The Foundations of UVM Certificate builds your knowledge and skills fundamental to planning and managing sustainable UVM program plans. The certificate features five online courses and is the first step towards earning your Certified Utility Vegetation Management Professional credential through the Utility Arborist Association (UAA).
Courses must be taken in sequential order. To ensure the best experience for all participants, we require a minimum number of enrollments for each workshop to proceed. If the minimum enrollment is not met, the workshop may be rescheduled or canceled.
Foundations of UVM Courses
UVM 1
North American Electrical Systems
Aug. 24-Sep. 27, 2026
This introductory 5-week course builds foundational knowledge though an overview of the North American electrical system and ties it to utility arboriculture. This course will provide the required introductory knowledge necessary for moving through the remaining courses in the UVM Program. No prerequisites are required; however, orientation for the Pro-UVM courses begins on August 10 and must be completed before students will be able to join North American Electrical Systems. Registration fee: $600.
UVM 2
Utility Arboriculture
Oct. 5-Nov. 8, 2026
This 5-week course provides an overview of utility arboriculture and tree biology. Course participants will explore tree risk assessment, tree pruning practices, and treatment control methods as they relate to utility vegetation management (UVM). Required prerequisites: UVM 1. Registration fee: $600.
UVM 3
Leadership and Organizations
Aug. 17-Sep. 13, 2026
Whether your role is to plan and manage a UVM program at the utility level or implement UVM projects at a contractor or consultant level, a shared vision is required to successfully complete the job. Participants in this 4-week course will explore business process mapping within their current company. You will acquire a systems and business process thinking approach and understand how organizational strategy, structure, and culture can impact and align within UVM. Required prerequisites: UVM 1-2. Registration fee: $500.
UVM 4
Program and Project Management
May 25-Jun. 28, 2026
Program and project management skills are crucial for any successful UVM professional. This 5-week course introduces fundamental program and project management processes related to UVM best practices. You will also acquire a systems and business process thinking approach and understand how organizational strategy, structure, and culture can impact and align within UVM. Required prerequisites: UVM 1-3. Registration fee: $600.
UVM 5
Integrated Vegetation Management
Aug. 3-23, 2026
Managing vegetation in our Rights of Way (ROW) means taking a systematic or integrative approach. This 3-week course introduces the different integrative management approaches used in Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) and helps participants identify best practices for IVM. Required prerequisites: UVM 1-4. Registration fee: $400.
Upcoming Course Schedule
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Foundations of UVM Book List
There are required and optional textbooks and resources for UVM courses; however, many are used throughout the entire program and only need to be purchased once.
View the Foundations of UVM Certificate Book List.
Program Partners
The Wisconsin Forestry Center is proud to partner with the Utility Arborist Association and the Utility Vegetation Management Association to provide the Utility Vegetation Management certificate and credential preparation programs.
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