Top 10 Arborist Certifications

Certifications are important for an arborist in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. Arborists who have earned certifications will be more attractive to potential employers as they can show that they have gone through the necessary training and have obtained the qualifications needed to perform their duties safely and effectively. Certified arborists also demonstrate a commitment to their profession, which is highly valued in the job market. Certification can also help arborists stand out from other applicants and provide them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Arborists and to explain how they can help to advance an arborist's career.

What are Arborist Certifications?

Arborist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the care, maintenance, and management of trees. It is offered by organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or other certifying bodies. The certification process includes passing an exam that covers topics such as tree biology, identification, planting techniques, pruning techniques, risk assessment, and tree health assessment.

Having an arborist certification can help ensure that those responsible for caring for trees have the necessary skills and knowledge to do so safely and effectively. Certified arborists are more likely to be knowledgeable about the best practices for maintaining healthy trees and preventing potential hazards due to improper tree care. In addition, they can provide expert advice on how to identify problems with trees and determine appropriate action plans. Having certified arborists on staff may also make it easier for homeowners or businesses to obtain permits when undertaking certain activities involving trees. Additionally, having certified arborists on staff may give property owners peace of mind knowing that their trees are being cared for properly by professionals who understand the science behind proper tree care.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the arborist certification requirements in your area before you begin the process. Many states have different regulations and standards for arborist certification, so it's important to understand what is required in order to obtain your certification.

Related: What does an Arborist do?

Top 10 Arborist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Arborists today.

1. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice arboriculture at a professional level. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in tree care practices.

To become an ISA Certified Arborist, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and pests, hazard assessment, cabling and bracing techniques, lightning protection systems, tree selection for specific sites, urban forestry management principles and best management practices. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical performance assessment.

The written test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering the topics listed above. It takes approximately three hours to complete the written test. The practical performance assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to properly prune a live tree using accepted industry standards. This portion of the exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified as an ISA Certified Arborist, you must first submit an application along with all required documentation including transcripts from any college or university courses taken related to arboriculture or horticulture; proof of experience in arboriculture; proof of current membership in ISA; and payment for the certification fee. Once your application is approved by ISA staff you will be eligible to register for the exam.

The cost for becoming an ISA Certified Arborist is $425 USD for members ($475 USD for non-members). This fee includes the cost of both the written test and practical performance assessment.

2. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Arborist

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Arborist is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the tree care industry. It is designed to ensure that arborists are knowledgeable and competent in their field, and it is a voluntary certification that requires successful completion of an exam.

In order to become a TCIA Certified Arborist, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time professional experience in the tree care industry, completing 24 hours of approved continuing education courses within the past five years, and passing a comprehensive written exam. The exam consists of 150 questions covering topics such as plant identification, pruning techniques, safety procedures, and pest management.

The cost for the TCIA Certified Arborist program varies depending on the type of membership you choose. For non-members, there is an application fee of $225 plus a $150 testing fee; for members, there is only a $150 testing fee. The entire process typically takes about two months from start to finish.

Once certified, arborists can use their credentials to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality workmanship in the tree care industry. They may also be eligible for discounts on liability insurance premiums or other benefits offered by TCIA member companies.

3. American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist

American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of arboriculture. This certification is designed to provide recognition to those who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field and are committed to providing quality consulting services.

In order to become an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, applicants must meet certain criteria, including: having at least five years of experience as an arborist or related profession; completing at least 20 hours of continuing education or training within the past three years; and passing a comprehensive written exam. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to professional ethics and standards by agreeing to abide by the ASCA Code of Ethics.

The process for becoming an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist typically takes several months, depending on how quickly all requirements are met. The application fee is $200, which includes the cost of the exam and other associated fees. Once certified, there is an annual renewal fee of $100.

4. Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a professional qualification program developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). It is designed to help arborists and other tree care professionals identify, assess, and manage tree risk. The TRAQ program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam.

