Content of Certification Examination change?

[gitrdun_climbr]

I'm sitting for the ISA certification exam this month and noticed that sometime between last week and this week the number and weight of the various parts of the exam changed, from 12 parts to 10 parts, as follows:

Previous:

I. Tree Nutrition and Fertilization...............5.5%
II. Identification and Selection..................9.5%
III. Installation and Establishment..............9.0%
IV. Safe Work Practices..........................11.5%
V. Tree Biology......................................13.0%
VI. Pruning............................................12.0%
VII. Tree, Soil and Water Relations..............6.5%
VIII. Diagnosis and Treatment...................11.0%
IX. Trees, People and Ecology....................3.0%
X. Cabling, Bracing and Lightning Protection..4.5%
XI. Construction Preservation.....................7.0%
XII. Tree Risk Assessment..........................7.5%

New:

I. Soil Management...................................9.0%
II. Identification and Selection...................11.0%
III. Installation and Establishment................8.0%
IV. Safe Work Practices............................11.0%
V. Tree Biology........................................11.0%
VI. Pruning..............................................12.0%
VII. Diagnosis and Treatment.......................9.0%
VIII. Urban Forestry...................................7.0%
IX. Tree Protection...................................11.0%
X. Tree Risk Management...........................11.0%

Not sure if the actual content of the exam has changed, I would suspect (and hope) the material is the same and just got combined into the larger parts. Just caught me by surprise is all. Good luck to all taking the test!

 

[treeseer]

From page 30 of the Dec 2006 Arborist News:

'The number of questions and the body of knowledge remain the same."

Every five years the volunteer committee reviews the format. This time they added a focus on Urban Forestry and Risk because those topics are important to the industry and the public.

Getting certified was the best thing I've done in 41 years of tree work.

 

[Dadatwins]

The test is not divided into sections anyway, so any change will only be on the grading end, questions still remain the same. Benefit to this will be if you fail a section, and have to retake that section you will know what you need to study. Good luck on the test.

 

[gitrdun_climbr]

From page 30 of the Dec 2006 Arborist News:

'The number of questions and the body of knowledge remain the same."

Every five years the volunteer committee reviews the format. This time they added a focus on Urban Forestry and Risk because those topics are important to the industry and the public.

Getting certified was the best thing I've done in 41 years of tree work.

Glad to hear there were no major changes...I've been studying 3 hours every day for weeks and also took an arboriculture class at my local community college which used the Arborists' Certification Study Guide for the class text.

Treeseer what kind of doors has certification opened for you?

I know some believe that certification is overrated, cheapened by loose eligibility criteria, expensive, pain to upkeep, etc., but I mainly fell in love with the idea because all this study has forced me to really learn alot about plant health care that I would have never learned just climbing and cutting. Very rare a bid doesn't go through when I can break down the biology behind the homeowners tree issues. It also gave me a jump start into the industry to get me up to speed with alot of professional standards that may have taken me many years and many mistakes to learn otherwise.

As for the exam itself, any last minute advice for test day (in 3 weeks)? Trick questions? I feel prepared but I know to expect a curve ball or two in there.

 

[B.Secord]

Gitrdun,

As a proctor for the Cert. exam, I can not say too much in regards to the test questions except read each question throughly, if you still are confused, ask the proctor or the assistant for clarification. You will probably be told not to read too much into the question, and pick the best answer.

At the commencement of the exam you will be given instructions on how best to complete the exam, go thorough the entire exam and answer the questions you are sure of, then go through again and use the process of elimination to best answer the question, and on the final got through, you will possibly just have to trust your gut.

You ask what doors certification will open for you, well, you will probably be looked at by prospective clients as a person who has taken the initiative to study to prove that you know what you are talking about. You will find that a lot of contracts that are out there require that you are at least a certified arborist to bid. Secondly when you combine the knowledge of trees, with the ability to climb well, they are getting a well rounded arborist. Unless the only thing you plan on doing is removals for the rest of your life, being a good climber is only that. If you can assist the tree owner in making a decision that is good for the tree, good for the owner and good for you, everyone wins. It is not my intention to criticize climbers, but it is what they do in the tree that makes them arborists.

The thing that you mention about the hassle about obtaining the CEUs to re-certify could be considered a valid point, however it isn't that difficult to do.
I personally live about 250 mile from the closest conference, and I do attend when time and resources allow, I also get the "Arborist News", in which has a section which you can read, do an on-line test and recieve more than half the CEUs that are required to re-certify. I even did the one about the Palm trees, even though the closest palm is about 1800 miles away. One other thing about the CEU hunt is that it keeps you thinking about what you have done in the past and what you may do in the future, who knows, it may even help you prevent an accident that may kill or maim you. I have always been a "glass half full" person, so every day on Arborist Site I read the injury & fatalities forum to see who did what and how, in order to prevent myself and my family any undo stress from a misadventure.

