Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820) Training | Course

Become a qualified Arborist at Interlink

Complete your Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820) with Interlink to become a qualified Arborist.

Arborists assess, maintain and care for trees. They examine trees to determine their condition and plan and carry out treatment. This might involve lopping limbs, shaping branches, removing diseased or dead trees and using fertilisers.

They propagate and plant trees using their knowledge of tree species and the local environment, to identify what trees will thrive in the surroundings.

The Certificate III in Arboriculture covers both ground-based arboriculture and that carried out at heights. It includes workplace health and safety protocols, equipment use and maintenance across three specialist elective streams.

**What will I study in the Certificate III in Arboriculture?**

To meet the requirements for the Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820) you need to satisfactorily complete 18 units.

You must demonstrate your competency in 9 core units plus 9 specialisation units within at least one of the five specialisation streams:

Climbing Arborist
Crane Specialist
Elevated work platform (EWP) Arborist
Environmental arborist
Works Coordinator.

Click on the links below to read the unit descriptions for the core and three (3) specialisation streams that Interlink currently offer to our clients across Australia.

Core Units

Perform ground based rigging (AHCARB213)

Develop the skills to be able to recognise a variety of species of trees by identifying characteristics, and the knowledge to understand their environmental and social benefits.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Implement a tree maintenance program (AHCARB314)

Develop the skills and knowledge to apply a range of tree-care techniques, such as trimming and preventative treaments for diseases and insects, in a structured maintenance schedule.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Inspect trees for access and work (AHCARB315)

Develop the skills and knowledge to inspect a tree from ground height and to select and assess appropriate access and tree work methods while considering safety requirements and local regulations.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Perform pruning operations (AHCARB316)

Develop the skills and knowledge required to perform remedial work on trees either at ground or at height. Determine appropriate tools for work required and complete maintenance work.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Identify trees (AHCARB323)

Learn the skills to identify the natural value of trees to local ecosystems, to advise which trees are suitable for removal, and to recommend which species are best to plant for future developments.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Maintain chainsaws (FWPCOT2237)

Develop the skills to maintain engine or electrically operated hand-held chainsaws. Learn to sharpen chains and to complete both routine as well as periodic services in line with manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Trim and cut felled trees (FWPCOT2239)

Learn how to visually assess felled trees and plan your cuts. Understand the importance of maintaining your equipment and the measures you should take to protect the environment when disposing of tree waste.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Fall trees manually (intermediate) (FWPFGM3212)

Develop the knowledge of practical felling procedures to determine the best strategy for complex felling jobs using a chainsaw.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Provide first aid (HLTAID011)

Gain the confidence to apply effective treatment procedures in life threatening situations and learn to communicate the details of an incident and to evaluate your own performance.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Specialisation Streams

Climbing Arborist Specialisation

Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker (UETTDREL14)

Designed to give workers with non-electrical backgrounds the knowledge to stay safe and understand compliance requirements when working near live power sources. Gain an understanding of basic electrical principals, study transmission and distribution, and the fundamentals for working safely near live electrical apparatus.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (AHCCHM307)

Gain the knowledge to determine if chemicals need to be used for pest control across a range of industries and the skills to get the chemicals ready to use and apply them safely.

Learn about the equipment used such as boom sprays, orchard air-blast sprayers, handheld spray equipment, dry chemical applicators, dips and drenching equipment.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Transport and store chemicals (AHCCHM304)

Develop the skills and knowledge to safely handle, transport and store chemicals, how to interpret chemical labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and health and safety procedures to identify chemical storage and transport requirements.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Control weeds (AHCPMG301)

Develop the skills to assess weed infestations and implement weed control measures and learn strategies to provide effective weed control while avoiding damage to other plants and animals.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Dismantle trees (AHCARB317)

Learn the skills to remove a tree using specialised equipment, within close proximity to other structures, under difficult or hazardous circumstances.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Undertake aerial rescue (AHCARB318)

