A course to prepare students for the theory part of the examinations for the ABC Certificate in Arboriculture, formerly the RFS Certificate.

It is designed for those people working in arboriculture in both the public and private sectors, to complement their training and experience and to provide evidence of their knowledge of arboriculture.

The Course
The course runs for 30 weeks from September to May as an evening class, each of 3 hours duration. Time will be allowed for tutorial assistance, guided library study and exam technique.

This course will require a considerable amount of additional reading to supplement the lesson theory. There will be 4 additional field days arranged at the beginning of the course to the convenience of all students. These will be held on either a Saturday or Sunday and may be combined with RFS group field trips.

Course Content
The course is divided into fourteen units as follows:

The content of each unit and a comprehensive reading list can be found on the RFS website:
rfs.org.uk

Entry Requirements
Potential students will attend an interview prior to acceptance on the course. There are no formal entry requirements. However some prior arboricultural or horticultural/botanical knowledge will be of great benefit to students and some previous knowledge will be assumed. Preparation for the ABC Certificate in Arboriculture may be done in conjunction with City & Guilds Arboriculture or the National Certificate in Arboriculture, both of which complement this course. (This will be very useful for those not working in the industry).

Qualification
The qualification is a level 2 award. The course prepares you for the theory examination papers leading to the ABC Certificate in Arboriculture. It is a vocational course and students should be prepared to enter the final examinations which consist of two, 2½ hour, written papers, both held on the same day, normally in June of each year.

The Certificate will be graded as Pass, Credit or Distinction according to the marks awarded. It is also good preparation for the ISA Certified Arborist Award.

Progression
The successful completion of this award provides access to further education, enhanced
employability and for employed candidates, the opportunity to update their skills.
Progression to level 3 award such as the Technicians Certificate and the National Certificate/Diploma re possible for students wishing to progress their knowledge.

Practical Session
(not covered as part of course)
To gain the full award, candidates must undertake a series of practical competence based tests accredited by the National Proficiency Tests Council: A Pass must be achieved in all four of the compulsory tests and any three of the optional tests. The College offers short course training and assessments on the topics listed below:

a) Compulsory tests (all required)

b) Optional tests (3 tests, including one from AO and one from CS series)

Practical assessments are costed separately – details from Student Administration, and accreditation of prior learning may be acceptable for candidates who already hold these certificates.

Venue
This course takes place at Capel Manor’s main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield.

Working in the Arboricultural Industry
Tree companies are often small private firms, although there are some larger ones operating
regionally or nationally or on contract to local authorities. There is a high demand for skilled, knowledgeable and well trained staff in this industry. Each year companies regularly mail the College with their employment vacancies.

Some local authorities have Direct Labour Organisations covering tree maintenance and will have arboriculturally qualified personnel in management or supervisory positions in Parks, Leisure and Planning departments. Many country parks require personnel with practical tree knowledge and the ability to relate to the public and fulfil a variety of roles.

The industry nationwide employs approximately 10,000 people and there are opportunities to work in Europe, the USA, Australasia and Japan.

Fees
Practical assessments are costed separately – details from Student Administration, and accreditation of prior learning may be acceptable for candidates who already hold these certificates.

Study	Day	Start Date	16-18 Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	16-18 Exam Fee	19+ Exam Fee	Length
Evening	Mon	Sept		£94		£80	1 year

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

For further information and how to apply please contact the Student Administration Office at:

Capel Manor College. Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ
Tel: 0208 366 4442

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