How to Get Certified

What is Trained Logger Certification?

The Trained Logger Certification (TLC) program was developed to recognize loggers who complete a training schedule involving three “core” areas of knowledge and skills. During the three-year certification period of TLC, these individuals make a commitment to continuing their education in order for them to improve themselves and maintain their TLC status.

The “core” areas are Chainsaw Operation, Safety, & Productivity (Game of Logging I); Environmental Concerns (Forest Ecology & Silviculture); and Adult First Aid & CPR. Upon completion of these three workshops. An individual completing these three workshops is eligible to receive initial TLC recognition. TLC is available by attending NYLT sponsored workshops, or by providing documentation of completion of approved workshops offered by other organizations. It is an individual’s responsibility to provide proof of course completion to NYLT for any workshops not hosted by NYLT and supply the proper administrative fee in order to receive proper credit.

Continuing education is the backbone of TLC. After the initial certification is achieved, three (3) Continuing Education credits are required over the next three (3) years. In addition to maintaining current First Aid & CPR status card. Taking the 3 credits over the 3 years will prevent your certification from expiring.

TLC is a voluntary program, allowing participants the opportunity to gain recognition for and satisfaction from their achievement. The New York State Implementation Committee of the Sustainable Forest Initiative recognizes TLC as meeting the standards for logger education. TLC is also required by the New York City Watershed Agricultural Council for participation in their cost-share initiatives. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also requires TLC certification for working on State Forest lands.

This program has been designed and crafted to take advantage of the wide variety of training already in place within the forest industry. The core requirements and continuing education topics incorporate training that has been available for the last several years. Every effort has been made to minimize the cost of participation and provide training opportunities throughout the state.

Who is Eligible for Certification?

Any person is eligible to be certified upon completing TLC training, and is provided with a certificate and an ID card to demonstrate the accomplishment. TLC applies to individual loggers, not the company that they may work for. Although this program is designed for loggers, any interested individuals may participate in any of the workshops that are offered.

What are the Objectives of Becoming TLC?

The TLC program was designed with the following objectives in mind:

To improve skills, productivity, safety, and abilities of timber harvesters
To address public concerns about timber harvesting by encouraging the use of best harvesting techniques, and preclude unnecessary regulations
To help keep timber harvesters viable in New York
To increase the use of Best Management Practices for Timber Harvesting
To protect soil and water quality during and after forest management operations
To address OSHA logging standards and requirements for employers
To attain potential cost reduction in insurance (Workman’s Compensation) premiums and/or increase the access to such insurance
To achieve increased public and government satisfaction with the quality of timber harvesting operations
To increase environmental protection, and conservation policies.

How do I Recieve my TLC?

To become certified, applicants must successfully complete training in the three (3) core areas mentioned earlier:

Environmental Concerns: This requirement is met by completing the NYLT Forest Ecology & Silviculture workshop. Offered in each NYLT region, usually in the fall or spring as necessary. Contact the Regional Chair to find the next workshop in your area ($25 administrative fee required for credit).
Chainsaw Operation, Safety, & Productivity: This requirement is met by completing the Game of Logging™ Level 1. Most NYLT Regions host a number of these workshops during the fall and spring. In addition, other organizations such as Catskill Forest Association, W.J. Cox, and others may also schedule the course. If taking a course not hosted by NYLT, participants are responsible for sending a copy of their course certificate to the NYLT office in order to receive credit ($25 administrative fee required for credit).
Adult First Aid & CPR: NYLT recognizes American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or National Safety Council certification as being valid for this requirement. Most NYLT Regions conduct these courses throughout the year. An individual may also obtain credit by attending standard First Aid or CPR classes sponsored by other organizations in their communities. If taking a course not hosted by NYLT, participants are responsible for sending a copy of their course certificate to the NYLT office in order to receive credit.

All three requirements of the core courses for certification must be completed within a three (3) year period. All documentation must be received by the NYLT office, and any associated fees must be paid before a TLC certificate will be awarded. It is an individual’s responsibility to provide proof of completion of required classes to the NYLT office. TLC certificates are processed and sent on a monthly basis. Initial certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue. IMPORTANT: Please keep New York Logger Training informed of any change of address.

How do I Maintain My TLC Status?

In order to maintain their certification, participants must take an additional three (3) credits of Continuing Education over the next three (3) years, and maintain current First Aid & CPR status. NYLT encourages individuals to participate in workshops that are of interest to them, or are most beneficial to their particular job. As examples, some topics eligible for Continuing Education Credits include:

Advanced levels (2, 3 & 4) of the Game of Logging™
BMP or Water Quality
Business and Management
Safety and Hazard Avoidance
Computer and Internet Understanding
Wildlife Habitat & Management
Timber grading/scaling/estimating/purchasing

NYLT constantly reviews courses offered by various partners and organizations for Continuing Education credits. To see if a course qualifies, send the course name, host/provider, and description (brochure) or agenda to the NYLT office. It is advised that approval for credits be done prior to course participation.

