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Diploma of Arboriculture

This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.

AHC50524

You have the expertise to manage urban forests and assess complex tree health. Your years of experience as a consulting arborist are the foundation for formal recognition at the diploma level. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations for this qualification and invite you to register your interest to be notified when the pathway opens.

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About This Qualification

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for consulting arborists and tree managers. Graduates with this qualification assess trees and produce reports and documentation attesting to the health and risks related to trees. They diagnose tree disorders and defects, document and communicate recommendations for tree establishment, canopy management, tree remediation, environmental and habitat development and tree removals, within a legislative and regulatory framework. Legislation, regulations and by-laws relating to the establishment, treatment and removal of trees apply in some States and Territories.

Qualification Code

AHC50524

Training Package

AHC — Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package

AQF Level

Diploma

Total Units

10 (8 core + 2 elective)

Entry Requirements

To commence this qualification an individual must have achieved the following units of competency or their equivalent: AHCARB314 Implement a tree maintenance programAHCARB316 Perform pruning operationsAHCARB323 Identify trees.

RPL It Status: Not yet available — Registering interest

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Consulting ArboristProviding expert advice and written reports on tree health and risk for private and government land development.
Tree ManagerOverseeing large-scale tree populations and implementing preservation strategies within urban or natural environments.
Municipal ArboristManaging public tree assets and assessing safety risks within local government jurisdictions.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

While the Diploma of Arboriculture is the industry standard for consulting, licensing and registration requirements for tree management vary between Australian states and territories.

NSWLocal Councils and SafeWork NSW
VICLocal Government and Energy Safe Victoria
QLDDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries
WADepartment of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
SAConsumer and Business Services (CBS)
TASWorkSafe Tasmania
ACTAccess Canberra
NTNT WorkSafe

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

🌳

Work History & Roles

  • Comprehensive CV detailing your years as a consulting or senior arborist
  • Detailed position descriptions highlighting tree management responsibilities
  • Employment contracts or letters of reference from industry employers
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Reporting & Assessment

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) reports for development sites
  • Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) records and tree defect evaluations
  • Tree Protection Plans (TPP) and canopy management recommendations
⚖️

Compliance & Legislation

  • Evidence of interpreting local council Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
  • Compliance audits against Australian Standards for tree protection
  • Documentation of environmental and habitat development strategies
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Diagnosis & Technical Specs

  • Diagnostic reports identifying tree diseases, pests, and disorders
  • Specifications for complex tree works, remediation, or removals
  • Records of using advanced tree diagnostic inspection tools
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Certifications & Training

  • Evidence of achieving entry-level units (AHCARB314, AHCARB316, AHCARB323)
  • Industry-specific safety inductions and white card certification
  • Records of professional development in arboricultural science

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations for the AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to be notified as soon as the assessment pathway is available.
Why should I register my interest?
Registering ensures your experience is on our radar. We will provide you with updates on the qualification's availability and can begin a preliminary review of your skills so you are ready to proceed once an RTO partner is secured.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes. A qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and carries the same national weight as one earned through classroom study. It acknowledges that your expertise meets the same Australian Qualification Framework standards.
What are the entry requirements for this Diploma?
To be eligible for this qualification, you must have already achieved specific units in tree maintenance, pruning operations, and tree identification. We can guide you on how your existing trade experience might meet these prerequisites.
How does this qualification affect my ability to submit council reports?
Most Australian local councils require an AQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma) for an arborist to be recognised as a 'Consulting Arborist' capable of submitting development impact and hazard reports.
What kind of evidence will I need to provide?
You will need to provide examples of your professional work, such as arborist reports, tree defect evaluations, and specifications for tree establishment or removal. Your consultant will help you identify which of your existing documents best demonstrate your competency.

Register Your Interest

We're establishing partnerships to offer AHC50524 through RPL. Tell us about your background — we'll let you know when it's available and whether RPL is likely to suit your experience.

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Preliminary Review

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