We facilitate training for arborists to protect and care for Georgia’s trees.

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ISA CERTIFICATION

Certification by the International Society of Arboriculture is an important goal and achievement in the career of anyone who works in or around trees.

Complete information about certification -- including exam dates, location, and costs -- can be found on the ISA website. For a brief summary, scroll down. 

International Society of Arboriculture certification overview.

Exam

The written exam content is divided into 10 areas of knowledge, and the percentage next to each area below reflects the percentage of questions associated with that area. These are subject to change when a new job task analysis is completed for the exam.

    1. Tree Biology—11%

    2. Tree Identification and Selection—9%

    3. Soil Management—7%

    4. Installation and Establishment—9%

    5. Pruning—14%

    6. Diagnosis and Treatment—9%

    7. Trees and Construction—9%

    8. Tree Risk—11%

    9. Safe Work Practices—15%

    10. Urban Forestry—6%

  • The Study Guide is divided into the following Chapter (domains in parenthesis)

    1. Chapter 1: Tree Biology (5)

    2. Chapter 2: Tree ID (2)

    3. Chapter 3: Soil Science (1,5)

    4. Chapter 4: Water Management (3,7)

    5. Chapter 5: Tree Nutrition and Fertilization (7)

    6. Chapter 6: Tree Selection (2)

    7. Chapter 7: Installation and Establishment (3)

    8. Chapter 8: Pruning (3,6)

    9. Chapter 9: Tree Support and Lightning Protection (9)

    10. Chapter 10: Diagnosis and Plant Disorders (7)

    11. Chapter 11: Plant Health Care (7)

    12. Chapter 12: Tree Assessment and Risk Management (10)

    13. Chapter 13: Trees and Construction (3,9)

    14. Chapter 14: Urban Forestry (8)

    15. Chapter 15: Tree Worker Safety (4)

    16. Chapter 16: Climbing and working in Trees (4)

Dates & Deadlines

Paper Exams: You must enroll & pay within at least 12 business days before the date.

Online Exams: Once you submit your application and gain approval, you may schedule your exam up to 90 days in advance. $125 additional fee.

Study options are below, however the first step is to apply for eligibility (also in Spanish).

The GAA offers review courses combined with a test. Check our upcoming events.

Alternatively, you can order the study guide and look for an upcoming exam. All certification exams are available as computer-based exams. Visit the Pearson VUE site to learn more about testing locations in your area.

The ISA FAQ is also helpful.

Tambíen en Español, Aqui

Also helpful are the application handbooks produced by the ISA.

Qualifications

  • 3 years of experience or a 2-yr degree in a related field + 2 yrs of experience or a 4-yr degree + 1 yr of experience

  • Documentation of work experience is required. A letter of recommendation from a former or current employer is acceptable.

  • Transcripts are required for any educational qualification.

  • If you are self employed, you must have 3 Letters of reference (invoices, contracts, etc.)

Exam Content & Format

3.5 hour exam, 200 questions

You must pass with a 76% or higher. You may retake the exam within 1 year.


Application Process

2 step process: Apply on ISA's website, then enroll for the exam once approved

Cost: $170 for ISA & Chapter members, $280 for ISA non-members

Renewal

Your certification will be valid for 3 years.

To renew, you can retake the exam or accumulate 30 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Cost: $120 for ISA members, $230 for ISA non-members

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