163 Pass 12th Tree Doctor Certification Examination, Bringing Cumulative Total to 1,900

[Financial News] The Korea Institute for Forest Disaster Safety (KIFDS) announced the final successful candidates for the second round of the 12th Tree Doctor certification examination, held on the 11th.
A total of 708 people took the second-round examination, and 163 passed, according to KIFDS. The pass rate was 23.0%. Including the 163 successful candidates from the 12th examination, the cumulative number of people who have passed the examination since the Tree Doctor certification system was first introduced in 2018 has reached 1,900.
The Tree Doctor certification examination is a national qualification system established under Article 21-6(1) of the Forest Protection Act to build a professional tree-care system in response to the diversification of forest pests and diseases caused by climate change and damage to trees in residential areas. Certified Tree Doctors work as specialists in tree care, professionally diagnosing and prescribing treatments for damage to trees in neighborhood parks, apartment complexes, forests, and other areas, while overseeing prevention and treatment.
Detailed information about the certification examination, including the results, is available on the Tree Care Professionals website. Successful candidates can apply online for their certificates through the website and receive them within 15 days of applying. KIFDS also plans to announce the 2027 Tree Doctor certification examination schedule on its website on December 1. Inquiries about the examination can be directed to the KIFDS customer service center.
The Tree Doctor system was introduced to address problems such as the excessive use of pesticides and inadequate treatment by unqualified individuals. It has since become established mainly in apartment complexes and urban green spaces. Under the Forest Protection Act, the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and local governments allow only registered tree-care companies that employ Tree Doctors or tree-treatment technicians to provide tree-care services. Following the end of the guidance period, authorities are continuing to strengthen guidance and enforcement against unqualified tree-care providers.
[email protected] Kim Won-jun Reporter