ISA Credentials
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST®
The ISA Certified Arborist® designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed.
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere to the Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce. This certification covers a large number of topics giving the candidates flexibility in the arboricultural profession.
When you are an ISA Certified Arborist®, you are recognized by your peers and the public as a tree care professional who has attained a generally-accepted level of knowledge in areas such as tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety, and other subject and practice areas within the tree care profession as identified through periodic job task analyses.
Hiring a Certified Arborist provides tree owners and government decision makers the opportunity to become better informed about proper tree care and their selection of services based on the expertise represented by your credential. Achieving ISA Certification also builds one’s self-image. By studying for and passing the certification exam, you demonstrate a dedication to your own professional development and the advancement of proper tree care practices. The process of becoming ISA Certified and maintaining the designation provides you with personal incentive to continue your arboricultural education and training.
The following are the steps you will want to follow to become an ISA Certified Arborist.
1. Read the ISA Certified Arborist Handbook to ensure that you meet the requirements to sit for the exam ISA CA Handbook.
2. Join ISA International and the Florida Chapter ISA to receive discounts on your study materials, prep courses and testing Become a member. Please note you must be a member of both International and the Florida Chapter ISA to receive discounts on the study guide, prep courses, and the exam.
3. Purchase your ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide Buy ISA CA Study Guide and self-study or attend the Florida Chapter ISA Virtual Certified Arborist Prep Course and purchase your study guide with your registration.
4. Attend the Florida Chapter ISA Certified Arborist Virtual Prep Course.
- This course is offered bi-annually in September and April. If the course is not currently open for registration you can contact the Florida Chapter ISA office and have your name and contact information added to a pre-event waiting list. You will be contacted when the event is open for registration.
- It is a nine-week course that meets twice a week in the evenings for 1.5 hours.
- You will receive instructions and associated timelines at the beginning of the course regarding getting approved to sit for the exam.
- At the conclusion of the course the Florida Chapter ISA hosts an in-person exam.
- If you choose not to attend the in-person exam you can take it virtually at a Pearson View testing center.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®
The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®(BCMA) credential is the highest level of certification offered by ISA. This credential recognizes ISA Certified Arborists® who have reached the pinnacle of their profession. In addition to passing an extensive scenario-based exam, candidates must abide by a Code of Ethics, which ensures quality of work. Fewer than two percent of all ISA Certified Arborists® currently hold this certification.
When you become a BCMA, you are recognized by your peers and the public as having reached the highest level of certification offered by ISA. By studying for and passing the BCMA exam, you demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and dedication to correct arboriculture practices. Hiring a BCMA provides tree owners and government decision makers the opportunity to become better informed about proper tree care and their selection of services based on the expertise represented by your credential. The process of accomplishing and maintaining this designation provides personal incentive to further advance your professional development.
ISA Certified Utility Specialist®
This certification is for current ISA Certified Arborists who already work in utility vegetation management. You will be tested on topics such as electric utility pruning, program management, integrated vegetation management, electrical knowledge, customer relations, and storm response.
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional (formerly called ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®) credential holders are recognized by their peers and the public as tree care professionals who have attained a fundamental level of knowledge in core areas of the arboriculture practice within an urban forest context and management of trees as a community providing societal benefits. Areas of knowledge measured include communication skills, public relations, policy and planning, administration, risk management, and arboricultural practices.
ISA Certified Tree climber®
This certification is for tree workers who specialize in climbing work. To become certified as an ISA Certified Tree Climber® (CTC), you must have the skill and endurance to climb trees, demonstrate strong knowledge of safe work practices, and be able to get the job done off the ground. For this credential, you will be tested in both a classroom setting and a field setting.
When you become a CTC, you are recognized by your peers, employers, and the public as a tree care professional who has attained a generally-accepted level of knowledge in areas such as safety, climbing, rigging, cabling, pruning, removal, and more.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ)
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in a specialized field of arboriculture. When a professional earns the ISA TRAQ credential, they should be recognized by their peers and the public as a tree care professional who has specialized knowledge in tree risk assessment. To earn the qualification, eligible candidates must complete a training course and pass both a comprehensive written assessment and a performance-based assessment.
The program offers tree care professionals the opportunity to learn a standardized, systematic process for assessing tree risk and providing information to tree owners and risk managers when making decisions that will promote the safety of people and property and enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.
Check the Events Calendar to see when the Florida Chapter ISA will be hosting it's next TRAQ class.
