ISA Certification

Since the establishment of the ISA certification program in 1992, almost 50,000 people have earned an ISA credential. The ISA Certification program offers six credentials that take you from the ground to the canopy and anywhere in between.

To be eligible to become an ISA Certified Arborist, generally you need to show you've completed 3 years work experience in arboriculture. 

• ISA considers one year equal to 1,795 hours (so 3 years = 5,385 hours).
• To prove your work experience you'll have a supervisor sign off on your hours – we recommend using ISA Intl's form here.
• Certain educational programs can reduce the amount of work experience required (generally the program should be either: a two year program with a minimum of two courses directly related to arboriculture; or a four year program with a minimum of four courses directly related to arboriculture). You don't need to complete an educational program to be eligible.
• If your work experience was through your own company you can use references such as invoices which describe work you were involved in (contact us for more information).
• See more information on eligibility here (pgs 3-4).

Online Application:

• You'll apply to take the exam by submitting an online application through an ISA International account (you can create an account here – it’s free!)
• The main information required in the application will be proof of work experience (and or education as described above).
• It can take ISA Intl 1-2 weeks to review your application.
• Once approved, you'll have 90 days to write your exam. So make sure you're ready before you apply!
• There is a fee of $280 USD to write the exam. (If you're a member of both ISA Intl and your local ISA Chapter e.g. ISA Ontario, the exam fee is reduced to $170 USD).

Exam:

• ISA Ontario holds classroom-based exams a few times every year. You can see a list of upcoming exam dates & locations here.
• You can also take the exam on a computer at a PearsonVUE testing facility. There is an additional $125 USD fee to take the exam at PearsonVUE. See PearsonVUE facility locations here. (Click the 'find a test center' link partway down the page on the right).

Studying for the Exam

• The main text you'll use to study for the exam is the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide. You can order from ISA Ontario by emailing us. 
• See a breakdown of exam content by chapter on page 3 of the guide here
• See an exam outline here.
• ISA Intl sells a practice exam here.

Once ISA Certified, you'll need to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and renew your credential every 3 years.

More information regarding different types of ISA Certifications can be found on the ISA International website.

We can help! Reach out to us: info@isaontario.com or phone ISA Ontario 888-463-2316. ISA International can be reached at isa@isa-arbor.com or 1-678-367-0981.

Earning an ISA credential is a voluntary activity, but it demonstrates that you have the proper knowledge and skills, as well as a high level of dedication to your profession and your community.

The tree care profession has experienced rapid growth over the past fifteen years, and there is a significant amount of knowledge required to perform at the highest level. ISA credentials help consumers identify qualified, knowledgeable tree care professionals. In addition, Ontario municipalities are recognizing the value in hiring ISA certified professionals, and asking for those credentials specifically on tendered contracts.

ISA Certified Arborists understand the importance of continuing education and how it helps to make the world a better place, one tree at a time.

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in the specialized field of tree risk assessment. TRAQ consists of a two-day educational course followed by a half-day of assessments that include both written and performance-based components. Generally you would become ISA Certified first, then earn your TRAQ.

See more details here on TRAQ.