Certified Tree Worker

[Nickrosis]

So...I'm taking the Certified Tree Worker exam this summer in Pittsburgh at the ISA Conference....

The test won't be offered in Wisconsin for some time apparently because of low interest and the work required to hold a test session. It's an important test, though, because it has the skills test portion unlike the Certified Arborist exam. I'd also like the raise I would get from the additional certification...

One surprising element is the EHAP/Aerial Rescue requirement that must be met to take the test. It seemed to stick out unusually as a requirement.... I completely understand the 1 1/2 years of experience and sort of see the CPR and First Aid requirements, but EHAP and Aerial Rescue? Sure, it's important, but should it be a requirement?

[Rambling mode]
I can foresee the arguments being that even if you never work around wires, you should be well aware of electrical hazards. And for aerial rescue, even though aerial rescue practices are so dangerous (more people dying practicing than actually saved), the reason the practices are dangerous is that speed has historically been the measurement of success. Now, progressive attitudes are that speed is practically a non-issue - the goal should remain getting the person out of the tree safely.
[/Rambling mode]

If you want more information about the test, check out the application at: http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/treeworker.asp

 

[Nathan Wreyford]

Have fun!!

I am a CA and many people recognize that here (plus it is on the front of my helmet).

Then they ask why I took the skills and AR test here.

Simple...the CA exam has no skills portion. Here, they are suprised to hear that about the ISA cert program.

I see a day when a skills test is mandatory in the US. Not soon, but a day. For example, with liability insurance - agent asks for skills cert when you don't have it, it is like a 16 yr old getting liabilty car insurance vs. a 45yr old with a perfect driving record. (not meaning to hijack)

.02

 

[rumination]

Nick, I took the Western Chapter version of the CTW last year (trying to get a raise also). It does not have any electrical hazard component. Otherwise I believe it is the same as the ISA CTW.

Aerial rescue is probably required so that the CTW will be fully ANSI compliant. You know, the whole bit about there shall be another worker who can perform aerial rescue on the job site at all times.

That's an interesting question in itself: How many folks here always work with someone else who can perform aerial rescue? I don't. I'm the only person who can even climb, much less perform aerial rescue. Hope that doesn't bite me in the butt one of these days.

BTW, just got my results for the CA exam. Passed with 90%.

 

[Husky288XP]

It seems that all this cert. stuff is another way for the ISA to make more money.

 

[Nickrosis]

Originally posted by Husky288XP
It seems that all this cert. stuff is another way for the ISA to make more money.

Dues are for that.

 

[jkrueger]

I Love ISA ...!

... and they seem to be a bunch of old macho farts who dance on being IMPORTANT and DO NOT exercise their potential power in the world.

Sorry, this is a love hate relationship with them. And I've found that publicly they are insensitive, and in conversations with members of authority an agreement held silently and full of WISH.

... to love,
Jack

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Re: I Love ISA ...!

Originally posted by jkrueger
... and they seem to be a bunch of old macho farts

But Jack the new head looks to be about half your age, so the times they may be achangin.

I'm gonna check out the ctw, looks doubtful the bd certified master arborist test will be done in time.

 

[jkrueger]

Re: Re: I Love ISA ...!

Originally posted by Guy Meilleur
But Jack the new head looks to be about half your age, so the times they may be achangin.

I'm gonna check out the ctw, looks doubtful the bd certified master arborist test will be done in time.

Hahahah, mabey, climbers who retire to administration positions mentaly age faster.

Jack

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Re: Re: Re: I Love ISA ...!

Originally posted by jkrueger
Hahahah, mabey, climbers who retire to administration positions mentaly age faster.

You are no doubt right; climbing can keep one young in mind and body--no guarantees on the latter.

Nick, thanks for linking; the ctw would force me to learn 2 new knots, polish my knot advancement, be humble, wear a hard hat and glasses, ugggh. Sounds like just the way to push a dinosaur out of the Mesozoic.

Let's dare Ballow; I'll do it if he does.

 

[Nickrosis]

I had to review the tautline myself. J/k.....

Guy, you're not helping the cause if you're not wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Why sir, MB's got you beat!