 

[B.Secord]

I must apologize for getting off the topic, I spoke with Derrick at the ISA the other day in regards to the changes. He informed me that at this time the changes are being phased in and the BLACK study guide as well as the referance reading materials, will allow the candidate to pass the exam.

Another note for the people writting the exam is that each person writting is given a sheet to fill out which allows them to criticize a particular question, I encourage people to do just that. Remember though you are there to write the exam, write first and question at the end.

 

[treeseer]

Another note for the people writting the exam is that each person writting is given a sheet to fill out which allows them to criticize a particular question, I encourage people to do just that.

Totally true. ISA is driven by members and volunteers. Speak up and ye shall be heard. I filled two legal pad pages of comments about the questions on the bcma exam. The committee head was very appreciative. Really!

The CEU article in the Feb issue will be fun to read I hope. The questions will not be too hard but maybe just a little tricky here and there.
re tricky questions, writing those things is an art that is hard to master. Look at the October 2006 Arborist News CEU article for example--did those seem tricky? I tried to make them straightforward but semi-challenging. Look at the Feb 2007 CEU piece to see if I did any better. I don't think so.
The study guide worked well for me when I passed it in 1992. It also worked well for a guy recently. True story: Tree fell on car, killing driver. defense lawyer calls nearby certified arborist to investigate and depose. Arborist cut to pieces by plaintiff attorney on several fronts, but at the core of the case the arbo stuck to the facts as presented in the study guide, and prevailed.

I'm not suggesting that CA preps you for expert witness work, but it can put a stop to the need to give a lot of free estimates. I started charging for consultations instead after I got my cert, and now ~85% of my "estimates" are not done on spec, but paid. :jester:

 

[gitrdun_climbr]

great info!

B.Secord,

Thanks for chasing down that info, that makes me feel alot better because I've about wore this 'black' book out...it's sitting in my lap right now and the binding is failing. I guess I do have one specific question that you may or may not be able to answer. My arbo/cert instruction manual said the tree id samples will be digital photos but a friend recently took it with live samples. Which will it be?

treeseer,

Consults as opposed to free estimates...now I like that! I'm sick of people baiting me to do an estimate on a simple removal, then picking my brain clean about every other tree on their entire property. It's a great selling point and I sometimes enjoy solving a good mystery but these people are getting some serious consulting for nada denero.

 

[treeseer]

I'm sick of people baiting me to do an estimate on a simple removal, then picking my brain clean about every other tree on their entire property. these people are getting some serious consulting for nada denero.

It's hard to say no, but trees are worth more every day and a certified arborist's time is worth money too.

Solving their problems on your clock is demeaning, and worse yet, does not allow the time to give the trees the attention they need to increase in value like they should.

 

[B.Secord]

B.Secord,

Thanks for chasing down that info, that makes me feel alot better because I've about wore this 'black' book out...it's sitting in my lap right now and the binding is failing. I guess I do have one specific question that you may or may not be able to answer. My arbo/cert instruction manual said the tree id samples will be digital photos but a friend recently took it with live samples. Which will it be?

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. The tree ID portion of the exam is the one thing that is left to the discretion of the proctor. There will be ten (10) multiple choice questions for this domain. This has always left me in a predicament as a proctor could theoretically make it impossible for anyone to pass. The ISA sends the exam candidate a tree ID package that is about 20 pages in length. Some of these trees grow in the area that you are writting, some don't. I, as a rule, try to put tree species that are indigenous to the chapter in which the exam is being written. This is not to say that the proctor of your exam will be as fair as me :.

As far as what to expect for the sample medium, its a lot like climbing, you use what you have. I have used live samples in the summer, however with Saskatchewan having snow for six months of the year it is sometimes difficult to find trees with leaves on them. The University has some mounts that they have offered to me for use, but our Certification Liason for the Prairie Chapter has assembled a file of about 43 species that I now use. These tree examples have 6 to 7 pictures of each specific tree and show the following: leaves, seeds, bark (mature/immature), branch arrangement, and overall form. The way in which the tree choices are selected usually separates the good ID people from the ones that need some more time.

Historically, not many people need a re-write on the tree ID, You would probably be suprised at which domains people do poorly on. The Pacific North-West put together an article for the "Arborist News" a couple of years ago, that set out to explain the best way in which to study and write the Cert. exam. I believe it might be possible to find that article on-line. Good luck to you.

