How to Become Certified to Use a Chainsaw

Determine what specific certification you need by calling the owner of the land you intend to work on, as well as the law enforcement agency where you'll be cutting. There are a wide variety of certifications available and not all of them are accepted universally.

Search online for the required chainsaw certification classes in your area and give them a call. You can also use the phone book or simply ask around.

Sign up for the certification class you need. Pay any fees involved.

Attend class, participate and meet all the requirements of certification. Usually courses are held over a two-day period that involve both indoor and outdoor training. Indoor classes involve the study of general chainsaw use procedures, safety features, saw chain and saw tooth filing, maintenance, personal protective equipment and proper use. Outside class lets students operate their saws at boring and bucking stations. You will learn more about safety, proper ergonomics and positioning, felling tools, wedge use and reactive forces. Expect outside work that may involve demonstrated the proper technique and performance of dropping trees. Once all time and performance criteria are met, you will be officially certified to use a chainsaw.