I'm scheduled to take the arborist exam next month and I'm wondering about the tree id section. What does this section consist of? Do you have to identify specific trees(oak, ash) based on branch structure or leaves? Or is this section just based on the chapter in the isa study guide? Thanks
isa certification
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KentuckySawyer
ArboristSite Operative
My exam consisted of 2-3 photographs of the tree. Leaf/twig closeup, maybe the bark, and a good look at the overall tree. They want the species of the tree. Like Little Leaf Linden or Pin Oak. Not just Linden or Oak.
I've heard some test takers actually get physical specimens to look at.
I've heard some test takers actually get physical specimens to look at.
Thanks KS. I'm wondering if the id section is a generic one, or if it based on trees that are indigenous to your area. The only reason I ask is that I'm driving about six hours north to take the test. I'm fairly confident in tree id around here since I've been doing tree work for about 8 years in Jersey. But some trees in upstate NY may throw me. How did you study for this part of the test? Thanks
tophopper
ArboristSite Guru
The ID questions are indigenous to the area of the hosting chapter. Id guess that'd be the NY chapter. When I took the test there were twig samples along with each photo.
Good luck
Good luck
bigskygriz
ArboristSite Lurker
They should send you a list of the trees included on the test
NickfromWI
Addicted to ArboristSite
As you can see, the test type varies by location. I've heard of....
Written descriptions of tree
Photos of tree (various combinations of whole tree, trunk, leaf, and twigs)
Actual twig ends
Some are multiple choice and some are fill in the blank.
Best of Luck!
love
nick
Written descriptions of tree
Photos of tree (various combinations of whole tree, trunk, leaf, and twigs)
Actual twig ends
Some are multiple choice and some are fill in the blank.
Best of Luck!
love
nick
Dadatwins
Addicted to ArboristSite
They should send you an ID list with your paperwork or check out the ISA website and search for a list. My test consisted of 3 pictures per tree, one with leaves, whole tree and close up of twig / bark. Selection was also multiple choice out of 4. Test will be on trees common to the area the test is given. Trees should not be that far off from jersey and NY. Good luck.
rfwoodvt
ArboristSite Operative
ISA definitely should have sent you a tree list.
As for the differences between regions, well, when I was originally going to sit for my test in NY I received a HUGE list of trees, the vast majority of which I had never encountered. When I changed testing locations (New England) the list was much much smaller.
On my NE test we had I think 10 trees to ID and what we had were printouts from Horticopia showing twigs, leaf bark, habit. I don't recall much, if any, in the way of descriptive wording tho.
If I recall properly we then had multiple guess options for each sample.
Good luck! You'll never regret having your cert!
As for the differences between regions, well, when I was originally going to sit for my test in NY I received a HUGE list of trees, the vast majority of which I had never encountered. When I changed testing locations (New England) the list was much much smaller.
On my NE test we had I think 10 trees to ID and what we had were printouts from Horticopia showing twigs, leaf bark, habit. I don't recall much, if any, in the way of descriptive wording tho.
If I recall properly we then had multiple guess options for each sample.
Good luck! You'll never regret having your cert!
NickfromWI
Addicted to ArboristSite
They SHOULDN'T send you a list of the trees before hand. That's the whole point. You are expected to know the trees in your area, not just the ones on the test. You supposedly showing that you know the TREES, NOT that you have the ability to memorize stuff.
Do your clients send you a list of their trees before you come over?
love
nick
Do your clients send you a list of their trees before you come over?
love
nick
Bodean
ArboristSite Member
My ID section had crazy trees on it. All based on dodgy photos. By a miracle I passed. Everyone ID's trees in their own manner. I like to see the bark and one of the growth habit. I'm not crying just adding two cents. What is the ID section like for the Board certified Arborist? I'm interested in accruing the entire alphabet soup. ASCA, ISA BCMA, And also universal master wrecker. Anyone close to Marin or Sonoma that wants to work together? I love learning from others' techniques experience and gaining a greaterr perspective.
I took my test in Reno Nevada. My trees on my ID were like: Dawn Redwood, Eastern Redbud, Some juniper, Crab apple (malus) Honey Locust, Pacific Yew, and some moreit was taken close to two years ago. If you get a chance to see the ID before the bulk of the test, do it. Everyone in my test class waited til the end and since only 2 could approach the ID table at one time, it created a bit of a bottleneck effect with time running out.... Little stressy.
D
I took my test in Reno Nevada. My trees on my ID were like: Dawn Redwood, Eastern Redbud, Some juniper, Crab apple (malus) Honey Locust, Pacific Yew, and some moreit was taken close to two years ago. If you get a chance to see the ID before the bulk of the test, do it. Everyone in my test class waited til the end and since only 2 could approach the ID table at one time, it created a bit of a bottleneck effect with time running out.... Little stressy.
D
No such section in the bcma, no "sections" at all, but most of the 150 questions assume a knowledge of a wide range of species from all over.Bodean said:
With luck I'll have the whole soup bowl full next year; adding ctw in jan, rca in feb and utility asap after that. None of them will be cheap or easy, but the more Certs you have, the fresher your breath will be!
Thanks to all who advocate for trees!
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