Exciting News:

Great news for all arborists and tree enthusiasts! The first-ever English-speaking European Tree Worker (ETW) preparation course that took place in Raasdorf from January to March 2024 was a success. We have new dates for the next prep course in English.

➡️ Follow the link for infos on ETW Prep Course + Exam 2025: 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. 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!
  • 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.

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 groundbreaking initiative will offer an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring tree workers from across Europe and beyond to receive comprehensive training and certification in English, further promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of arboriculture.

Organized and hosted by the renowned Arbor Technical Institute Kreitl, the ETW course aims to cater to a diverse audience of arborists, tree care professionals, and nature enthusiasts looking to enhance their expertise and skill set and earn the European Tree Worker certification. With a focus on delivering top-notch education, this intensive course will cover a wide range of topics essential for the successful practice of tree care and prepare participants for the ETW exam.

The curriculum will be delivered by an international team of highly qualified and experienced instructors, ensuring that participants receive the most up-to-date and relevant information on tree biology, pruning techniques, tree risk assessment, climbing methods, plant and species protection, as well as work safety and leadership. Additionally, the course will emphasize on ecological and sustainable practices, fostering an appreciation for the vital role trees play in our environment.

By organizing English-language ETW prep courses, the Arbor Technical Institute and its partners reinforce their commitment to promoting education as well as sustainable practices in arboriculture and supporting the international arborist community.

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 2025 & how to register