The online course can be completed in approximately 8-10 hours. It covers topics such as tree biology, identification of hazardous trees, risk assessment methods, and management strategies. After completing the online course, participants must pass a written exam at an ISA-approved testing center to receive their TRAQ certification.

The cost of the TRAQ program varies depending on the country where you take it. In the United States, it costs $400 for both the online course and written exam.

To get your TRAQ certification, you must first complete the online course and pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. You must also have at least three years of experience working with trees or have completed an approved arboriculture training program within the last five years. After passing the exam and meeting all requirements, you will receive your official TRAQ certificate from ISA.

5. Utility Arborist Certification Program (UACP)

The Utility Arborist Certification Program (UACP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of utility arborists. It is offered through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The program is designed to help ensure that utility arborists have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform their duties in the field.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, tree identification, pruning techniques, tree biology, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and practical demonstrations. Applicants must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain their certification.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the region where you live; however, it typically ranges from $150-$400 USD. It usually takes four to six weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam.

In order to be eligible for this certification program, applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in utility arboriculture or a related field such as urban forestry or landscape architecture. Additionally, they must provide proof of completion of an approved training program or coursework from an accredited college or university in arboriculture or a related field.

6. International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certified Arborist

The International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certified Arborist is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, experience and skill of arborists in the field of urban forestry. It is designed to promote safety, professionalism and competency among arborists in their work.

To become a certified IMSA Arborist, an applicant must have at least five years of documented experience in the field of urban forestry. This experience must include tree assessment, tree pruning, tree removal and other related activities. The applicant must also pass a series of written examinations administered by IMSA.

The certification process takes about three months from start to finish and costs approximately $400 USD for the application fee plus exam fees. The application fee covers the cost of processing your application, as well as any necessary background checks. Exam fees vary depending on which exams you take and how many you take at once.

After passing all necessary exams, applicants will receive their official IMSA Certified Arborist certificate within two weeks. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed upon completion of continuing education credits or by retaking any required exams that have expired or been updated since the initial certification was granted.

7. American National Standards Institute (ANSI A300) Pruning Standard

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Pruning Standard is a set of guidelines for pruning trees and shrubs. It provides guidance on how to properly prune trees and shrubs to maintain their health, structure, and aesthetics. The ANSI A300 Pruning Standard was developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which is an organization that promotes the safe and proper care of trees.

The ANSI A300 Pruning Standard covers topics such as tree species selection, pruning techniques, safety considerations, and more. It also includes illustrations to help you understand the concepts better. The standard is designed to be used by both professional arborists and homeowners alike.

It typically takes about two weeks to get the ANSI A300 Pruning Standard after ordering it from TCIA's website or through other means. The cost of the standard depends on whether you purchase a digital or hard copy version; digital versions are usually cheaper than hard copies. Additionally, some organizations may offer discounts for members who purchase multiple copies of the standard.

In order to get the ANSI A300 Pruning Standard, you can either purchase it directly from TCIA's website or contact your local arborist association or tree care company for more information on where to buy it.

8. International Society of Aboriculture’s Utility Specialist Qualification

The International Society of Arboriculture’s Utility Specialist Qualification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively manage trees in and around utility lines. This qualification is intended for those who are responsible for managing trees in areas where utility lines are present, such as electric, gas, water, sewer, telecommunications, and other utilities.

To become a Utility Specialist, applicants must complete a two-day course that covers topics such as safety considerations when working near utility lines; tree biology; pruning techniques; hazard tree assessment; tree risk assessment; best management practices for utility line clearance; and more. The course is offered at various locations throughout the year by approved ISA instructors.

The cost of the two-day course varies depending on the location, but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an ISA Utility Specialist Qualification certificate that is valid for five years.

To maintain their qualification status after five years, participants must complete 8 hours of continuing education credits (CECs) every 5 years or retake the two-day course. CECs can be earned through attending seminars or workshops related to arboriculture or by completing online courses offered by ISA or other approved providers.

