As Taiwan begins implementing a new training, examination, and tiered certification system for tree protection professionals, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA), Ministry of Agriculture, has partnered with National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) to launch a regional training program for the Kaohsiung–Pingtung area.
The 2026 Tree Protection Professional Training Program for the Kaohsiung–Pingtung Region is being held from September 19 to November 1 at NPUST’s College of Agriculture, offering intermediate- and advanced-level training. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on practice, the program equips participants with practical skills in tree assessment, health management, pruning and maintenance, risk assessment, transplantation, restoration, and pest and disease control.
The program follows the Regulations Governing the Training, Examination, and Tiered Certification of Tree Protection Professionals, introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture in April 2026. The new system aims to strengthen professional expertise in tree care and help government agencies, public-facility managers, engineering organizations, and private-sector practitioners protect trees and enhance public safety.
NPUST brings together expertise from forestry, plant medicine, agricultural production, and landscape architecture. The intermediate course includes 90 hours of training, while the advanced course comprises 104 hours. In addition to NPUST faculty, instructors include experts from the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute and professionals in landscape engineering, horticulture, and tree management, giving participants opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world tree-care situations.
Following the training, participants will take written and practical examinations. The practical assessment focuses on field operations, professional judgment, and the ability to clearly explain their decisions. Those who successfully complete the required examinations may obtain certification in accordance with the regulations. For NPUST, the program marks an important step in developing tree protection professionals in the Kaohsiung–Pingtung region. By combining interdisciplinary expertise with practical training, the university plans to continue working with FANCA to build experience in professional training and certification while establishing a regional platform for technical exchange and workforce development.
