Becoming a Certified Arborist

[Volandtitanfan]

Hello
I am new to this site. This is my first post. My family has been in the tree business for over 60 years. I have recently taken over my grandfathers residential tree service. I am wanting to do this the right way in everything I do. I am very interested in becoming a certified Arborist and really don't know where to start. Questions:
Where do I get study material? Who administers the exams? What are some of the benefits other than being more educated on trees,soil etc.. Any info is much appreciated.

 

[thepheniox]

Google ISA and find the chapter in your area. There you should find a contact number from your region or call ISA head office and they will help you with all your questions.

 

[Iustinian]

the ISA study guide is available from several companies that sell tree gear. Sherill Tree has them.

they recently started offering online testing, but it is still "proctored" at a testing facility. Contact the ISA, and find the nearest test site. When you find and contact your nearest test facility, ask them for the list of trees for the identification portion of the test. You will be required to ID the trees on that list, so be prepared.

Also, if you have local companies doing line clearance in your area, often the local chapter of the IBEW (electrical workers' union) have study groups for ISA testing. You should ask if you can attend. In this area, they are usually pretty cool about letting other people attend.

Once you obtain the certification, you are required to complete continuin education credits to maintain it. Can be a pain sometimes, but its worthwhile and required, so keep them up.

Fees are posted on the site, initial test is like $250 I think, and I believe its $100 everytime you re-take if you fail. Good luck.

 

[Volandtitanfan]

Thank you both. This info is very helpful.

 

[Kurtis Long]

I have a few questions about getting certified also. I work for a advertizing company that deals with tree removal a lot. All sizes. Big and small. Sometimes just trimmig. Not quite everyday, but close. We also have to get trees removed all the time on state property and we are required by the state to get a CA to do this ( atleast in our state). So I looked into becoming a CA and seen that is says you need 3 years experience before you can take the test. It seemed kinda vague about what kind of experience you actually need. Do you think this would pass for experience?

 

[Bomber]

I have a few questions about getting certified also. I work for a advertizing company that deals with tree removal a lot. All sizes. Big and small. Sometimes just trimmig. Not quite everyday, but close. We also have to get trees removed all the time on state property and we are required by the state to get a CA to do this ( atleast in our state). So I looked into becoming a CA and seen that is says you need 3 years experience before you can take the test. It seemed kinda vague about what kind of experience you actually need. Do you think this would pass for experience?

I would think the experience requires you to work under a CA for 3 years.

 

[Iustinian]

I disagree.......

I would think the experience requires you to work under a CA for 3 years.

The interpretation is loosely interpreted. I agree with Del on this one. My old employer provided sufficient experience working for him on my application, and he has NEVER been ISA certified.