VETcert
Veteran Tree Specialist
The Tree Institute is an official partner and certification centre of the VETcert programme and is responsible for implementing the programme and organising examinations in Poland. The certification operator in Europe is the EAC European Arboricultural Council, while substantive supervision and decision-making are the responsibility of the Steering Committee formed by the partners of the VET TREE project.
Certification
Registration for VETcert certification in 2026 is now open.
Registration deadline: February 28, 2026
Certification exams:
- June 10, 2026 – consulting and practicing level
Price: €860
What is the examination like?
Practising level
- Written part: open and closed questions (2 hours)
- Practical part: tree assessment and discussion, oral examination (2 hours)
Consulting level
- Written part: open and closed questions (2 hours)
- Practical part: tree assessment and discussion, oral examination (2 hours)
- Report: detailed report on trees assessed in the field (2 hours)
Examination procedure
The Practising examination consists of a 2-hour written examination (closed questions with multiple-choice answers and open questions requiring a short written answer) and a 2-hour field examination, including oral questions on both general topics and specific trees with specific specifications. Candidates are not required to climb, use a lift or make cuts during the examination, but are expected to provide a detailed description of how and why they planned and carried out the work. The total duration of the examination, including breaks, is approximately 5 hours.
The Consulting examination also consists of a 2-hour written examination (as in Practising) and a 2-hour field examination consisting of oral questions. The oral questions cover some general topics and then focus on specific, individual trees, which the candidate is required to examine and consider appropriate management recommendations. The Consultant examination also includes a third session, during which candidates are required to prepare a report on the management of the trees they have examined in the field. Candidates are given a report template that specifies the subject areas and the required level of detail, and must prepare it on the day of the examination within 2 hours. They receive detailed guidelines before the examination. The total duration of the Consulting examination, including breaks, is approximately 7 hours.
Downloads:
Recruitment for VETcert certification has begun
Passing the examination
To pass the examination, candidates must obtain at least 75% of the total marks. An additional requirement is that, in addition to obtaining 75% of the total marks, candidates must also obtain at least 50% in each part of the examination.
If this result is not achieved, the candidate will be able to retake the examination, but must retake each part in which they scored below 75%. The time limit for retaking selected parts is a maximum of 2 years from the original examination.
The qualification is valid for three calendar years from the year following the date of the examination. In order to renew the certification for another three years, evidence of continuous professional development and continued professional experience in working with veteran trees must be provided.
Recertification
In accordance with the VETcert regulations:
Certificates for ‘Veteran Tree Specialist – Practising Level’ and ‘Veteran Tree Specialist – Consulting Level’ are valid for a period of 3 years from the year of issue.
In order to obtain a renewed certificate, the holder must be able to demonstrate that they have maintained their knowledge and skills at the required level, including being familiar with developments in the scientific, technical and practical aspects of veteran tree management.
Certificate holders must apply for renewal of their VETcert certificate through their VCC before the expiry date of the certificate and before the end of the calendar year.
To maintain their VETcert certificate beyond the initial three-year period, holders must:
- Complete the VETcert re-registration application form, providing evidence of professional experience, vocational training and involvement in the veteran tree management sector at the appropriate level.
- Pay the relevant administrative and registration fee to the VCC.
The VCC will verify that the evidence provided meets the requirements for renewal and forward the details of the certificate holders to the EAC.
The EAC will prepare a paper certificate and plastic ID card and send them to the VCC within 14 days, together with an invoice for recertification.
Within 14 days of receiving payment from the VCC, the EAC will place the names of those who have successfully registered on the list of certified veteran tree specialists, which is published on the VETcert website.
