What is ISA Certification?
Certification is a voluntary program providing recognition of one’s professional knowledge by one’s peers. INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE (ISA) Certified Arborist recognition is given by ISA to those who (1) meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the examination as set forth in this application; (2) successfully complete the examination; (3) maintain the necessary number of continuing education units (CEUs) to recertify after three years; and, (4) pay the necessary recertification fees every three years.
The objectives of the Certification Program are:
To be an educational program that will improve technical competency of personnel in the tree care industry.
To create incentives for these individuals to continue their professional development.
To provide the public and those in government with a means to identify those professionals who have demonstrated, through a professionally developed exam and education program, that they have a thorough knowledge of tree care practices.
The benefits of the Certification Program include the following:
Certification builds an individual’s self-image. By studying for and passing the exam, individuals reaffirm to themselves and their peers a thorough knowledge and dedication to arboriculture.
Certification affords the public and those in government the opportunity to make an informed selection of services based on the knowledge that is represented by the certification designation.
The process of becoming certified and maintaining the designation provides incentives to the individual to continue his or her ongoing professional development.
Certification is a tool to help employers both in training their personnel and selecting new employees.
Certified Arborist Exam Format
The certification examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are drawn from the question bank. Each question has four choices listed, only one of which is correct. The answer to each question can be derived independently of the answer.
Whenever trees are referred to on the exam, both scientific and common names are provided.
It is always advisable to first answer the questions that are easy for you, skipping over those questions to which you will need to return to and give more thought.
Please note you will have 3-1/2 hours to complete the examination.
THE CONTENT OF THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
The certification examination is weighted in the following manner:
I. Soil Management…………………………….….. 9%
II. Identification and Selection……………………..9%
III. Installation and Establishment………………….9%
IV. Safe Work Practices……………………………12%
V. Tree Biology…………………………………… 12%
VI. Pruning…………………………………………13%
VII. Diagnosis and Treatment………………….…....9%
VIII. Urban Forestry…………………………….…..8%
IX. Tree Protection…………………………….…….9%
X. Tree Risk Management………………….……...10%
When are examinations held?
A certification exam will be held in conjunction with the Arboriculture Australia™ annual conference.
Options for taking the examinations
There are two options available for candidates to sit for their certification exams: paper-based exams offered by a chapter or affiliated organization, or computer-based exams administered at a Pearson VUE testing facility.
Paper-Based Exams (Option #1)
A paper-based exam will be held at the Arboriculture Australia™ annual conference. Additional certification exams can be run whenever sufficient numbers of interested people are available in an area. Required numbers can be quite low, 5-10 is a viable number. To register an interest in undertaking a certification exam e-mail the Chapter Liaison Officer with your contact details and the area you would prefer the exam.
This exam is administered via paper and pencil.
Computer-Based Exams (Option #2)
Computer-based exams allow the convenience of working around potential conflicts in your schedule and may help you avoid having to drive long distances to paper-based exam sites. If you choose to test at a Pearson VUE testing facility, you determine your own test date and location. Computer-based exams require an additional administrative fee, but you receive your results immediately after you complete the exam, as opposed to waiting 4-6 weeks for your results from a paper-based exam.
During a computer-based exam you will see many navigational features. Full explanations of some of these features will not be provided during your exam. An explanation of the navigational features will be provided with your confirmation letter when you register for a computer-based exam. You may access the explanation of navigational features now by selecting from the choices below.
Learn More About Your Options
Once you have decided which exam method you prefer, be sure you read the appropriate handbook for more detailed information about the requirements for each testing method.
Application Handbooks
Studying
Do not assume this exam is a given. Many people do not pass on the first attempt. You will need study to successfully pass this exam. Plenty of study material is available. The Arborists’ Certification Study Guide is intended to serve as a recommended program of study. Each chapter in the study guide lists additional references that should be considered for review, such as Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines (Harris, Clark, and Matheny); Tree Maintenance (Pirone); New Tree Biology (Shigo); the AS4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees; Horticopia Arborist Edition; and Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers Edition II.
Note: The Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, published by ISA, should NOT be considered the sole source of information for the certification examination.
The ISA Certification Guide is available from the Arboriculture Australia online Shop along with many other publications.
