Certification is how the tree care industry demonstrates competence to the people who hire it, and it is worth being clear about who does what. The International Society of Arboriculture issues and administers the credentials. KAA prepares Kentucky arborists to earn them, and provides the continuing education needed to keep them.
The ISA credentials
ISA offers six professional certifications, designed so arborists in different areas and at different levels of expertise can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the industry:
- Certified Arborist
- Board Certified Master Arborist
- Tree Worker Climber Specialist
- Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist
- Utility Specialist
- Municipal Specialist
Each has its own qualification and testing requirements. ISA publishes the detail and the applications: which credential is right for you.
Why a credential is worth having
Earning a credential shows a level of knowledge and a commitment to the profession. It is a tool you can use to separate yourself from the competition, in your business or in a job search. ISA sets out the case in full under the power of credentials.
- Informed choices. Your credential lets the public and government officials make decisions based on demonstrated knowledge and advanced training.
- Professional development. Earning and maintaining a credential keeps your development going.
- Employer confidence. Employers use credentials both to train existing staff and to select new employees.
- Career advancement. Holding an ISA credential can lead to higher income and open new opportunities.
- Competitive edge. Credentials distinguish you from the competition.
- Winning contracts. Where several bids are placed for the same job, credentials can be the deciding factor.
Becoming a credential holder, or re-certifying
- Create a MyISA account at isa-arbor.com if you do not already have one.
- Log in to your MyISA account.
- On the left-hand side, select ISA Credentialing. This opens the credentialing system.
- Select the credential that fits you and choose Apply Now.
- Once ISA approves your application by email, you will have access to testing locations.
Please keep your name, email address, phone number and mailing address up to date in your MyISA account. That is the primary way ISA communicates with credential holders.
For questions or problems with an application, contact ISA customer service at isa@isa-arbor.com.
Maintaining your certification
To keep an ISA credential you must either earn continuing education units or re-test. The specific requirements are published by ISA under maintaining credentials. Every KAA event that carries CEUs says so on its own page, along with which credentials the credit applies to.
Preparing for the exam
ISA publishes multi-practice exam courses. Each provides a timed 200-question multiple-choice practice exam similar to the real thing, plus a preparation guide with study tips and information about the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Five practice exams are available, each carrying 10 CEUs, and a purchase gives three years of access with unlimited attempts.
ISA online learning center and practice exams
Code of ethics
Every ISA Certified Arborist applicant must confirm they have read and agree to follow the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics: ISA ethics and integrity.
Questions about ISA certification
Laura Lyon is the Kentucky ISA Certification Liaison. For questions about ISA certification in Kentucky, contact her at laurajoy2003@yahoo.com.