Aerial Tree Rigging NPTC Level 3 Award
The Chainsaws and Related Operations courses will give you the chance to study a range of practical skills and assessments covering all aspects of chainsaw work. Earning an NPTC qualification will demonstrate that you have gained the necessary practical skills, technical knowledge an ability, which has been independently and reliably assessed.
This five-day chainsaw course will take place on site at Shuttleworth College, and will cover the use of a chainsaw and lowering equipment, working from a rope and harness in conjunction with a ground person in medium-sized, open grown trees; also included in this is the use of climbing irons. If you just need a refresher please contact our sales team, who can advise you further.

Entry requirements
This course is suitable if you have completed the following courses: Maintain and Operate the
Chainsaw CS30, Fell & Process Small Trees CS31, Climb Trees and perform
Aerial Rescue CS38 and Operate a Chainsaw from
a Rope and Harness CS39.
Course content
After this course, you will be able to:
- Identify, inspect and comment upon key parts of the equipment to be used
- Prepare the equipment for use ensuring the safety of themselves, other people and the environment
- Comment upon the structure, condition and properties of the tree(s) to be worked upon
- Use a chainsaw and other pruning tools whilst maintaining a working position within the crown of a tree using a rope and harness in conjunction with ground staff
- Identify, inspect and comment upon key parts of the equipment to be used
- Prepare the equipment for use ensuring the safety of themselves, other people and the environment
- Comment upon the structure, condition and properties of the tree(s) to be worked upon
- Use a chainsaw and other pruning tools whilst maintaining a working position within the crown of the tree using a rope and harness in conjunction with ground staff.
- Understand how to carry out aerial tree rigging
- Be able to carry out aerial tree rigging
You can also study the NPTC Certificate of Competence as an additional course.
Assessment methods
The assessment for NPTC course normally takes place 10 to 14 days after the initial training and is a full day – the price is included in the course price.
Further study and career options
This qualification will be beneficial if you are working in the horticulture and arboriculture industries, or if you are self-employed in a variety of roles, such as a tree surgeon.
Additional information
To take part in this course you must bring PPE (personal protective equipment) and other tools and equipment as listed on the joining instructions. You can also view the PPE and tools list here. These will be emailed to you a few weeks before the course is due to start – please contact us to confirm you have the required items.