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Training & Events / VETcert

VETcert

VETcert logo

VETcert is a pan-European certification scheme for veteran tree specialists

What is VETcert?

VETcert is a pan-European certification scheme for veteran tree specialists, developed to raise the standard of veteran tree management across Europe. It provides individuals with the opportunity to have their skills and expertise recognised, increasing opportunities for work, both at home and across Europe. It also makes it easier for tree owners and organisations procuring veteran tree management services to identify and select suitable professionals.

The certification scheme is available at two levels, practising and consulting. Practising level is aimed at professionals who are ‘on the tools’, those who physically undertake the management (e.g. soil management, climbing, pruning, etc.). Consulting level is aimed at professionals who provide advice (e.g. tree officers, consultant arboriculturists or ecologists).

VETcert specialists have been assessed against a set of standards produced through the development of scheme. These describe in detail which skills and knowledge a tree work practitioner and a consultant need to have.

To see the full list of individuals who may use the VETcert logo across Europe, visit the VETcert website

VETcert Exams

The Arboricultural Association is the VETcert Certification Centre in the UK. The VETcert exams seek to test the wide breath of expertise required to manage veteran trees. They include written sections and outdoor exercises with oral questioning.

The consulting and practising level exams are different but are each delivered over one day, with two examiners:

  • The practising level exam consists of a written exam with multiple choice and open questions and an outdoor part with exercises and oral questioning. The written part is worth approximately 30% of the overall marks, the outdoor session covers the remaining 70% of the overall marks. No practical cutting or management work needs to be done during the outdoor session.
  • The consulting level exam consists of a written exam with open questions, an outdoor part with exercises and oral questioning, and the writing of a veteran tree management report. The written part is worth approximately 34% of the overall marks, the outdoor session is worth 21% and the veteran tree management report is worth the remaining 45% of the overall marks.

Pre-requisites

The tables below detail the prerequisites for each level. Recognising the diverse range of backgrounds within the discipline of veteran tree management, there are two options that allow for those with an academic background (route 1) or a vocational background (route 2).

Practising level

Route number

Options

1

Applicant holds a level 3 arboricultural qualification.

AND

Chainsaw, climbing and/or platform certifications.

AND

Minimum 5 years relevant experience.

2

Applicant can prove knowledge and experience at an equivalent level to the qualification detailed above.

AND

Chainsaw, climbing and/or platform certifications.

AND

Minimum 5 years relevant experience.

Consulting level

Route number

Options

1

Applicant holds a level 6 arboricultural qualification (or similar topic).

AND

Minimum 5 years relevant experience in total, of which 3 should be in an advisory role.

2

Applicant can prove knowledge and experience at an equivalent level to the qualification detailed above.

PLUS

Minimum 10 years relevant experience in total, of which 5 should be in an advisory role.

How to apply

To apply to join the VETcert candidates mailing list, you will need to upload evidence to demonstrate that you meet the prerequisites. You should aim to include the following:

  • Arboricultural or relevant certificate of qualification
  • Chainsaw, climbing and/ or platform certificates
  • A short CV with CPD record for the last two years
  • A brief statement detailing industry experience (200 words max). Please highlight relevant veteran tree surveys, management, courses or other CPD.

Receipt of your documentation will be acknowledged by e-mail.

Apply for VETcert examinations

Booking and cancellation

Submitting your information does not guarantee an examination place. Once booking dates are released to the VETcert candidates mailing list, they are filled on a first come, first served basis — payment will be taken at the time of booking.

A full charge will be applied to any booking cancelled less than 10 working days before the event.

We reserve the right to cancel exams and refund applicants if there is insufficient demand.

Training and Resources

VETcert standards

Prospective candidates should review, and compare themselves against, the relevant veteran tree management standards. These are available at consulting and practising levels.

The standards describe in detail which skills and knowledge a tree work practitioner and a consultant need to have to be regarded as 'veteran tree specialists'. The standards form the basis for the VETcert exams.

Training

Depending on your background and experience, a range of Arboricultural Association courses and learning opportunities may be suitable to help you to address identified knowledge gaps and raise your understanding of veteran tree management.

The Ancient Tree Forum run training courses and field meetings throughout the year. They offer a two-day workshop designed to assist professionals who are looking to take VETcert exams. More information can be found on the Ancient Tree Forum website.

Training material produced during development of the VETcert scheme is available on the VETcert website.

Further Information

More information about the VETcert scheme is available on the VETcert website. For all other VETcert enquiries, please email VETcert@trees.org.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no formal requirement to attend any training course. However, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of the existing materials and training that is available through the Arboricultural Association, Ancient Tree Forum and on the VETcert website.

We are currently reviewing the pricing of the exams and will announce this when we release the next exam dates.

The certification is valid for three years, after which all veteran tree specialists must recertify. To recertify, you must submit evidence of CPD and continued experience working with veteran trees. See the VETcert website for details on recertification.

The pass mark for both exams is 75%. However, in addition to achieving 75% or above overall, each candidate must also achieve at least 50% in each section of the exam.

Candidates will be informed whether they passed or failed within four weeks of sitting the exam. VETcert certificates and cards will be issued within eight weeks of sitting the exam.

The UK now has over 70 certified veteran tree specialists.

Download a list of UK VETcert specialists