AHC30824 Certificate III In Arboriculture (Climbing Arborist / EWP Arborist)

CERTIFICATE III In Arboriculture (AHC30824)

The Australian Institute of Arboriculture (RTO #45502) offers the nationally recognised AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing Arborist/ Elevating Work Platform (EWP Arborist) package, with high quality course materials and premium training designed to deliver a unique and practical learning experiences.

Where can it take your career?

The AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture is the latest qualification ideal for learners who aim to work in roles that require the most current knowledge and skills in arboriculture. These roles include working at heights using climbing techniques and elevated work platforms (EWP’s) to access and work in trees.

Completing this course is perfect for learners who wish to work as a:

How is the course delivered?

This AHC30824 course is designed to be delivered through a Face-to-Face Delivery Method. Learners can complete it in 7 terms over 85 weeks, including 14 weeks of holidays, depending on each learner’s relevant skill, knowledge, and experience. Learners are expected to complete 3 units per term.

Here are the full details:

Course Delivery: Face-to-face delivery.
Course Duration: minimum 85 weeks divided into 7 terms.
Contact Hours: 8 hours per fortnight face-to-face delivery of practical skills and knowledge and minimum expected 8 hours per week of vocational placement for a total of 981 hours.
Volume of Learning and Amount of Training: Up to 981 formal training hours and up to 1200 hours of total volume of learning, depending on the learner’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience

Note: Please read The Australian Institute of Arboriculture Learner Handbook containing the Refund Policy, Complaints Policy, Appeals Policy, RPL Procedure, and other policies and procedures prior to enrolling.

What will you learn in the AHC30824 Cert III Arboriculture course?

In this arboriculture course, learners will learn from practical and classroom sessions and experience various situations during vocational experience (on-the-job-experience). Among others, learners will learn how to:

How is the course structured?

Learners will progress through their AHC30824 course following The Australian Institute of Arboriculture’s course delivery approach, which includes:

Pre-enrolment assessment – Assigns each learner to a cohort, depending on their existing knowledge, skills, and experience
Learn and Practice – Learners complete their required amount of training, depending on the cohort they belong to; they are also given individual and group practice activities, where they can apply and test the concepts, theories, and processes they’ve learned
Assessment – Learners are required to complete theoretical and practical assessments

All learners will be assessed through a combination of the following assessment methods:

Observation during on-the-job or role play/simulation
Questioning (may include self-assessment, verbal answers, written questionnaires, activity modules or interview
Portfolio (may include documents, products with supporting documentation, historical evidence
Structured Activities (may include Projects, case studies, presentations, role play, demonstration, progressive tasks)

What are the course units?

The AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing and EWP) includes 9 core units and 9 elective units, for a total of 18 units.

Course Units

Climbing Specialist Electives Course Content

AHCARB317 Dismantle trees
AHCARB318 Undertake aerial rescue
AHCARB319 Use arborist climbing techniques
AHCARB322 Access tree for inspection
UETDREL006 Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
AHCARB321 Implement a tree protection program
AHCWRK317 Coordinate work site activities
FWPCOT3301 Trim trees using a pole saw
FWPHAR2208 Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher

EWP Specialist Electives Course Content

AHCARB317 Dismantle trees
TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)*
UETDRMP005 Perform elevated work platform rescue**
UETDRMP004 Perform elevated work platform controlled descent escape**
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation*
AHCWRK317 Coordinate work site activities
UETDREL006 Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
FWPCOT3301 Trim trees using a pole saw
FWPHAR2208 Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher
**Prerequisite units apply - see below.

*HLTAID011, TLILIC0005, UETDRMP005, UETDRMP004 and HLTAID009 units are NOT delivered by the Australian Institute of Arboriculture.

Students must organise the completion of these units via an external provider.

** Prerequisite units

UETDRMP005 Perform elevated work platform rescue
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

and

UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)

UETDREL006 Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
UETDRMP004 Perform elevated work platform controlled descent escape
UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)

What are the entry requirements?

There are no prerequisites required to enter this course. However, it is preferred that students:

*Students who fail to meet the LLND requirements of the course may still be enrolled to the course provided that enrolment has been endorsed by the trainer and corresponding additional support strategies have been put in place.

Are 18 years or older (a requirement for the TLILIC0005 unit)
Are living or working in Queensland or New South Wales
Have successfully completed at least Australian high school year 10 (or equivalent)
Have basic computer skills
Have sound Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Digital Literacy skills* (Note: Applicants are required to complete an LLN and Digital Literacy (LLND) assessment where their language, literacy, and numeracy skills and digital literacy skills will be reviewed with writing tests and face to face interviews.)
Are currently employed and have access to a workplace that contains trees, such as: parks, residential, commercial or industrial properties, road reserves or other installations containing trees
Possess at least a moderate level of fitness (students will have to demonstrate an extended duration of physical exertion)

The following unit has the following corresponding prerequisites:

What are the resources needed to complete the course?