 

[jkrueger]

the Exam

So, Nick, what day and time are you being tested. (is it for public view?)

I support your doing this,
JK

 

[geofore]

cert?

Should it be required? EHAP/Aerial Rescue? Nick if you're going to be certified you had better be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. The life you save may be your own. It's not about getting the raise, it's about coming home at the end of the day, not in the back of an ambulance to the hospital before days end. If you're going to be working in trees you are going to be around electric lines sooner than later. It's better to know about them than to go on blind luck around them. There is your foreseeable argument. Besides, just think of all the 911 calls you can avoid on your cell phone
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

[Nickrosis]

Re: the Exam

Originally posted by jkrueger
So, Nick, what day and time are you being tested. (is it for public view?)

I support your doing this,
JK

I'd assume it will be held in a public place. Why?.......

From the conference brochure (http://www.isa-arbor.com/conference/resources/2004 Prelim Program.pdf):
Saturday, August 7: 8:00 a.m. ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist Exam
Pre-registration required; contact the ISA Certification Department at (217) 355-9411 for information on application process, fee structure, and exam registration.

Originally posted by geofore
Should it be required? EHAP/Aerial Rescue? Nick if you're going to be certified you had better be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk...It's not about getting the raise...There is your foreseeable argument.

I'm not sure if you support my doing this, but.... My intent for becoming a CTW is for the raise and the piece of paper - I mean, I was no better after passing my CA exam than before just because I passed.

But I do want to take an EHAP course for safety reasons and not for a certificate or raise or anything. I've seen them offered in the state before, but I wasn't able to make it for different reasons. Now I have to get it, and I'll make it a priority.

I figured those were the reasons for the requirement, but my knee-jerk reaction was to question why it was there. Perhaps the ISA Certification office can be more definite...

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Originally posted by Nickrosis
Guy, you're not helping the cause if you're not wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Why sir, MB's got you beat!

Busted!:blush:
I don't suppose my excuse that I wear them when anticipating public scrutiny will not wash, because any time you're up in a tree you may be scrutinized.

Darn old habits, nearly unbreakable. I'll try to do better, o wise one.

I avoid electric lines when contracting, but having been zapped 3 times in my careless days I see the usefulness of EHAP.

 

[tophopper]

CTW exam in MN

Nick there is an upcoming CTW exam this June or July in Mankato MN. im unsure of the date exactly but should know soon. I could check it out for you.

 

[Nickrosis]

Good point - there is:
CHAPTER Minnesota
DATE of EXAM 7/23/2004
CITY/STATE Mankato, MN
APPLICATION DEADLINE 7/7/2004
SEATS AVAILABLE 8

http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/testsTreeWorker.asp

 

[Nickrosis]

Re: Re: the Exam

Originally posted by Nickrosis
I figured those were the reasons for the requirement, but my knee-jerk reaction was to question why it was there. Perhaps the ISA Certification office can be more definite...

And here is the official letter, signed, sealed, and delivered this morning:

Good Morning Nick,

One of the first things you must do when developing any type of certification is to perform a job analysis survey. This survey is made up of a list of task statements that define what an ISA Certified Tree Worker should know or be able to do. These statements are then place on a 1-5 likert scale. With 5 being very important and 1 being not important. The survey was sent to tree company owners as well as climbers. We then tally the survey. Both the owners and climber felt that EHAP and Aerial Rescue were very important.

The next questions is to ask how feasible is it to objectively test these items as skills or knowledge. If it is not feasible then they can be placed as prerequisites. That is what the Panel of Experts who developed this exam chose to do. The panel was composed of top climbers, climbing instructors and company owners.

In terms of what would qualify, certainly the TCIA EHAP program meets the qualifications. Many companies also have their own training program. In this case the owner must sign off that the employee has been trained in aerial rescue and demonstrated the necessary skills. Many chapters are now giving training in these areas. I believe ACRT also gives training in these areas.

I hope that answers your questions. Please feel free to let me know if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

Derek


Derek Vannice
ISA Director of Certification
ph. 217-355-9411 ext. 44
fax 217-355-9516