Develop the skills and knowledge to bring an unconscious or injured person safely to the ground from a tree or elevated work platform ensuring the safety of the casulaty and all rescue personnel.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Use arborist climbing techniques (AHCARB319)

Develop the skills to climb trees with ropes, harnesses and specialist equipment and learn the safety requirements, pre-operational checks, and equipment needed to ascend and descend a tree securely.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Operate a pole saw (FWPCOT3238)

Develop the skills required to trim branches and vines that are too high to reach from the ground to encourage tree growth and the knowledge required for the maintenance of a pole saw.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher (FWPHAR2206)

Learn the skills to chip or mulch timber waste using a mobile chipping or mulching unit. Mobile mulchers and chippers allow you to clean up branches and other tree refuse left after felling operations effectively, with limited disturbance to soil and remaining plant life.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Elevated Work Platform – EWP Arborist Specialisation

Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker (UETTDREL14)

Prerequisites:
Nil

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (AHCCHM307)

Gain the knowledge to determine if chemicals need to be used for pest control across a range of industries and the skills to get the chemicals ready to use and apply them safely.

Learn about the equipment used such as boom sprays, orchard air-blast sprayers, handheld spray equipment, dry chemical applicators, dips and drenching equipment.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Transport and store chemicals (AHCCHM304)

Prerequisites:
Nil

Control weeds (AHCPMG301)

Develop the skills to assess weed infestations and implement weed control measures and learn strategies to provide effective weed control while avoiding damage to other plants and animals.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Dismantle trees (AHCARB317)

Learn the skills to remove a tree using specialised equipment, within close proximity to other structures, under difficult or hazardous circumstances.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Perform EWP rescue (UETDRRF002)

Learn the skills and knowledge required to conduct a rescue from a raised elevated work platform (EWP) that ensures the safety of the casualty and all rescue personnel.

Prerequisites:
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009)

Perform EWP controlled descent escape (UETTDRRF08)

Develop the skills to perform a safe escape from an elevated work platform and learn the mandatory requirements for performing a self-rescue including inspecting and maintaining rescue equipment, as well as assessing any risks to yourself or others.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (TLILIC0005)

Develop the skills to operate a boom-type elevating work platform greater than 11 metres, such as a telescoping device, hinged device or articulated device used to support the platform.

Prerequisites:
Nil

CHOICE A: Operate a pole saw (FWPCOT3238)

Develop the skills required to trim branches and vines that are too high to reach from the ground to encourage tree growth and the knowledge required for the maintenance of a pole saw.

Prerequisites:
Nil

CHOICE B: Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher (FWPHAR2206)

Prerequisites:
Nil

Works Coordinator

Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker (UETTDREL14)

Prerequisites:
Nil

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (AHCCHM307)

Gain the knowledge to determine if chemicals need to be used for pest control across a range of industries and the skills to get the chemicals ready to use and apply them safely.

Learn about the equipment used such as boom sprays, orchard air-blast sprayers, handheld spray equipment, dry chemical applicators, dips and drenching equipment.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Transport and store chemicals (AHCCHM304)

Prerequisites:
Nil

Control weeds (AHCPMG301)

Develop the skills to assess weed infestations and implement weed control measures and learn strategies to provide effective weed control while avoiding damage to other plants and animals.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Dismantle trees (AHCARB317)

Learn the skills to remove a tree using specialised equipment, within close proximity to other structures, under difficult or hazardous circumstances.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Supervise and audit tree operations (AHCARB407)

Develop the skills needed to supervise and audit tree operations to ensure work completed complies with specifications and scheduled works.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Perform ground based tree defect evaluation (AHCARB408)

Develop the skills to examine, assess and test trees from the ground for defects, secure the tree site if risk of failure is identified and report to a specialist arborist.

