Arboriculture Certificate
They say money doesn’t grow on trees. They haven’t met an arborist.
116-Hour Hybrid Certificate | Hands-On Training
The view from fifty feet up in an oak tree beats a cubicle wall every single time. The CFCC Arboriculture Certificate is a 116-hour hybrid program designed to get you out of the classroom and onto the job site fast. By combining self-paced online lessons with intensive, hands-on field training in tree climbing, equipment safety, and plant healthcare, you will walk away with the credentials local tree care companies, utilities, and municipal parks departments need right now.
What You Will Learn & Experience
- Master Professional Tree Climbing: Learn the ropes—literally. Practice safe climbing techniques, knot-tying, harness rigging, and aerial work under the direct supervision of veteran arborists.
- Diagnose Trees Like a Doctor: Stop guessing why a canopy is dying. Learn to identify local tree species, analyze soil chemistry, and diagnose pests and plant diseases before they cause permanent damage.
- Operate Industrial Equipment Safely: Get comfortable with the heavy tools of the trade. Master safety protocols and equipment maintenance so you step onto your first job site operating like a seasoned pro, not a novice.
- The Charlotte Research Field Trip: Take an exclusive field trip to the world-renowned Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories in Charlotte. See cutting-edge plant health science in action and network directly with industry leaders who are actively hiring.
- Earn a High-Value Credential: Walk away with an official CFCC Arboriculture Certificate that proves to commercial tree companies, utility providers, and municipal parks departments that you are ready to work on day one.
Who Should Enroll & Where You Can Work
Who This Is For
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want to turn a passion for nature into a high-demand, active career.
- Landscaping and groundskeeping crew members ready to upgrade their skill set and command higher hourly pay.
- Municipal parks employees and utility vegetation workers looking for specialized, industry-recognized training.
Career Opportunities Waiting for You
- Professional Arborist / Tree Care Specialist
- Tree Climbing & Rigging Technician
- Utility Vegetation Management Specialist
- Urban Forestry & Parks Technician
- Commercial Landscape Maintenance Lead
Industry Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 116-hour hybrid schedule work?
You get the best of both worlds. The theoretical coursework—like tree biology, plant identification, and safety rules—is completed online at your own pace. You then join us in person for dedicated field days to practice tree climbing, soil work, and equipment operation.
Do I need prior climbing or landscaping experience?
No prior experience is required. We start at ground zero. You will learn equipment inspection, knots, and basic climbing mechanics in a controlled, safety-first environment before moving on to advanced field work.
What makes the Charlotte field trip so valuable?
You receive direct access to the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories—one of the premier tree research facilities in the world. It offers a rare opportunity to see advanced diagnostic tools firsthand and connect with regional employers who recruit heavily from arboriculture programs.
Will this program actually help me land a job?
Yes. This program was developed in direct collaboration with local industry partners who are facing a major shortage of trained tree care professionals. Completing this certificate signals to employers that you have formal safety training, hands-on experience, and a real commitment to the trade.
