Upcoming courses
The following courses are now open for registration:
TRAQ Course—London, Dec. 3–5, 2019
Sign upTRAQ Renewal—London, Dec. 6, 2019
Sign upTRAQ Course—Whitby, Sept. 24–26, 2019
Sign upAbout
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification provides a systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.
The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Course is a two-day educational course followed by a 1/2 day assessment that includes both a written and field component.
Validity
The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is valid for five years from the date the TRAQ exam is passed. The qualification holder is required to retake the course and pass the exam every five years in order to maintain the qualification.
Course eligibility
To be able to register for the course and take the exam, you must have earned one of the following credentials:
• ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from an accredited college or university
• A national certification or certificate in arboriculture (see a complete list in the TRAQ handbook)
• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist
• Licensing or Certification from an approved state or provincial program (see a complete list in the TRAQ handbook)
• SAF Certified Forester
Course content
Tree Biology and Mechanics
Participants will learn how to assess wood structure, decay, and tree mechanics, and evaluate their impact on likelihood of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to identify and assess defects and conditions that may affect likelihood of failure.
Tree Inspection and Assessment
Participants will learn about types of targets, assess the likelihood of a tree or tree part impacting a target, and estimate the consequences of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to assess site factors that may influence likelihood of failure.
Data Analysis and Risk Categorization
After learning the tree and target factors that must be assessed, participants will combine likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure to derive a risk rating. This rating helps the assessor communicate tree risk to clients and risk managers, and allows comparison of risk levels between trees.
Risk Reporting
Participants will learn skills for clearly communicating tree risk to clients, both in written and verbal reports. Participants will also learn about the key components that should be included in a report after completing a tree risk assessment.
Preparation
Participants will receive their course materials a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the TRAQ event. The manual, workbook and clipboard will be sent once you are registered and should be
taken with you to the course. Participants are also encouraged to complete preliminary work in the workbook prior to arriving at the course.