Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the course, complete the secure online checkout and use the activation details sent to your order email. Download the Chainsaw Courses app, sign in and activate your course to begin learning.

The IIRSM-approved Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting course supports the underpinning knowledge used when preparing for relevant City&Guilds NPTC and Lantra Awards practical training and assessment. It is preparation and revision, not a substitute for practical instruction or an accredited assessment.

Yes. Course access is linked to your account and subject to the device rules shown when you activate it. This helps protect your course record and personalised access. Contact support if you replace a device or need help restoring access.

Yes. The course is written for UK learners and reflects relevant chainsaw safety principles, industry practice and HSE guidance. Guidance and assessment requirements can change, so always follow current instructions from your employer, trainer, assessment centre and equipment manufacturer.

Practical chainsaw work normally requires suitable chainsaw protective trousers, chainsaw protective boots, gloves and a helmet with eye and hearing protection. The precise PPE depends on the task, site and risk assessment, so follow current HSE guidance and your trainer or employer's requirements.

Yes. Training providers, employers and organisations can contact info@chainsawcourses.co.uk to discuss multiple learners, provider access and current volume pricing.

Check the inbox and spam folder for the email address used at checkout. If you still cannot find the activation details, contact support with your order information so the purchase can be verified and access restored.

The course provides structured knowledge learning and evidence of completion. It does not replace the practical certificate of competence that an employer, insurer or contract may require, such as an appropriate City&Guilds NPTC or Lantra Awards qualification.

Yes. The app helps you learn and revise the underpinning knowledge expected around chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting. Passing a City&Guilds NPTC assessment also depends on safe, competent practical performance, so you should combine the app with supervised hands-on practice and assessment-specific guidance.

Yes. Chainsaw competence cannot be developed through online learning alone. You need suitable supervised practical training with the correct chainsaw, PPE and work area before attempting an independent practical assessment or chainsaw task.

Chainsaw Courses gives you structured, chainsaw-specific learning in an app you can revisit at your own pace. The course is IIRSM approved, provides 5 CPD hours and is designed as a practical training companion with clear lessons, video, revision and evidence of learning.

Online preparation can reduce repeated travel and classroom revision costs because you can study where and when it suits you. Check the current course price before buying and ask your employer, training provider or professional development scheme whether they can contribute to the cost.

The course is self-paced, so you can complete short sections around work and other commitments rather than attending every lesson at a fixed time. Your progress is saved, allowing you to return to the next section when you are ready.

It helps you understand chainsaw maintenance, safety checks, cross-cutting principles and the reasons behind correct working methods. That knowledge can make practical training easier to follow and help you revise before an assessment or refresher.

You are buying access to a digital e-learning course delivered through the Chainsaw Courses app. It supports theory learning and assessment preparation; it does not include a chainsaw, face-to-face practical training or the separate City&Guilds NPTC or Lantra assessment unless a product page explicitly says otherwise.

The course is self-paced, so completion time varies with your experience and how thoroughly you study and revise each section. You can learn in shorter sessions and return to your saved progress throughout your access period. Most candidates can achieve it in 2 weeks. The overall time you have access is 6 months from activation.

No. The course provides the chainsaw manual with the e-learning course, so you do not need to buy a separate course manual. If you already have a manual and wish to buy the course, please check the box 'I already have a manual' on checkout.

The app organises important chainsaw knowledge into a clear learning path you can carry with you. It helps you prepare before practical training, revisit difficult topics, revise near assessment day and keep evidence of your completed learning.

Learners often receive a large amount of technical and safety information during limited practical training time. The e-learning course lets you learn and revise that underpinning knowledge separately, helping practical sessions focus on supervised skills and safe performance.

Chainsaw operation - Yes. Chainsaw operation is hazardous and can cause serious injury or death if carried out without suitable training, equipment and controls. The app itself is a learning tool; it does not make unsupervised chainsaw use safe or replace practical instruction, PPE, risk assessment and competent supervision.

You can replay the course videos as often as you need while your course access remains active. Repetition is useful before practical training, during revision and ahead of an assessment.

Learning is available on demand during the access period attached to your purchase, subject to the app, your device and any internet requirements. Course access lasts for six months from activation; within that period you can revisit lessons and videos as often as needed.

The course is IIRSM approved and provides 5 CPD hours. You receive evidence of completing the e-learning course, but this is not the same as a City&Guilds NPTC or Lantra Awards practical certificate of competence.

A physical chainsaw manual. Alongside the structured lessons, the course includes supporting video, revision activities, progress tracking, voice mock assessments, City&Guilds NPTC links to assessment criteria, interactive bio-hazard map, chain ID tool, risk and checklist assessments, digital copy of the chainsaw manual, arboricultural and forestry news and updates and completion evidence.

Yes. Your purchase unlocks the course and supporting learning features listed on its product page. A physical chainsaw manual. Alongside the structured lessons, the course includes supporting video, revision activities, progress tracking, voice mock assessments, City&Guilds NPTC links to assessment criteria, interactive bio-hazard map, chain ID tool, risk and checklist assessments, digital copy of the chainsaw manual, arboricultural and forestry news and updates and completion evidence. It does not automatically include other courses, practical training, machinery, PPE or an external assessment unless these are specifically included in the offer.

The course is IIRSM approved and supports learners preparing for relevant City&Guilds NPTC and Lantra Awards pathways. It is informed by UK HSE safety guidance, but the app does not replace the required practical training or assessment but can be used to refresh your chainsaw competence.

