Have you got your PTI? The Professional Tree Inspector credential is mentioned a lot in our industry. It's like a gold standard which many employers have on their wish list when they are looking for an arb surveyor. From council roles to highways positions and tree inspectors to consultants it's always one of the desired 'assets' but what is it, how hard is it and why do you need it?
The PTI is a 3-day integrated assessment programme which is well accepted by the arb industry. This is probably because it's a tough ask, in depth tree and fungi knowledge is a must and having a PTI tells people that you really know your stuff. The pass rate is 70% but we've often heard it pointed out that when inspecting trees, a pass rate of 100% is preferable!
Treelife Ltd, one education provider's description of the requirements is: "it is fully expected that you will have a detailed knowledge of tree biology, the tree as an undamaged self-optimised structure, biological and mechanical weaknesses, pathology, legislation, remedial options and their likely implications and the British Standard 3998 Recommendations for Treework. Also any other specific arboricultural knowledge such as may affect detection and measurement of tree defects and recommendation of control measures that reduce the risk posed to an acceptable level."
Importantly, it's not a qualification. It's a competency-based assessment designed for experienced arborists. Typically, you'll already have at least a Level 3 in Arboriculture and have been inspecting trees for 3-5 years to be accepted for assessment.
You may also need a bit of patience because assessments tend to be in the summer months due to longer days, and better chance of good weather, so there's often a wait involved.
There are several providers (a link to LANTRA's full list is at the end of this blog) and as well as the study time and the 3 days to take the assessment it'll cost between £500-£650 depending on who you do it with.
Because it's not a qualification your PTI can't run out once you have it. That said you may be required to do a refresher for insurance purposes, or you may just choose to so that you know you are keeping up with industry learning.
As a recruitment agency we know just how valuable it is; a PTI will make you stand out. In fact it's more than that, we are often unable to put great candidates forward for roles they would really suit because the employer requires someone with a PTI. It's an assessment that's definitely worth doing if you are keen to progress your surveying career and have the pick of the best roles out there.
If you have any questions do email us as we're keen to help anyone who is interesting in investing in their arb career and will do our best to help.
If, on the other hand, you do have a PTI and we don't know (or don't have you on our free to join database) please let us know as we'd love to help you find your next role when the time is right.
Best wishes as ever,
Beccy & Kate
Providers of the PTI:
This LANTRA PTI page offers a postcode search and if you put in your postcode and search it will then offer you a button to choose to see every provider in the UK: https://www.lantra.co.uk/product/30866