Each year NYLT Regions schedule a limited number of Continuing Education courses. Contact your Regional Chair or the NYLT office if you need a fall or spring course calendar. Other organizations that schedule workshops that are pre-approved for NYLT Continuing Education credits include Northeastern Loggers Association, W.J. Cox Associates, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, and Catskill Forest Association. To receive credit for workshops not hosted by NYLT it is the individual’s responsibility to send proof of completion to the NYLT office.

How many Continuing Education Credits is a class worth?

Generally speaking, credits are based on length of class in regards to a workday. For example, a full day Logging Costs Seminar is worth 1 credit.

CPR takes less than 4 hours, then it is worth ½ credit.
In 2001 the NYLT Board, as a reward and incentive, approved CPR for ½ credit, ONLY if it is taken before certification expires.

Can I get Continuing Education Credits before my Original TLC?

YES. But only one credit can be awarded, and the class must have been completed within 1 calendar year of the date the certificate is issued. Now you only need 2 more credits of Continuing Education before October 2006 to keep your TLC status current.

Who keeps track of all this stuff, and what does it cost?

NYLT maintains a computerized database to track and verify each individual participating in the TLC program. Whenever you take a workshop hosted by NYLT, the administrative fees are included in the cost of the workshop, and the participant’s data is automatically updated.

Many seminars and workshops are NOT hosted by NYLT. Northeastern Loggers Assn., W.J. Cox, SUNY-CESF, Watershed Agricultural Council, and Catskill Forest Association all host workshops in addition to NYLT courses. For these classes, an individual must submit the certificate of completion, and a $25.00 administrative charge, in order to receive Continuing Education credit.

Beginning July 1st, 2024, a recording fee will be charged for any online courses taken outside of the New York Logger Training network. There will be a $10 fee per quarter credit / $25 for a full credit (4 total courses) taken within one calendar month. Loggers may take have up to 1 credit in online courses per renewal.

How can I check on my status?

To find out what classes or credits you need, or when your certification expires, contact the NYLT Office. Course schedules and other info are online at www.newyorkloggertraining.org. Course schedules are released for the Spring and Fall seasons.

What are some of the currently approved Continuing Education classes?

Course Host
College of Environmental Science and Forestry	ESF
Cornell Cooperative Extension	CCE
Empire State Forest Products Association	ESFPA
Northeastern Loggers Association	NELA
NY- Dept of Environment & Conservation	NYDEC
New York Logger Training, Inc.	NYLT
Logger Education to Advance Professionalism	LEAP
Pennsylvania Timber Harvesting Council	THC
Watershed Agricultural Council	WAC
W. J. Cox	WJC
VT Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation	VTDFPR
Vermont Forestry Foundation	VFF

Course Topic/Name		Host	Credits
Operations/Safety
	Acceptable Management Practices For Water Quality Maintenance	VFF	1
	Advanced Logger Rescue	NELA	1
	Best Management Practices	ESF	1
	Buying Standing Timber for Logging Operations	NELA	1
	Controlling Sediment on Construction & Logging Sites	WFF	1
	Cooperative Job Safety Analysis	WJC	½
	Defensive Driving Simulator	WJC	½
	Estimating Standing Timber Volume	NELA	1
	Forest Operations	LEAP	1
	Forwarder Training	CCE & ESF	1
	Game of Logging™ (levels 2+)	various	1
	Hardwood Log Grading and Scaling	NY-DEC & VT DFPR	1
	Hazard Tree	WJC	1
	Introduction to SFI	VFF	1
	Lock Out/Tag Out	WJC	½
	Logging Safety	OSHA & NELA	½
	Marketing Forest Products	NELA
	Manufacturing Logs	NELA	1
	Mechanized Harvesting Safety & Hazard Communications	WJC	1
	Pilot Skidder	NYLT	1
	Proactive Accident Investigation	WJC	1
	Professional Forest Products Trucking	NELA	1
	Professional Logger Orientation	WJC
	Professionalism	LEAP	1
	Sawmill Safety	OSHA & NELA	½
	Skidder Safety Workshop	NELA	1
	Silviculture, Forest Ecology & Conservation	VFF	1
	Wildlife Habitat Considerations for Logging	VFF	1
Office/Business Management
	Business Law and Accounting	ESFPA	1
	Business Management	LEAP	1
	Business Management for Loggers	VFF	1
	Computer Application for Loggers	NELA	1
	Independent Contractor Workshop	WJC	½
	Logging Cost Seminar	NELA	1