Applications for Falling and Bucking Endorsement are currently closed.
Falling and Bucking Endorsement is required to fall a tree that is larger than 15cm (6″) in diameter at a height of 30cm (12″) from the base. Falling and bucking of trees is regulated under Section 26 of the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Guidelines.
Western Utility Arborist Association (WUAA) is incorporated under the Society Act and is a not for profit organization. Member companies are representative of the majority of Utility Arborists and are supported by the major utilities in British Columbia that require Utility Arborists. The WUAA along with HortEducationBC (HEBC), as the administrative partner, is responsible for the WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement for Certified Utility Arborists (CUA) and Certified Arborist Technicians (CAT). This endorsement has been developed in conjunction with WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC has approved both the theoretical and practical components of this endorsement.
Those who have their Certificate of Qualification as a Utility Arborist or Certificate of Qualification as an Arborist Technician are eligible to apply for the “WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement”.
The WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement is a form of the BC Forest Safety Council certificate that has been modified to be appropriate for Certified Utility Arborists working in utility line clearing operations, or Certified Arborist Technicians in similar environments. Successful completion of the endorsement certifies a CUA or CAT to fall a tree that is larger than 15cm (6″) in diameter at a height of 30cm (12″) from the base. Failure to complete the certification will mean that existing CUAs or CATs will be excluded from some falling activities in there day-to-day work. WorkSafeBC is actively addressing endorsement with companies onsite.
For more information on Falling and Bucking regulation compliance, competency endorsement, and associated certifications, visit Falling and Bucking Compliance and Certification Information
For more information on obtaining one of the prerequisite certifications required for the falling and Bucking Endorsement visit the following trade pages.
Falling and Bucking Endorsement involves a written examination and practical assessment in the field, where a candidate proves their skills and qualifications. Scheduling of examination is dependent on Qualified Supervising Trainer (QST) availability and accessibility of field testing locations. Contact HortEducationBC to inquire about scheduling.
Endorsement Costs
- Application fee $250 + $12.50 GST (application fee is non-refundable & non-transferable) *Approved applications are valid for 3 months.
- Examination Fee & $1,750 + $87.50 GST
- Cost of travel for candidate to travel to QST or QST’s travel expenses to travel to the candidate.
*If a candidate fails the written or field examination, the candidate is responsible for any cost of mentoring with a QST required before scheduling another attempt and is required to pay an additional application fee, examination fee, and travel expenses for the candidate or QST.
Falling and Bucking Endorsement Application Form
(We are not currently accepting new applications for Falling and Bucking Endorsement.)
Falling & Bucking Endorsement challenge:
Individuals who are a current BC Certified Faller from the BC Forest Safety Council and are a Certified Utility Arborist or Certified Arborist Technician can apply for the WUAA/HEBC Falling and Bucking Endorsement and do not need to complete the field evaluation. Contact HortEducationBC to apply for endorsement if you are a BC Certified Faller and CAT or CUA
Preparation (Study) Resources
- Candidates and prospective applicants can download the Falling & Bucking practical exam booklet. This outlines the items and practices of the exam and Marking conditions.
- Learning resources (manuals) from CAT or CUA Technical Training. These manuals are used by apprentices in training institutions and are available through our online store. This is a study resource that addresses in comprehensive detail, the topics outlined in the ITA Arborist Technician Program Outline.
- WorkSafeBC BC Faller Training Standard
WorkSafeBC BC Faller Training Standard Part 1
WorkSafeBC BC Faller Training Standard Part 2
A set of two waterproof “WorkSafeBC BC Faller Training Standard” infoflips designed to be used at the worksite can be purchased from the WorkSafeBC store.
WorkSafeBC Video Links
View the videos from WorkSafeBC to help prepare for the practical assessment.
- BC Faller Training Standard Video Series (17 part series)
- Faller Safety: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility
- Every Minute Counts: Emergency Response Planning in Forestry
Flowchart for Applicants
Downloadable F&B Endorsement Flow Chart for Applicants – March 2019