The app teaches and reinforces underpinning knowledge at your own pace, wherever you can study. An in-person course provides supervised practical coaching, physical equipment and direct observation of your technique; most learners preparing for practical competence need both.

Yes, it is designed to improve your knowledge, confidence and revision before assessment. No course can guarantee a pass, and you must still demonstrate the required practical skills and safety standards to the independent assessor.

No. The e-learning course and the City&Guilds NPTC practical assessment are separate purchases. You will need to arrange practical training and assessment with an appropriate local training provider or assessment centre.

Assessment fees are set by individual training providers and assessment centres and can vary by qualification, location, scheduling and whether training is included. Ask your chosen centre for a written quotation covering training, registration, assessment and any resit charges. It's usually around £200

Yes. Book through the app's integrated assessment venue map. Availability depends on qualified assessors and centres in your area. Contact a City&Guilds NPTC or Lantra Awards provider, explain which qualification you need and ask what training, evidence and identification are required before booking.

3–5 weeks although this can change if cancellation spots open up or waiting times may be longer in busy periods.

The course is designed primarily around UK chainsaw practice and terminology. Learners elsewhere can still benefit from the principles, but local law, certification, PPE standards and forestry rules may differ, so check the requirements that apply where you live and work.

The core maintenance, safety and cross-cutting principles apply across common chainsaw brands. Controls and service procedures differ between models, so always use the manufacturer's manual for your exact saw alongside the course. The course covers Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon products.

Yes. Your very own Chainsaw Manual. Your purchase includes the learning features and supporting resources described on the product page without requiring a separate course manual. Alongside the structured lessons, the course includes supporting video, revision activities, progress tracking, voice mock assessments, City&Guilds NPTC links to assessment criteria, interactive bio-hazard map, chain ID tool, risk and checklist assessments, digital copy of the chainsaw manual, arboricultural and forestry news and updates and completion evidence.

It gives you a structured way to build and refresh the knowledge behind safe chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting. It can help you arrive better prepared for practical training, make revision more efficient and maintain evidence of continued learning.

Yes. The course explains foundational concepts in a structured order and is suitable for beginners preparing for supervised practical training. It does not authorise a beginner to operate a chainsaw alone.

Yes. Experienced operators can use it for refresher learning, assessment revision and CPD evidence. It is also useful when returning to chainsaw work after a break or checking whether established habits still match current guidance.

Yes. The core course is intended for learners across the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Workplace, land-management and local requirements can vary, so confirm any regional rules with your employer, trainer or assessment centre.

Essentially Yes. The course supports the knowledge commonly associated with chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting training, historically known as CS30 and now covered by current qualification unit titles. Always confirm the exact current unit or qualification code required by your employer or assessment centre.

No. Theory and revision can be completed online, but safe chainsaw competence requires supervised hands-on training and practical assessment. Do not attempt practical tasks solely on the basis of completing an app course.

No although it helps with practicing the maintenance. You can begin the theory course without owning a chainsaw. Practical training should take place with suitable equipment supplied or approved by a competent trainer, with the correct PPE and site controls.

Yes. The maintenance learning covers essential checks and principles relevant to keeping a chainsaw serviceable and safe, including chain-related knowledge. Follow the course scope and the manufacturer's instructions for the exact sharpening and maintenance procedures for your saw.

Yes. The course supports understanding of safe cross-cutting principles, planning and hazards. Practical cross-cutting technique must still be taught, supervised and assessed in a suitable real-world training environment.

No. The Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting course does not by itself qualify you to fell trees. This course is solely for chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting. Tree felling involves additional hazards, practical skills and qualification units, so choose training that specifically covers the size and type of trees you will work on.

Yes. The learning is relevant to people entering or working in arboriculture, forestry, woodland management, landscaping, agriculture and related roles where chainsaw knowledge and competence are needed.

Yes. Employers can use it as part of a wider refresher and CPD programme, particularly for underpinning knowledge and recorded learning. Employers remain responsible for risk assessment, supervision, practical competence and deciding what additional training is required.

Yes. The course is IIRSM approved and provides 5 CPD hours, with completion evidence. Check any employer or membership body's own CPD requirements if you need it for a specific scheme.

Yes. You receive the completion evidence described with the course after meeting its learning requirements. This records e-learning completion and must not be represented as a City&Guilds NPTC or Lantra practical certificate of competence.

Yes. The Chainsaw Courses app is designed for supported Apple and Android devices. Check the current App Store or Google Play listing for operating-system compatibility before purchasing if you use an older phone or tablet.

Yes. You need internet access to download the app, activate your purchase and use features that retrieve or synchronise course content.

18, although age requirements can depend on the training provider, workplace, equipment, insurance and the activity involved. Younger learners should have a parent or guardian and an approved training provider confirm eligibility before purchasing or attending practical training.

Yes. Self-employed operators can use the course to refresh knowledge, prepare for training and record CPD. You remain responsible for having the competence, insurance, equipment, risk controls and qualifications required for each job.

Study the required underpinning knowledge, complete supervised practical training, practise each task safely and ask your provider for the current assessment criteria. Use the app for repeated revision, but follow your trainer's feedback and the current assessment specification.

Your assessor or training provider should explain which criteria were not met and what further training or practice is recommended. You can revisit the app content while access remains active, then arrange a reassessment when your provider agrees you are ready.

Yes. Training providers can use the app to support pre-course learning, classroom delivery, revision and post-course access. Contact Chainsaw Courses to discuss provider options and multiple learner access.

Yes. You will need to supply all of your own Personal Protective Equipment. The course and app has details within it pointing you to the correct equipment.