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What is a "Certified Arborist"
The Certified Arborist credential identifies
professional arborists who have a minimum of three years'
full-time experience working in the professional tree care
industry and who have passed an extensive examination covering all
facets of arboriculture. The Western Chapter of the International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA) started the certification program
in the 1980s. As the program rapidly proved its worth, it was
taken over and expanded by the parent ISA organization. More
recently, the ISA added specialty certifications of Utility
Specialist, for those maintaining vegetation around electric
utility wires, Municipal Specialist, for those with additional
experience managing public urban trees, and the Board Certified
Master Arborist, for those with extensive knowledge that comes
with higher levels of education and experience.
The Certified Arborist examination has 200
questions on:
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tree biology
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tree identification and selection
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tree-soil-water relations
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tree nutrition and fertilization
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tree planting and establishment
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pruning concepts and techniques
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cabling, bracing and lighting protection
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problem diagnosis and management
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tree preservation on construction sites
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climbing and safe work practices
Certification is valid for three years, during
which time the arborist must complete 30 continuing eductaion
units (CEUs) in order to recertify. Certified Arborists earn CEUs
by attending seminars, studying in college courses, or completing
study in ISA published magazines and books. A study guide outlines
the basic knowledge tested on the exam.
The arborist certification program has
successfully improved the professional by setting minimum
standards or achievement, incentives for continuing education and
an improved image from both the arborist's and the general
public's point of view. The language used in arboriculture has
become more scientific and educated, and less dependent on vague
and ambiguous words like lacing and rounding over.
The more descriptive language Certified Arborists use gives
purchasers of tree service a high degree of assurance that their
trees will not be damaged or mutilated, and that both they and the
arborist understand the effects of a particular treatment. |
