Question for the Arborists

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Brendon Phillips

Brendon Phillips

Chief Wood Chucker
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How would recommend studying for the exam? A course or get the books and learn it myself? Or something else?

This is something I want and need to do. I have the experience in the field, but I find my knowledge of trees leaves something to be desired. Especially after being on this forum and seeing how much the veterans here know about their field. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.
 
I paid to have an employee take the ISA study course and it was very worthwhile he said. It is just the entry level of knowledge but the basis for future learning. You have to learn and get ceu's to stay certed every 3 years.

Here's a little tip I developed early...xylem has the "i" sound...it is on the inside of the vascular system (i) and it takes water and nutrients hIgh (again the "i" sound).

Phloem is on the Outside (o sound) of the vascular system and it takes photosynthate down or lower (the o sound).

Good basis for a start.

Too bad you cannot study personally with Alex Shigo anymore as he has passed but he was a genius and the best teacher ever imo. I followed him around the country from when I met him in 1980 to when he passed away as my wife worked for Delta Airlines and I could fly for free. Plenty of his books and vids around tho.
 
Do all the questions and extra study and you will ace every domain. Areas you don't feel comfortable with re-read and do the questions until you have them memorized. It really is cake though, I'd like to see them stiffen it up a bit or at least offer a certification between CA and BCMA that's cost effective.
 
Everything they said. Passing the test is one thing. Don't stop there. The CA is great, but is has been diluted by those who study enough to pass, but did not retain any knowledge nor practice the code of ethics after they get it. To really up your game, read all that u can. Get all the books you can get your hands on. Read Shigo, Harris, Dirr, Stearn etc. Don't buy them and flip thru them, READ THEM, UNDERSTAND THEM. It will complete change the way you prune. Once you really understand how a tree works, everything is easy. You can get books on Amazon really cheap and they are always in great condition.
 
treevet said:
I paid to have an employee take the ISA study course and it was very worthwhile he said. It is just the entry level of knowledge but the basis for future learning. You have to learn and get ceu's to stay certed every 3 years.

Here's a little tip I developed early...xylem has the "i" sound...it is on the inside of the vascular system (i) and it takes water and nutrients hIgh (again the "i" sound).

Phloem is on the Outside (o sound) of the vascular system and it takes photosynthate down or lower (the o sound).

Good basis for a start.

Too bad you cannot study personally with Alex Shigo anymore as he has passed but he was a genius and the best teacher ever imo. I followed him around the country from when I met him in 1980 to when he passed away as my wife worked for Delta Airlines and I could fly for free. Plenty of his books and vids around tho.
Click to expand...

Xylem/phloem - That is probably the hardest part of the initial testing.
 

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