 

[Thetreewisemen]

I'm doing CEU re-certification articles as we speak. Only need another 9.5 points and I'm good for another 3 years..... Some questions are easy, some you have to read a few times!! I suppose it depends on your arboricultural background; climber or PHC tech? text book tree guy or ex-climber turned ISA certified arborist? I know a few ISA cert. arborists who have never climbed a tree professionally in their lives, yet I also know some great climbers who know nothing about GDDs, PHC or IPM etc.(that WAS me!!) I've been in trees 20 years and am constantly learning new stuff, whether it be from others in the industry, seminars etc. or reading ISA publications and the like. The more we know as professionals, the better it is for EVERYONE.......including the trees!
The difference between 'consultancy' and a 'free estimate' in my book? Depends on how cute the client is! LOL. Or more to the point, how long I'm on a client's property for. I tell them from the offset, usually on the phone when we first speak. Sometimes I'll charge for a 'climbing inspection', cavities, infested limbs, etc. Some people are very suprised when I go to leave and they enquire as to how much they owe me, and I say no charge. Some people get bent out of shape when you send them a bill for the countless hours (we ALL have those clients) of time you spent on their property though! I was at the doctors the other day, and as soon as he learnt that I was an arborist the questions came flying thick and fast. When I said that I was charging him for my answers, he seemed a little peeved. Come, come Dr. I said, I'm sure all the consultancy on the broken bone chip in my elbow isn't for free! Made him smile...........and shut up!! Anyway he took one of my cards, still waiting for him to call............

 

[treeseer]

I'm doing CEU re-certification articles as we speak. Only need another 9.5 points and I'm good for another 3 years.....
The difference between 'consultancy' and a 'free estimate' in my book? Depends on how cute the client is!

are you using the Compendium or the magazine?

Yes we all have a sliding scale. I still catch myself subconsciously applying a CSW (Cute Single Woman) discount.

 

[Thetreewisemen]

I bought the 7 set CEU compendia, easy to rattle off the tests and great for sticking under a client's nose to explain stuff. Gotta go, my little one has just woken up........

 

[gitrdun_climbr]

I Passed!!!

I scored an overall 88%, I'm certified!!! Breaks down as follows:

Tree Risk Management 100%, Safe Work Practices 95%, Urban Forestry 92%, Pruning 91%, Protection and Preservation 90%, Tree Biology 86%, Soil Management 83%, ID/Selection 81%, Installation and Establishment 81%, Diagnosis and Treatment 77%.

Thanks for everyone's input and information!

 

[Sunrise Guy]

B.Secord,

Thanks for chasing down that info, that makes me feel alot better because I've about wore this 'black' book out...it's sitting in my lap right now and the binding is failing. I guess I do have one specific question that you may or may not be able to answer. My arbo/cert instruction manual said the tree id samples will be digital photos but a friend recently took it with live samples. Which will it be?

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. The tree ID portion of the exam is the one thing that is left to the discretion of the proctor. There will be ten (10) multiple choice questions for this domain. This has always left me in a predicament as a proctor could theoretically make it impossible for anyone to pass. The ISA sends the exam candidate a tree ID package that is about 20 pages in length. Some of these trees grow in the area that you are writting, some don't. I, as a rule, try to put tree species that are indigenous to the chapter in which the exam is being written. This is not to say that the proctor of your exam will be as fair as me :.

As far as what to expect for the sample medium, its a lot like climbing, you use what you have. I have used live samples in the summer, however with Saskatchewan having snow for six months of the year it is sometimes difficult to find trees with leaves on them. The University has some mounts that they have offered to me for use, but our Certification Liason for the Prairie Chapter has assembled a file of about 43 species that I now use. These tree examples have 6 to 7 pictures of each specific tree and show the following: leaves, seeds, bark (mature/immature), branch arrangement, and overall form. The way in which the tree choices are selected usually separates the good ID people from the ones that need some more time.

Historically, not many people need a re-write on the tree ID, You would probably be suprised at which domains people do poorly on. The Pacific North-West put together an article for the "Arborist News" a couple of years ago, that set out to explain the best way in which to study and write the Cert. exam. I believe it might be possible to find that article on-line. Good luck to you.

Hmmm----When I called ISA prior to taking (and passing) the CA exam, I was told that the ID section is now uniform: All candidates are shown laminated cards sent from National with key features of a given tree (chosen from the list of local trees each candidate is sent) and then a multiple choice question to ID it. This is how it was for me, and if the test is to be fair and uniform wherever it is given, this is how it should remain. Live samples may be easier to ID for some, but in other cases actually might be tougher, where a candidate has studied only photos off the internet, as an example. Also, winter samples of bare twigs can throw even a seasoned arborist, at times.

Standardization of procedure, as it applies to testing, is necessary if everyone is going to have the same chance of passing a given test. To leave the ID samples to the discretion of the proctor is not good testing practice. This I brought up to ISA, and was then told that only laminated sheets are now being used. Where do you proctor?

 

[treevet]

I certified the 1st time it was available in my area at Oh State. Must have been about 15 years ago ( I m not good w time). I did then and still do now consider it a basic level of knowledge. I had been studying books and trade mags for years and did not cram for the exam. What I am saying is if you have been diligent for years it should come relativelyeasy to you. If however you never cared about anything but knocking them down and cleaning them up and are just starting to "care" it is going to take a monumental effort (well worth it tho) for you to pass it the 1st time. Congratulations Gitrdun!

 

[treeseer]

[ only laminated sheets are now being used. Where do you proctor?

the change is being made to all chapters. The members spoke and ISA listened--keep speaking!

Gitrdun, nice owrk, and welcome to the club!