Certificate in Forestry at QLS Level 2

This course is delivered online or via mixed study*.

Online study

Upon enrolment you receive your first course lessons via our unique online learning platform providing you with the learning resources you need to complete the course.

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can study in your own time, at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. You will be able to progress through your course whenever and wherever you wish – all you need is access to the internet, and a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by forestry experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. You will be guided in the preparation of your portfolio work. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

If you have any questions, or would like feedback or encouragement about your course or your studies then you can contact our friendly tutors by phone, email or post.

The course includes all the required study materials.

You will be assessed, through a portfolio of completed coursework for the Certificate in Forestry at QLS Level 2.

Additional study options

Mixed Study

As part of your enrolment onto this course you will receive access to our unique online platform which will provide you with online access to your course materials – making them easy to access on-the-go.

Once logged on, you can also request to have the materials supplied in printed format for you to keep, make notes and use for future reference.

*Mixed study option is available to request from within the online platform, a small one-off fee is payable to cover printing and postage costs.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC and RFS Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 2. You have 2 years to complete the course.

Students must complete the following 5 units:

Unit 01 – Introduction to forestry and woodland ecology
Unit 02 – The biology of woody plants
Unit 03 – Woody plant establishment: from tree nursery to forest
Unit 04 – Soil and woody plants
Unit 05 – Tree inspection and the law

Plus 1 of the following options:

Unit 06 – Selecting trees for planting

Or

Unit 07 – Introduction to practical silviculture and habitat management

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 2. This course has been prepared by The Horticultural Correspondence College and RFS in order to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC and RFS Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

Completing this course can also lead to the:

RFS Certificate in Forestry

To gain the full RFS certificate – widely recognised throughout the forestry industry and strongly advised for those pursuing a related career – you will also need to complete a suite of practical competence tests. For details of how to apply for the RFS Certificate in Forestry please click here.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You do not need previous gardening or arboricultural knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 12-18 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• With further practical experience, you could work in the public and/or private sector as a forester or in other related jobs.
• Do you already work in forestry, or in the environmental services section within a local authority? Successful completion of this course would demonstrate a sound theoretical understanding of forestry to your current or prospective employers/clients.
• You could gain the full RFS Certificate in Forestry by completing the relevant practical competence tests (see details in the ‘Qualifications’ section)