Some Answers to FAQ’s
What is Competency Testing?
Many professional arborists and organizations are beginning to request competency testing for their staff. Competency Testing and Certification is distinct from other certifications available in the industry because it tests and documents the hand’s on competency of the candidate and provides documentation and validation that the candidate not only ‘knows’ the subject area, but is competent and qualified to perform the work in the applicable discipline.
What will I receive once I am a Certified Technician in any given domain?
- A Certificate of Competency in the specific domain area successfully passed - suitable for framing
- Laminated Certification wallet cards, documenting your certification status in each domain area
- Certification stickers
What is the format of the tests?
Each test is conducted in the field, where skills are demonstrated through a combination of hand’s on demonstration, as well as verbal replies to questions. Supervisors and company owners can request to view a testing format for a particular discipline to gain a better understanding of our testing process.
When and Where can I or my employee’s be tested?
- Individuals can register for an evaluation time on one of the scheduled testing days in various cities across Canada. Click here to see testing dates, locations and to register. We require registration for enrollment in these tests 30 days or more in advance in order to accept your application.
- If no scheduled dates are available, individuals may be able to arrange a private testing date by calling Nancy at 1-877-268-8733.
- Companies or organizations with groups of staff that need to be tested can arrange for an evaluator to come to your location, on your schedule to test your staff. Please call our office to request a customized costing proposal. 1-877-268-8733.
What areas of skill or domains can I be tested in?
- Chainsaw Operator Technician (Chainsaw Safety & Cutting Techniques)
- Tree Faller Technician (Technical Tree Falling & Cutting)
- Risk Assessor Technician (Tree Dynamics & Integrated Risk Assessment)
- Tree Climber Rescue Technician (Emergency Readiness & High Angle Rescue)
- Tree Climber Technician (Tree Climbing, Fall Protection & Work Positioning)
- Hazard & Danger Tree Faller (Hazard & Danger Tree Falling & Cutting)
- Rigging Technician (Spar Pole Rigging)
If you are interested in arranging a private testing date for your staff, the above domains, in addition to a larger selection are available.
What is the cost for competency testing?
$250/person for one skills domain.
Is there any pre-requisite training or experience needed before applying for these evaluations?
No. Anyone can apply. However, we strongly recommend that candidates either have considerable experience in the practical application of the skill area they are applying for, including the most modern practices and techniques applicable. Recent students from the Arboriculture Canada, North American Training Solutions, as well as other reputable and qualified training companies or associations will be better prepared to successfully pass these evaluations.
How is successful competency graded and awarded?
The evaluation method used measures both the ability and the knowledge of a candidate to perform tasks and answer correctly. Successful completion needs to be a combination of a score over 85%, combined with the evaluators’ confidence of the candidate’s ability. The success of both knowledge and ability certifies that a competent worker will plan and work appropriately in the field.
Certification Expiration
Certification in any discipline expires after 3 years and requires re-testing to extend the certification.
Facts about the Certified Technician program:
- As of January, 2009 there are over 400 Certified Technicians across Canada in various skill disciplines.
- Although training is recommended, prior training by Arboriculture Canada is not required before requesting an evaluation.
- The assessment provides a process for verifying skills and competencies that is independent of a specific training program.
- An individual can be a Certified Technician in one skill discipline or several.
- Certificates are issued for each successful discipline achieved.
- A Certification wallet card displays all current certifications.
- Certification in any discipline expires after 3 years and requires re-testing to extend the certification.
- The testing is a combination of hand’s on demonstration, as well as verbal replies to questions.
- The criteria for knowledge and skill base which makes up the components of each test is reviewed annually by a group of professional arborists and trainers across North America which span across a large number of segments of the arborist industry.
- The content of each evaluation is influenced by the vast experience our trainers and professional associate experts encounter as they work with and train the varied segments of the arborist industry.
- The evaluation is administered by trained evaluators, who have been certified in the specific skills discipline and is performed in a standardized manner in a safe and secure environment.
Click here to see testing dates, locations and to register
