NPTC 203 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Operations (CS38)
Tree Climbing Courses
NPTC unit 203 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Operations (formerly CS38)
We run this popular aerial tree climbing training course, which the industry refers to as CS38 – Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue Operations over 5 days and the training is followed by the 1 day NPTC Assessment. The NPTC Qualification code for this course is NPTC unit 203 (0039-22).
Our aerial tree climbing training course covers the essential safety guidelines, equipment, LOLER inspection and the planning required to access a tree and carry out a successful aerial rescue, this training could help you save lives.
The training also course runs the candidate through all of the relevant theoretical and practical aspects that are required to pass NPTC Assessment of Unit 203 (CS38).
When you’ve completed this training, you will be able to:
- Understand the legislation relating to tree climbing
- Identify a range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to work positioning systems
- Identify hazards and manage the associated risks
- Choose appropriate anchor points
- Tie, dress and set a range of tree-climbing knots
- Carry out visual tree inspection
- Carry out pre-use inspection of tree climbing equipment
- Choose appropriate anchor points
- Use techniques for safe and efficient ascent and descent
- Understand the duties of a competent grounds person
- Establish safe and comfortable work positions
- Use climbing irons safely and efficiently
- Store tree climbing equipment appropriately
Course sessions:
- HSE legislation and safety guidelines
- Tree climbing equipment (kit checking – LOLER)
- Visual tree inspection
- Rope configurations
- Access techniques and work positioning principles
- Final anchor point and work positioning techniques
- Use a flip-line and climbing irons (spikes)
- Storing equipment
Once candidates successfully pass the NPTC unit for Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (CS38) they can then move on to Use of Chainsaw from Rope & Harness (CS39)
NPTC Assessment – Unit 203 – 39-22
(CS38) NPTC Unit 203: Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Operations
Cost and Booking
CS38 Course fee inc VAT : £750 + *NPTC Assessment £180 inc VAT
The NPTC Assessments are optional, should you not require NPTC Certification/Qualification.
Maximum 4 people.
10% discount is available if a client provides all 4 trainees for the course.
Climbing kits and saws are available for hire by candidates who do not yet have their own equipment. Please contact the office for further information: 01732 811 162
*NPTC Assessments now inc VAT – effective 01 Dec 2025
