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Arboriculture Technician Certificate

Arboriculture Technician

What You'll Learn in the Arboriculture Technician Certificate.

Learn the guiding principles of tree management in sustainable urban ecosystems, this four month long program will equip you with current industry safety standards and practices while you hone your skills in the trees.

Led by industry trained instructors, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the life of trees by conducting ground and aerial operations, pruning and performing tree risk assessments. As the only program of its kind in Alberta, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience practicing your skills in our 12,000 square foot on campus Landscape Pavilion, along with Olds College of Agriculture & Technology's urban forest.

Jump to Program Details

Applications open on the first Wednesday of February

Our easy online application process guides you through each step, making it simple to apply and get started. Start preparing now, and be ready to apply!

Get started — learn how to apply today!

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Arboriculture Technician.

Career Outcomes

Olds College of Agriculture & Technologyhas a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Arboriculture company owner/operator
  • Landscape Maintenance
  • Municipal Parks Service
  • Urban Forester

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

“I feel very ready and confident going into the industry. The program was great, the instructors were friendly and we had many fun times.”

Ian Zylicz

Program Details

    • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
    • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
    • 50% or better in two of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Science 20, OR One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30
    • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement 

    Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

    Alternate Admission Option: Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:

    1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
    2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
      • Introduce yourself
      • Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
      • Elaborate on your career goals
      • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
    3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
    4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
    5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

    *Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*

    Transfer Options: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

    Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

    International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

  • Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

    Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
    Year 1 $3,000.00 $1,200.00 $1,250.00 $5,450.00
    • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
    • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
    • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
    • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

    Tuition, Fees & Payments


    Housing & Meal Plans

    Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

    For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

    Scholarships & Student Awards

    Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

    For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards 

    Student Funding

    For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

    Entrance Awards Available!

    Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

    Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
    Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

  • For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

    Academic Calendar: Arboriculture Technician

    Term 1
    • Completed the following:
      • ARB1000 - Exploring the Life of Trees (0-3-0 hrs)
      • ARB1100 - Conducting Ground Operations (0-3-0 hrs)
      • ARB1200 - Pruning Trees for Structure and Health (0-3-0 hrs)
      • ARB1300 - Performing Tree Risk Assessment (0-3-0 hrs)
      • ARB2100 - Conducting Aerial Operations (0-3-0 hrs)
  • Program Dates

    Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

    Class Registration

    You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

    Technology Recommendation

    It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

    • A laptop is preferred.

    As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

    • Go to portal.office.com
    • Enter your Olds College email address and password
    • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”
    This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

    Materials & Supplies

    The following items are required to be purchased before the program starts:

    • Pair of CSA approved safety-toed boots
    • Adequate clothing for outdoor activities
    • Pair of good quality safety glasses

    Information on required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.

    Other Important Information

    • Safety Regulations: Wearing safety equipment and abiding by industry safety standards is mandatory within our program.
    • Time Requirements: Students are typically in class or on field trips for up to 3-8 hours a day, on each weekday, with normal class hours ranging from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Occasionally, overnight and weekend trips will occur. Ample forewarning of overnight stays and field trips, their times and dates will be provided along with the necessary requirements for attending them. You will also be expected to complete numerous assignments outside of regularly scheduled classes that will vary in terms of their demands upon your time. This amount of time will vary with each course that you take, but a reasonable estimate would be 50 hours per week of effort inclusive of class time.

    • Additional Skills: Basic computer skills are recommended for all and it is certainly beneficial to have some prior experience with computers before you arrive at the College. A familiarity and comfort in the use of Google products, word processing, spreadsheet and e-mailing software will be a definite asset. Students have the ability to take notes directly into their devices as the class proceeds. You will be schooled in other systems once you arrive and as need dictates. For example, the learning management system ‘Moodle’ is commonly used in the School of Life Science & Business and you will be introduced to its use and application in your very first classes.

    • Student Clubs: The Horticulture and Turf Clubs are examples of groups that offer an additional dimension to your Olds College experience. There are also a number of college sports teams, some of which participate at the inter-collegiate level while others are purely recreational.

    • Lockers: Lockers are available in the Land Sciences Building. All you need to do during your first few days at Olds is to select one without a lock and it’s yours for the duration. It is strongly recommend that you select a locker in the first week of classes because of high demand. You are required to provide your own lock and to register your locker

The Olds College Experience

Centennial Village at Olds College

Live on Campus!

Living on campus at Olds College offers the ultimate convenience, just a five-minute walk from all buildings. Enjoy a vibrant community, academic support, and exciting activities, all within reach. With cost-effective living, including furnished rooms and inclusive utilities, your campus life is hassle-free. 

Learn About Campus Housing

Centennial Village at Olds College

Learn from Industry-Leading Instructors

At Olds College, our faculty bring real-world experience and advanced expertise in fields like veterinary sciences, equine reproduction, horticulture, agricultural technology, and more. They’re passionate educators committed to delivering applied, hands-on learning that prepares students for careers in today’s evolving agri-food industry.

From award-winning instructors to recognized leaders in their fields, our faculty are at the heart of what makes an Olds College education exceptional.

Meet Our Faculty

Centennial Village at Olds College

Athletics, Fitness & Recreation Opportunities

Our facilities provide practical options for staying active and healthy, featuring three gymnasiums, a racquetball/squash court, a 200-metre running track, and a range of workout equipment. Engage in intramural leagues or explore outdoor adventures with gear rentals through the Outdoor Centre. Whether you're pursuing athletic training, fitness classes, or competitive play, we have something for everyone. Embrace an active, healthy lifestyle with us at Olds College. 

Broncos Athletics CLC Fitness Centre

Take the Next Step

Begin your career in agriculture, brewing, livestock, equestrian, horticulture, and related fields with one simple click.

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Program at a Glance

Length: Four Months

Delivery Method: On-Campus

Program Intake: Winter Intake (Jan. start)

Applications Open: February

Program Status: Open

CIP Code: 01.0601

We're here for you!

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Student Success team is ready to help you navigate your academic journey and provide the support you need.

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