9. ISA Board Certified Master Arborist

The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist is a professional certification offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). It is the highest level of arboricultural certification available and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and continuing education in the field of arboriculture.

In order to become an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, individuals must first become certified as an ISA Certified Arborist. This requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as tree biology, identification, pruning, fertilization, pest management, safety and more. Once this certification has been achieved, individuals can then begin the process of applying for the Master Arborist Certification.

The application process includes submitting proof of experience in the field (such as work history), providing references from other professionals in the industry, and submitting documentation showing completion of continuing education courses related to arboriculture. Once all requirements have been met, applicants must pass an additional exam that covers advanced topics such as soil science, tree pathology, urban forestry and more.

The entire process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year depending on how quickly applicants are able to complete their requirements.

The cost for becoming an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist varies depending on which courses you take and whether or not you need to purchase study materials or textbooks. In general, however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD to become certified.

10. ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a certification program developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). It is designed to provide arborists with the knowledge and skills needed to assess tree risk and make sound decisions about managing it. The qualification consists of three components: an online self-assessment, a two-day classroom training course, and a field assessment.

The online self-assessment is designed to help participants understand the concepts behind tree risk assessment and prepare for the classroom training. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The two-day classroom training provides participants with an in-depth understanding of tree risk assessment principles, methods, and techniques. During this time, participants will learn how to identify potential hazards associated with trees, assess their likelihood of occurrence and severity of consequences, and develop appropriate management strategies for reducing or mitigating risks.

The field assessment requires participants to apply their knowledge from the classroom training in a real-world setting by conducting onsite assessments of trees and making recommendations for managing any identified risks. This component takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

To obtain the TRAQ certification, participants must successfully complete all three components within one year of starting the program. The cost of obtaining the TRAQ certification is $550 USD ($450 USD for ISA members).

Do You Really Need a Arborist Certificate?

The decision to pursue an arborist certificate depends on your individual goals and needs. If you want to become a professional arborist, then obtaining an arborist certificate is essential. An arborist certificate shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform tree care tasks safely and effectively. It also demonstrates that you understand the principles of proper tree care, including pruning, fertilizing, pest control, tree selection, planting, and maintenance.

For those who are interested in pursuing a career as an arborist but don’t need the certification for their current job or career path, obtaining an arborist certificate can still be beneficial. Having a certification allows you to network with other certified professionals in the field and can open up potential job opportunities in the future. In addition, having an arborist certificate provides credibility when working with customers or clients who may be skeptical of your expertise without one.

Whether or not you decide to pursue an arborist certificate is ultimately up to you and should depend on your individual goals for your career. However, if you are looking for greater job security or a higher salary potential in the field of tree care, then obtaining an arborist certificate could be a wise investment that will pay off down the line.

Related: Arborist Resume Examples

FAQs About Arborist Certifications

1. Q: What is an arborist certification?

A: An arborist certification is a designation that recognizes a professional’s knowledge and experience in the care, management, and maintenance of trees and other woody plants.

2. Q: How do I become an arborist?

A: To become an arborist, you must complete a combination of education, training, and experience requirements as established by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Depending on your level of expertise, you can pursue either an ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist certification.

3. Q: What type of training is required for arborist certification?

A: To become certified, you will need to take part in both classroom-based and field-based training courses that cover topics such as tree identification and biology, pruning techniques, tree risk assessment methods, tree health care practices, etc. You may also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your competency in these areas.

4. Q: How long does it take to become certified?

A: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the level of certification you are pursuing and your current level of experience with trees and other woody plants. It typically takes several months to years to accumulate the necessary education and experience requirements for each level of certification.

5. Q: How often do I need to renew my certification?

A: It is recommended that you renew your certification every three years in order to maintain your credentialing status with the ISA. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits (CECs) so that you stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices related to tree care and management.