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Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Refresher Course (CS38)

City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 CPD Module in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue  (0041-03)

Course Description

The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 CPD Module in Climbing Trees & Aerial Rescue (0041-03) is designed for qualified climbers who require structured CPD to review climbing systems, aerial rescue procedures, and safe working practices. The module combines refresher training with a formal assessment element to confirm continued competence in line with current Arboriculture Association Technical Guide 1, best practises.

City and Guilds NPTC Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Refresher Course (CS38)

Course Overview

Qualification Title

City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 CPD Module in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (0041-03)

Course Cost

£250 including City and Guilds NPTC registration and assessment fees.

Course Duration

1 day, including independent NPTC assessment. 

Entry Requirements

  • Hold a City and Guilds NPTC (or LANTRA) Certificate of Competence in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (CS38)

  • Have a suitable level of fitness for tree climbing 

Who's This Course For?

Assessment & Certification

This CPD module is suitable for:

  • Arborists 

  • Grounds maintenance and estates staff 

  • Employers and contractors keeping updated with Arboricultural Association Technical Guide 1

  • Operators returning to tree climbing activities following a period away

  • Arborist ground staff who already hold a current Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue qualification

This CPD module includes formal assessment conducted by a City and Guilds NPTC-approved assessor.

Candidates are assessed on their ability to demonstrate:

  • Continued competence in tree climbing and aerial rescue

  • Setting up of safe climbing systems 

  • Appropriate hazard awareness and compliance with safe systems of work

Successful Completion

Candidates who meet the required standard will be awarded:

City & Guilds NPTC CPD Certification – Module 0041-03

This certification provides industry-recognised evidence of:

  • Ongoing professional development

  • Climbing trees safely

  • Performing aerial rescue safely and effectively 

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View assessment guidance

Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (CS38) Refresher Training

What This CPD Module Covers

Planning & Risk Assessment

  • Evaluating a tree for hazards

  • Tree climbing equipment inspection

  • Planning tree climbing operations 

  • Climbing in accordance with AATG1

Aerial Rescue Procedures

  • Planning rescue scenarios

  • Rescuing from the canopy and a pole

  • Setting up systems used for aerial rescue

  • Emergency communication and control

Tree Access & Work Positioning

  • Rope installation techniques

  • Methods for ascending safely and efficiently 

  • Work positioning in the tree

PPE & Equipment Required

FAQs

All equipment must be in good/safe working order, and meet minimum standards in accordance with WaHR, LOLER, PPE regulations.

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Minimum climbing kit to include:​

  • Helmet with 4 static point chin strap

  • Boots with good grip and offer ankle support

  • Tree climbing harness

  • Two climbing ropes (35m minimum recommended)

  • 3 Prussick loops 

  • 5 carabiners (three way,  auto locking)

  • Side strop system

  • Climbing spikes

  • Personal first aid kit and rescue knife

  • Weather appropriate clothing 

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All climbing kit must have an in date LOLER certificate, or if purchased within six months, receipts. This must cover the training and assessment dates.

Is this a refresher course or an assessment?
This module combines refresher training with a formal CPD assessment element.

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Does this replace my original CS38 certificate?
No. The CPD module provides evidence of continued competence and does not replace or invalidate existing qualifications.

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How often should this CPD module be completed?
Industry guidance commonly supports competence review every 3–5 years, or sooner if work practices or circumstances change.

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