remote options — found that in-person learning provided stronger practical experience, better focus, and valuable peer interaction.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
Looking forward to welcoming you in our institute! 🙂

Click here for more infos on the next ETW prep course and exam 2026 & how to register