Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:40 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture
Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture
AHC80120
BFG4
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 26/08/2020 | Current | Approved |
Description
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.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in five (5) units of competency:- zero (0) core units plus
- five (5) elective units.
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:
- Select two (2) units from Group A
- An additional three (3) units may be selected from Group A or B or C
- Elective Group C can only be selected if required as a prerequisite
No more than 2 of the 5 electives selected can be coded with an AQF indicator below level 8 or reflect outcomes below AQF level 8.
1. Group A Elective Units
At least two (2) units must be chosen from Group A.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBV40 | AHCARB810 | Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures | 110 | Unit of competency |
| OBV41 | AHCARB804 | Analyse tree structure and biomechanics | 70 | Unit of competency |
| ODJ64 | AHCARB807 | Conduct an entomology research project | 90 | Unit of competency |
| OBV36 | AHCARB808 | Contextualise diagnostic tests | 55 | Unit of competency |
| OBV42 | AHCARB809 | Develop an urban forest management framework | 110 | Unit of competency |
| OBV43 | AHCARB805 | Perform mycology assays | 55 | Unit of competency |
| OBV44 | AHCARB806 | Research urban forest performance | 70 | Unit of competency |
2. Group B Elective Units
Three (3) units may be chosen from Group B.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVW82 | AMPMGT806 | Commercialise research and technology product or idea | 100 | Unit of competency |
| AUI35 | BSBRES801 | Initiate and lead applied research | 150 | Unit of competency |
| OAC42 | MSL975045 | Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques | 120 | Unit of competency |
| OBV72 | AHCARB612 | Review and develop strategic tree policy | 110 | Unit of competency |
3. Group C Prerequisite Unit
Elective Group C can only be selected if required as a prerequisite.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAC39 | MSL974021 | Perform biological procedures | 120 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDC3 | AHC80116 | Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture | Qualification |
No information
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.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships