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The Utility Specialist designation identifies ISA Certified Arborists in good standing who are experienced in working with trees and associated vegetation near utility lines. Utility specialists may work for utility companies, contractors or consultants.
> Please note: this certification does not qualify an arborist to work around energized conductors.
Candidates for the Utility Specialist designation must be ISA Certified Arborists, and have at least 2000 hours of verifiable work experience in utility vegetation management within the past two years and/or one of the following:
- employed full-time as an electric utility arborist/forester/vegetation manager for at least thirty-six cumulative months during the past ten years
- employed full-time in vegetation management on an electric utility project
The ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist Handbook contains more details about the program, including requirements to become certified, how to maintain certification, and an examination application form. Completed applications must be received by the ISA at least twelve business days prior to the examination date. First-time applicants may submit the Certification Application online. More information about becoming certified may be found here.
Recertification
The ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist designation is valid for three years. Six continuing education units (CEUs) pertinent to the specialty must be acquired by the end of the three-year period in addition to the thirty required to maintain Certified Arborist status, for a total of 36 CEUs. A recertification fee must also be paid. Learn more about maintaining certification here.
The ISA Certification Program does not discriminate in determining eligibility on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Certification >> Credentials >> ISA Certification Levels >> Certified Arborist Utility Specialist
