ISA Certification
Since the establishment of the ISA certification program in 1992, almost 50,000 people have earned an ISA credential. The ISA Certification program offers six credentials that take you from the ground to the canopy and anywhere in between.
ISA Credential Types
The ISA Certified Arborist® is the most popular, general credential. The ISA Certified Tree Climber® is for those whose work involves tree climbing. You can hold multiple ISA Credentials. Once you are an ISA Certified Arborist you can also obtain the ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional® (formerly ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®), the ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist®, and the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®.
To be eligible to become an ISA Certified Arborist, generally you need to show you've completed 3 years work experience in arboriculture.
- ISA considers one year equivalent to 1,795 hours (so 3 years = 5,385 hours).
- To prove your work experience you'll have a supervisor sign off on your hours – we recommend using ISA Intl's form here.
- Certain educational programs can reduce the amount of work experience required (generally the program should be either: a two year program with a minimum of two courses directly related to arboriculture; or a four year program with a minimum of four courses directly related to arboriculture). You don't need to complete an educational program to be eligible.
- If your work experience was through your own company you can use references such as invoices which describe work you were involved in (contact us for more information).
- See more information on eligibility here (pgs 3-4).
Online Application:
- You'll apply to take the exam by submitting an online application through an ISA Intl account (you can create an account here – it’s free!)
- The main information required in the application will be proof of work experience (and or education as described above).
- It can take ISA Intl 1-2 weeks to review your application.
- Once approved, you'll have 90 days to write your exam. So make sure you're ready before you apply!
- There is a fee of $280 USD to write the exam. (If you're a member of both ISA Intl and your local ISA Chapter e.g. ISA Ontario, the exam fee is reduced to $170 USD).
Exam:
- ISA Ontario holds classroom-based exams a few times every year. You can see a list of upcoming exam dates & locations here.
- You can also take the exam on a computer at a PearsonVUE testing facility. There is an additional $125 USD fee to take the exam at PearsonVUE. See PearsonVUE facility locations here. (Click the 'find a test center' link partway down the page on the right).
Studying for the Exam
- The main text you'll use to study for the exam is the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide. You can order from ISA Ontario by emailing us.
- See a breakdown of exam content by chapter on page 3 of the guide here
- See an exam outline here.
- ISA Intl offers practice exams here and here.
Once ISA Certified, you'll need to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and renew your credential every 3 years.
We can help! Email info@isaontario.com or phone 888-463-2316. ISA Intl can be reached: isa@isa-arbor.com or 1-678-367-0981.
To be eligible to become an ISA Certified Tree Climber, you must have completed 1.5 years arboriculture work experience tree climbing.
- To prove your work experience you will have a supervisor sign off on your hours – we recommend using the ISA Intl form here.
- If your work experience was through your own company you can use references such as invoices which describe work you were involved in (contact us for more information).
- You must also show proof of hands-on training in CPR and first aid. And you must show proof of a physical (practical) aerial rescue training within the past year. This can be through your organizational internal training program – see the ISA sign-off form here.
- See more information on eligibility here (pg 3).
Online Application:
- Apply to take the exam by submitting an online application through an ISA Intl account (you can create an account here – it’s free!)
- The main information required in the application will be proof of work experience.
- It can take ISA Intl 1-2 weeks to review your application.
- Once approved, you'll have 90 days to take your exam. So make sure you're ready before you apply!
- There is a fee of $195 USD to write the exam. (If you're a member of both ISA Intl and your local ISA Chapter e.g. ISA Ontario, the exam fee is reduced to $135 USD).
Exam:
- The exam consists of a written section (65 multiple choice questions) and a skills exam (testing knots and climbing)
- ISA Ontario holds written and skills exams a few times every year. You can see a list of upcoming exam dates & locations here.
- The main text you'll use to study for the exam is the ISA Tree Climbers Study Guide. You can order from ISA Ontario by emailing us.
- See exam content on pg 3 here and written exam details here and skills exam details here.
Once certified, you'll need to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and renew your credential every 3 years.
We can help! Email info@isaontario.com or phone 888-463-2316. ISA Intl can be reached: isa@isa-arbor.com or 1-678-367-0981.
Benefits for Arborists in obtaining an ISA Credential
Earning an ISA credential is a voluntary activity, but it demonstrates that you have the proper knowledge and skills, as well as a high level of dedication to your profession and your community.
The tree care profession has experienced rapid growth over the past fifteen years, and there is a significant amount of knowledge required to perform at the highest level. ISA credentials help consumers identify qualified, knowledgeable tree care professionals. In addition, Ontario municipalities are recognizing the value in hiring ISA certified professionals, and asking for those credentials specifically on tendered contracts.
ISA Certified Arborists understand the importance of continuing education and help make the world a better place, one tree at a time.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in the specialized field of tree risk assessment. TRAQ consists of a two-day educational course followed by a half-day of assessments that include both written and performance-based components. Generally you would become ISA Certified first, then earn your TRAQ.