ISA certified arborist embarrassingly easy.

[no tree to big]

There is no specific tree ID they simply ask about leaf shape and if it's serrated or not..... hell you don't even need to know the difference between a maple and an oak. If you know leaf carecteristics ur good, they want you to be able to use a flow chart to research species not know by memory

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[Jason Douglas]

Right. The CA exam is not intended to be prohibitively difficult, but it should keep some knuckleheads and those not interested in learning out of the ranks.

More CAs also means that there are more folks having at least some interest in improving themselves and the industry as a whole. Not a bad thing at all really.

More certifications = more $$$ from dues and other purchases. $$$$$$$.

My only significant gripe is that the ISA doesnt seem to push their "expert" certs such as Municipal Specialist and BCMA. If most in the public are unaware, many assume any CA is tree expert and consultant.

 

[Jason Douglas]

hell you don't even need to know the difference between a maple and an oak

This is disappointing and frankly sad.

Has the exam really been dumbed down this much?

 

[no tree to big]

This is disappointing and frankly sad.

Has the exam really been dumbed down this much?

Yes sir! My test had three questions about leaves all of which were about very basic caracteristics. You do not need to know names. There was one question that had the Latin name but it was referencing some tree in Africa or some nonsense so good luck actually knowing that but the multiple choice made it very easy... it was something about a pine and there was only one pinus in the answers so..... guess which one I chose.

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[Zale]

This is disappointing and frankly sad.

Has the exam really been dumbed down this much?

Yes.

 

[Pelorus]

Has the exam really been dumbed down this much?

YES. (I've done the exam 3X in 17 or 18 years)
The industry standard has gone from being a high school to a primary school diploma. Sad.
Took their TRAQ thing last year. It was ok, imo, ($700 cash cow), but I think much of that material should be rolled into the CA certification.

 

[Jason Douglas]

I always come back to adopting a system similiar to that used for folks wanting to be an electrician or plumber or something of that ilk.
Not only levels of training and education but I would like to see certain work performed requiring a level of certification.

 

[CanopyGorilla]

I mean it's nice to say to clients "I'm a certified arborist" but I almost wince knowing how little that means......... I really wish that **** was harder

 

[derwoodii]

down here CA is meaningless no one know about it even in tree trade its a mystery myth.. i did it as involved with ISA if not i'd prolly never would. We have a few far better and harder Arb qualification levels though university and colleges ranging from Cert to Arb science degree and forestry doctorate - masters $1000 to $45000+ but once done there is no ongoing continuing education its up the the person to remain informed, i know of bloke with 1970 qualifications still claiming a currency of knowledge.

 

[802climber]

I always come back to adopting a system similiar to that used for folks wanting to be an electrician or plumber or something of that ilk.
Not only levels of training and education but I would like to see certain work performed requiring a level of certification.

Yup. Hoping for state arborist licensing here.. I found the state pesticide applicator exam to be in an entirely different league than the CA exam...I actually had to retake one section. Any tips on gearing up for the BCMA would be much appreciated.

 

[ATH]

Wow...interesting. Pesticide is a piece of cake here in Ohio.

 

[Jason Douglas]

Wow...interesting. Pesticide is a piece of cake here in Ohio.

Yep. Greenhouse and turf pesticide tests are hardy than the ornamental one.

 

[beastmaster]

I was really disappointed when I took the test 7 years ago. All I did was read the study guide. I had just finished a soil science college course that helped in that part.
I worked for a company that gave me a dollar raise if I was a CA that why I took the test. I always looked up to CA' s intell I became one.
I decided not to spend the money to renew it even thou I had the CEU' s.
I may again take the test because I would like to be a BCMA just to stand out to some of my peers, and use it for advancement in the company I'm working for.
If nothing else IS A has made themself to be a standard in the tree industry. Though we know the truth, municipals, institutions, and what not believe the hype.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Do it! maybe I will see you in August? PTCA seminar?
Jeff

 

[capetrees]

Wow...interesting. Pesticide is a piece of cake here in Ohio.

THATS sad and crazy. A person has a tougher test knowing how to trim a tree as opposed to a tougher test to protect the environment through proper chemical use!

 

[treeseer]

BCMA gets me some very good work in my market from tree owners who do not want trees removed. Cost is $270/3 years, <$.03/day.

 

[Reg]

Here in Victoria, some of the worst arborists Ive ever seen hold ISA certification. They cant climb spurless, they can't prune for ****. Clueless when it comes to idents, whether that be trees or diseases. Without any kind of practical exam, anyone can pass it with the help of the study guide. Not to mention the CEUs provide a sustainable wage on the ISAs part. Nice way to take money off you.

 

[beastmaster]

I have a AS degree from a Jr college in ornamental horticulture. I spent a semester on many of the same things covered in each chapter of the ISA Cert. work book. Yet a ISA Cert. Will get you into a job faster then a AS degree. Go figure.

 

[BigLnasty]

Do they still do 20 plants tree id? i heard had been dropped for me was 20 twigs and leaves of local trees placed on table none to hard but i was in another OZ country state than my own so there was slight variation

I've tested and passed twice. The second time was because of an oversight in paying the re-certification fee, so I had to test again. The first time was a proctored exam and there were 10 tree ID questions with pictures, like you described. The second time, I tested electronically at Pearson VUE. There was no tree ID section for that test and they got rid of the individual domain pass/fail requirement, only requiring an overall passing score.

 

[Jed1124]

Took it today. Very easy. If they worded the questions properly it would even be easier.
I've been a licensed ct arb for 5 years. Our state licensing system is hands down more difficult than the Isa certified arb exam. We have to take a written, then a field id, then a oral in front of a board. Our written is both a supervisory pesticide exam and arborist exam that makes the CA look like kindergarten.
If anything, I am much prouder of my ct licensed arb credential than I was yesterday.