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 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 Nov 2024 View more details
Study options

4 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

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.

Part-time study available

Total credits 10
Indicative Fees $556 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 * $556 for domestic students

Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.


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

You must:

  • 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).

Location Campus Start Date
Rotorua Waipā Campus 18 Nov 2024 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 9 Dec 2024 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 3 Mar 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 7 Apr 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 5 May 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 23 Jun 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 21 Jul 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 17 Nov 2025 Apply now
Rotorua Waipā Campus 8 Dec 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 4 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
  • 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.
  • Part-time study available

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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