RPL Interest Registration
Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture
This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.
AHC80120
You have reached a level of professional mastery in arboriculture that defines the standard for the industry. This qualification acknowledges your capacity for high-level technical research, tree biomechanics, and strategic urban forest management. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to offer formal recognition for your expertise; register your interest to be notified when this pathway opens.
About This Qualification
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for specialist consulting arborist, senior consulting arborist, senior tree manager, senior technical arborist and research arborist. Graduates with this qualification apply a highly technical body of knowledge and skills to undertake professional skilled work, including the use of technical investigative equipment and techniques to design, implement and evaluate scientific experiments for sectors for the arboriculture industry. Graduates may specialise in arboriculture disciplines of urban forestry, biological organisms and tree health, tree biomechanics, and interactions of trees in their environment. Legislation, regulations and by-laws relating to the establishment, treatment and removal of trees apply in all States and Territories.
Qualification Code
AHC80120
Training Package
AHC — Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package
AQF Level
Graduate Diploma
Total Units
5 (0 core + 5 elective)
Entry Requirements
Prior to commencing the qualification, an individual must have: an advanced diploma of arboriculture or an advanced diploma or higher qualification in a field related to arboriculture plus 3 years current work experience as a consulting arborist or a municipal tree manager.
National Register
View on training.gov.au →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:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Senior Consulting Arborist | Providing high-level technical advice and expert witness testimony on complex tree health and biomechanical issues. |
| Urban Forest Manager | Designing and implementing long-term strategic management frameworks for large-scale municipal or private tree populations. |
| Arboriculture Researcher | Leading scientific investigations into tree species performance, pest interactions, and climate resilience within urban environments. |
| Senior Tree Technical Officer | Overseeing complex diagnostic testing and edaphic analysis to manage tree-structure interactions in high-risk environments. |
Licensing
STATE SPECIFIC⚠️ Important
While the Graduate Diploma represents the highest level of technical recognition in arboriculture, licensing and permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Holding this qualification is a significant step toward senior consulting roles, though additional state-based registrations may apply for specific government or safety-critical work.
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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 outlining your tenure as a senior consulting arborist or municipal tree manager
- ✓Position descriptions highlighting your role in strategic policy or research
- ✓Evidence of your advanced diploma or higher qualification in a related field
Research & Technical Investigations
- ✓Reports on scientific experiments conducted for tree health or biomechanics
- ✓Documentation of entomology research projects or mycology assays
- ✓Published research papers or internal technical investigative reports
Structural & Biomechanical Analysis
- ✓Complex tree structure and biomechanical analysis reports
- ✓Edaphic interaction assessments involving trees and structures
- ✓Data from technical investigative equipment used in diagnostic testing
Strategic Management
- ✓Urban forest management frameworks or strategic tree policies you have authored
- ✓Commercialisation plans for arboricultural research or technology
- ✓Evidence of leading applied research within a municipal or corporate context
Professional Certifications
- ✓Current membership with professional bodies (e.g., Arboriculture Australia)
- ✓Records of professional development in laboratory-based ecological techniques
- ✓Evidence of prior advanced tertiary studies in horticulture or environmental science
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.
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Related Qualifications
Other qualifications in the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management
AHC60319
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture
AHC60524
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC60422
Certificate I
Certificate I in Agriculture
AHC10222
Certificate I
Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC10124
Register Your Interest
We're establishing partnerships to offer AHC80120 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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