Submitting Your Application
You may complete and submit your application online or you may print and submit it by FAX or mail. Please be sure to include all required fees and supporting documents at the time of submittal to ensure that your application can be processed in a timely manner. Examples of supporting documents include reference letters and verification of First Aid, CPR, Aerial Rescue or Tree Worker Skills Exam Waiver Form.
Online Applications
Attainment of Certification
If you achieve the overall passing score of 72%, you will receive the designation of ISA Certified Arborist and will be sent a certificate, an ID card, an advertising logo sheet, a hard-hat decal, and a patch, along with other important information to help you maintain your certification.
When you receive your results, please remember that the domains are weighted and the average of the ten domains WILL NOT be equal to the overall score.
If you do NOT achieve an overall passing score, you must retake the entire exam. You will be allowed to retake the exam one time for free within one year. If you do not show up for the scheduled retake exam, you will forfeit your free retake. After that, each time you retake for up to one year, there will be a charge of $75 USD. If you do not attain certification within one year from the original test date, you will be required to pay the full amount. A $100 administrative fee applies each time you take a computer based exam.
“Prices subject to change without notice.”
Denial and Revocation of Certification
Certification will be denied or revoked for any of the following reasons:
• falsification of application • violation of testing procedures
• misrepresentation • failure to pass the examination
Denials or revocations of certification may be appealed to the Certification Board in writing
Applying for Your Examination
Examination Eligibility Requirement
The ISA Certification Board requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of full-time experience in arboriculture. Acceptable experience includes the practical use of knowledge involved in pruning, fertilization, installation and establishment, diagnosis and treatment of tree problems, cabling and bracing, climbing, or other services that directly relate to arboriculture.
Examples of experience sources include, but are not limited to,
• tree care companies • utility personnel
• nursery personnel • instructors of arboriculture/horticulture
• landscape personnel • horticultural/extension advisors
• council arborists • consulting arborists • state forestry personnel • pest control advisors/applicators
The eligibility requirement also may be satisfied with a two-year degree in arboriculture and two years of practical experience or a four-year degree in a related field and one year of practical experience.
If you are self-employed or own your own company, you will be required to submit three letters of references with your application. References may be in the form of copies of invoices, contracts and/or business license.
Please contact ISA for other possible forms of verification.
By submitting your application, you authorize ISA certification staff to contact the practical experience reference named on your application to substantiate your eligibility.
The ISA Certification Program does not discriminate in determining eligibility on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Recertification
The ISA Certified Arborist designation is valid for three (3) years. To maintain the certification, you must have accumulated the necessary 30 continuing education units (CEUs) by the end of that three-year period and pay the recertification fee. Your signed ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics and Certification Agreement and Release Authorization must be on file in the ISA office prior to your recertification fee being accepted. Additionally, a condition of recertification is to report any unethical conduct as it relates to the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics (See Agreement enclosed for more information).
Renewal dates always occur on June 30 or December 31, depending on the date you took your exam.
You will be notified via mail one month before it is time to renew your certification. If you have an address change, please let us know to insure you receive your notice.
If you do not achieve the necessary number of CEUs and make your recertification payment, you will be required to retake the examination. You will need to pay the full fees required to take the examination.
You are responsible for keeping records of all CEUs sent to ISA. Please know that processing of CEUs takes 4-6 weeks once received in our office. Failing to complete the recertification requirements will result in becoming decertified. If this happens you will be required to retake the examination.
Test Dates and Application Deadlines
Certification exams are offered at Arboriculture Australia™ annual conference.
For more information on location and dates of certification exams in your area, contact either your local ISA chapter or the ISA Certification Department. Exam dates also can be found in the ARBORIST NEWS, or by visiting the ISA Website (http://www.isa-arbor.com).
Applications and correct payment must be received in the ISA office no later than twelve (12) working days before a scheduled exam if you are taking a chapter sponsored examination.
No exceptions.
Chapter Sponsored Exams (OPTION #1)
Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities
All test sites are accessible to all examinees. However, some individuals with disabilities may need special accommodations, such as extra time or assistance with writing or reading.
Oral exams are available by request via computer based testing only. If you need such arrangements, please contact ISA before submitting your application.
You will be informed how to proceed with your application submission. Arrangements, if approved, will be provided at no additional charge.
