Course Overview
If you need to know how to operate a chainsaw, this course shows you how.
You'll learn how to operate, maintain and sharpen a chainsaw, and how to safely make cuts. You'll attend a three-day practical workshop, and complete a log book. You'll also be expected to read the course material provided prior to the workshop.
This course is designed for people who need to use a chainsaw at home or in non-commercial situations.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- Introductory Chainsaw Skills (Level 3)
| Locations | Rotorua |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jun 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
4 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 10 |
| Indicative Fees | $590 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Topics you'll cover
You'll learn about:
- Checking a chainsaw and its components
- Safely transporting and using chainsaw fuel
- Hazards which influence the operation of the chainsaw
- Personal protection and first aid requirements for chainsaw operators
- Starting and testing chainsaw
- Using a chainsaw to make cuts
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $590 for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course does NOT meet the requirements for student loan or allowance applications through StudyLink.
Find out more at studylink.govt.nz
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To be admitted to this course, applicants must meet the following general admission requirements:
- be 16 years old, AND
- have NCEA Level 1 with 10 credits in Numeracy and 10 credits in Literacy, OR
- equivalent knowledge and skills
You must also be physically able to complete the course.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
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Course Locations and Intake Information
This course can be delivered at any campus on request (Minimum numbers are required to run this course).
In the first week, you'll attend 3 days of tutorials on campus. In your own time over three weeks, you'll complete 10 hours of practical cutting and record this in your logbook.
If you already have experience with chainsaws, a tutor can approve these 10 hours for you. You'll submit your logbook with detailed entries in the fourth and final week of the course. This will be verified either by your employer or tutor.
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 23 Jun 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 21 Jul 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 17 Nov 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 8 Dec 2025 |
Study options
- 4 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- Part-time study available