Prerequisites:
Nil

Conduct a safety audit (AHCARB409)

Develop the skills relating to safety audits within arboriculture work teams, methods for detecting faults within height safety equipment and making a determination of any remedial action that is required.

Prerequisites:
Nil

CHOICE A: Operate a pole saw (FWPCOT3238)

Develop the skills required to trim branches and vines that are too high to reach from the ground to encourage tree growth and the knowledge required for the maintenance of a pole saw.

Prerequisites:
Nil

CHOICE B: Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher (FWPHAR2206)

Prerequisites:
Nil

**What do I get for completing the Certificate III in Arboriculture?**

Completing Interlink’s course meets the national requirements for the Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820).

You will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment when you successfully complete this course as well as an official qualification.

Certificate III in Arboriculture

What can I expect in the Certificate III in Arboriculture?

Interlink’s Certificate III in Arboriculture course is held in our fully equipped training rooms and in outdoor environments to give you a balance between the theory and the practice needed to be an arborist. Some training and assessments can be completed on the job.

The course contains a combination of written and practical assessments conducted within realistic, workplace settings and held over the duration of the course.

All Interlink trainers have industry experience as well relevant qualifications.

Safety is a priority at Interlink so we ask all students to provide the following personal protective equipment:

Long sleeve hi-vis shirt and pants
Steel capped boots
Helmet
Gloves
Safety glasses

If you have any questions about the protective equipment requirements please call Interlink on 1300 731 669.

Course Details

Upcoming CoursesCourse DurationCourse DurationEntry Requirements and Study PathwaysCourse FeesDelivery ModesCareer OptionsEnquire

Upcoming Courses

Name	Intake Start Date	Intake End Date
NSW Certificate III in Arboriculture 2025 Commencements	01/01/2025	31/12/2025	Enrol
QLD Certificate III in Arboriculture 2025 Commencements	01/01/2025	31/12/2025	Enrol
TAS Certificate III in Arboriculture 2025 Commencements	01/01/2025	31/12/2025	Enrol
VIC Certificate III in Arboriculture 2025 Commencements	01/01/2025	31/12/2025	Enrol
WA Certificate III in Arboriculture 2025 Commencements	01/01/2025	31/12/2025	Enrol

Course Options

This course is available through all Interlink training centres.

Call Interlink on 1300 731 669 to discuss your training options and any special access needs you might have in relation to our training facilities.

Course Duration

The Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820) is usually completed within 24-36 months depending on experience and your chosen specialisations.

Entry Requirements and Study Pathways

There are no prerequisites for the Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820). It is available through direct entry.

Once you’ve completed your Certificate III you can go on to study the Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC50520).

The Certificate III is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship.

To successfully complete this course participants will need intermediate literacy and numeracy skills.

Call Interlink on 1300 731 669 to discuss your training options.

Course Fees

Contact Interlink on 1300 731 669 for more information

Please note: Interlink Training is not VET FEE-HELP approved. Government training subsidies are not available for this course.

Delivery Modes

Face-to-face sessions within small groups.

Career Options

Complete your Certificate III in Arboriculture to become a qualified Arborist.

Possible job outcomes (depending on you chosen elective stream) include work as:

Climbing Arborists
EWP Arborists
Ground-based Arborists

Arborists are in high demand by councils, developers and home owners.

As communities spread further into previously rural areas, living safely amongst trees and maintaining the balance between development and natural habitats requires skilled arborists.

Disclaimer
Attendance at this course does not automatically guarantee attainment of competency, nor does satisfactory completion of assessment and attainment of competency guarantee employment.

Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820)

Training | Course | Certificate

Become a qualified Arborist at Interlink

**What will I study in the Certificate III in Arboriculture?**

Core Units

Specialisation Streams

**What do I get for completing the Certificate III in Arboriculture?**

What can I expect in the Certificate III in Arboriculture?

Course Details

Upcoming Courses

Course Options

Course Duration

Entry Requirements and Study Pathways

Course Fees

Delivery Modes

Career Options

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