Certification Exam Fee
- ISA and Chapter ISA Chapter Member - $150 USD
- ISA Member Only - $250 USD
- Chapter Member Only - $250 USD
- Non-member - $250 USD
To be eligible for the discount rate, you MUST be a current member of ISA AND a current member of an ISA chapter.
Please note: ISA certification fees are separate and distinct from ISA and ISA chapter dues. Please Note Fees are in US currency and exchange rates will vary
“Prices subject to change without notice.”
After Applying For The Examination
After your application is received in the ISA office, you will receive a confirmation letter with the date and time of the exam, directions to the exam site, and the name of the appropriate contact person.
If there is a problem with the application and/or fees, ISA certification staff will contact you. If the problem is NOT corrected, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
If circumstances change after you have applied for the examination, you must request in writing to have your exam rescheduled. If your request does not reach ISA headquarters before the exam deadline date, you will be considered a no-show. If the scheduled date was to be your free retake, it will be forfeited.
Send your written request to the ISA certification staff before the 12-working-day deadline.
Rescheduling an Examination
If you need to reschedule your exam for any reason you may contact the ISA Certification Department.
A fee of $50 USD applies for each reschedule.
Certification Renewal
ISA Arborist Certification is valid for three years. To retain certification after each three-year period, Certified Arborists must recertify. The ISA Certification Program offers two methods of recertification.
The first method is to retake and re-pass the certification exam. The second option is to accumulate at least 30 continuing education units (CEUs) over the three-year period and pay the recertification fee.
You will receive a more detailed explanation of CEUs when you receive your certification packet. You may also call the ISA certification staff if you need further clarification. If you have an address change it is your responsibility to contact ISA so your account will be updated.
You have the option of checking your CEUs on-line via the ISA website. To obtain a username,
password and access to your CEU report please email us at cert@isa-arbor.com.
Applications and proper payment must be received in the ISA office no later than 12 (twelve) working days before a scheduled exam.
No exceptions.
Recertification Fee
- ISA and Chapter ISA Chapter Member - $100 USD
- ISA Member Only - $200 USD
- Chapter Member Only - $200 USD
- Non-member - $200 USD
Computer Based Testing (Option #2)
VIA PEARSON VUE TESTING CENTER
Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities
All test sites are accessible to all examinees. However, some individuals with disabilities may need special accommodations, such as extra time or assistance with writing or reading. Oral exams are available by request. If you need such arrangements, please contact ISA before submitting your application. You will be informed how to proceed with your application submission. Arrangements, if approved, will be provided at no additional charge. Each time you take a computer based exam there will be a $100 administration fee. There will be no exceptions for this fee.
Computer based exam Fees
- ISA and Chapter ISA Chapter Member - $150 USD + 100 USD = 250 USD (Total cost )
- ISA Member Only - $250 USD+ 100 USD= 350 USD (Total cost )
- Chapter Member Only - $250 USD+ 100 USD= 350 USD (Total cost )
- Non-member - $250 USD+ 100 USD= 350 USD (Total cost )
After Applying For The Examination
After your application is received and approved, you will be emailed a confirmation letter with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and location. You will only have 90 days from the date of your confirmation letter to schedule and take your exam.
If there is a problem with the application and/or fees, ISA certification staff will contact you. If the problem is NOT corrected, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
Rescheduling Exams
If you need to reschedule your exam, you may do so anytime up to 7pm CST, 1 business day prior to your scheduled exam date via the Pearson Vue website or by calling 888.711.9958. Call center hours are 7am – 7pm CST, Monday-Friday. If you need to reschedule your exam over the weekend, you may do so via the Pearson Vue website http://www.pearsonvue.com/isa/.
If you do not reschedule your appointment within the required timeframe, and you do not show up to take the exam at your scheduled time and location, you will be considered a no show. This may result in losing your one free retake or forfeiting your exam fees. If this happens, you will have to resubmit your application along with the required retake fees and administrative fee of $100.
You will only have one year from the first scheduled exam date to retake the exam at the retake fee of $75 along with the administrative fee. Once you have exceeded the one year, you will be required to pay the full exam fee again along with the $100 administrative fee.
Refunds
ISA does not provide refunds for certification exam fees (including administrative fees), nor do we permit the transfer of exam fees to other individuals.
No Exceptions.
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