To support you in your new course, Australian Institute of Australian will provide:

Learner Guides (Unit resources and digital access to the Minimum Industry Standards published Arboriculture Australia)
Access to the Australian Institute of Arboriculture’s Learning Management System
Class Activity Books
Helpful Resources (Templates, Extra Handouts and Weblinks)
Access to relevant Acts, regulations and standards
An appropriate training facility
Climbing equipment such as variety of climbing ropes, spare harnesses, rigging ropes and rigging equipment relevant to training units
A range of handsaws, polesaws and chainsaws
Spare PPE items – helmets, ear-muffs, chainsaw chaps, gloves, safety glasses
Support tools for specific tasks and activities

To complete your course you will need to have access to:

Laptop/Desktop Computer or tablet**
Stable internet connection
Suitable climbing kit: Climbing harness to Australian Standards, min. 30 metre climbing rope, climbing spurs, variety of cordage/prussiks, 3-4 triple-action >23kN karabiners, figure-8 belay device, climbing spurs, handsaw, foot ascender, knee ascender, 2-3 tape slings.
2x felling wedges
First Aid training provider
EWP training provider (for EWP specialisation only)
Relevant PPE for training being delivered (climbing helmet, safety glasses, long sleeve hi-visibility shirt, chainsaw pants/chaps, steel toed work boots, high velocity whistle).

**Information Technology Requirements

Learners require access to a unique email address, computer, internet and possess basic computing skills.

Minimum computer specifications are:

ALL USERS

Broadband internet connection (required for video and file uploads)
2GB of RAM
Internet browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari)
Adobe Reader XI or equivalent (free download)
Adobe Flash player 10 or higher
Access to printer and relevant software
Access to a scanner (or the Genius Scan app) and relevant software
Phone or camera suitable for recording video/photos
Microsoft Office 365 or later version

WINDOWS USERS

MAC OS USERS

Can I use a tablet/smartphone?

Yes, but smaller devices will not be adequate to view learning materials and complete assessments. We recommend a PC/MAC laptop for an optimum learning experience.

Are there Licensing, Legislative, Regulatory or Certification Considerations?

Occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this qualification in some jurisdictions. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.

Is Vocational Placement required?

Learners who have access to a work environment (i.e. industry employees) are required to render a minimum of 8 hours of work placement every week. This will complement the 8 hours of face-to-face training to be delivered fortnightly, which the learner will also be required to attend. Work placement will be required for all units in this qualification, including all electives.

Students who have no access to a work environment are not required to render work placement, but may be required instead to attend additional face-to-face training.

Is Recognition of Prior Learning available?

The Australian Institute of Arboriculture has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy to ensure that an individual’s prior learning, achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. This recognition may assist students to progress faster through a unit of competency, or allow the student full credit.

Candidates will use the AHC30820 RPL kit provided by the Australian Institute of Arboriculture to gather and submit their evidence and assess competence.

What are the course fees?

The AHC3024 Certificate III of Arboriculture is delivered under the following pathways;

Fee‑for‑Service:

Certificate III of Arboriculture AHC30824 Climbing Arborist Stream $12,500.00
Certificate III of Arboriculture AHC30824 EWP Arborist Stream $11,000.00

Admin Fee: A $1,500 non refundable admin fee applies to all funded pathways

Payment Plans: Monthly Payment plans available for Fee-for-Service pathways, please contact us for more information.

Under 25: May be fully funded subject to Career Start eligibility and program settings.

Over 25: May receive partial funding depending on circumstances.

Co-contribution Fees: Required under Career Start and disclosed prior to enrolment.

AHC30824 Climbing Arborist Stream

Co-contribution Fee $1,696.00
Co-contribution Concessional Fee $689.92

AHC30824 EWP Arborist Stream

Co-contribution $1,075.20
Co-contribution Concessional Fee $430.08

Training Pathways

General Training Pathway: Direct enrolment without a training contract.

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway: Requires employment and a signed training contract

Eligibility for Subsidised Training

General Pathway eligibility includes:

Aged 15+
QLD resident
Australian/NZ citizen or eligible visa holder
no Certificate III or higher in last 10 years
and not enrolled in another qualification

Apprenticeship/Traineeship eligibility includes:

A registered training contract and
not having completed two apprenticeships/traineeships in the
last 10 years.

If the course is intended to be delivered as an apprenticeship pathway, your next step is to connect with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) to begin the process of registering your apprenticeship

What is an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider? | Australian Apprenticeships

What are the Qualification Pathways?

The AHC30820 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing and EWP specialisations) enables learners to pursue a wide range of job roles and careers in the agriculture, horticulture and conservation, and land management industries. As such, learners may also consider additional training to complement their skills, such as:

AHC50520 Diploma of Arboriculture^*
AHC60520 Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture^*
AHC60216 Advanced Diploma of Horticulture^*
AHC80120 Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture^*

*These units are not currently being offered by Australian Institute of Arboriculture.

For a list of related courses, click this link: https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/AHC30824

Last updated: 28/05/2026