Certification >> How to Become Certified

Congratulations on your decision to become a certified arborist! Certification demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional and technical development, as well as ethical workplace practices, that supports a high level of professionalism in the tree care industry which benefits all certified tree care workers.

The first step is to decide which certification credential is right for you. Each credential has its own Handbook and study materials, listed below, to assist in preparation for the examination designed especially for that credential. The Handbooks include the requirements that must be fulfilled in order to apply to become certified; these are briefly outlined on the pages discussing each certification.

Examinations are scheduled throughout the region, as well as at the annual PNW ISA Training Conference. At the time of the examination, you will be asked to read and sign the ISA Code of Ethics as well.

Application forms are specific to each credential and may be found in the Handbook for that specialty, along with the application fee schedule. First-time applicants may submit an application online. Mail or fax application with payment to:

International Society of Arboriculture
Post Office Box 3129
Champaign, IL 61826-3129
Fax: (217) 355-9516

Confirmation of a successful application will be sent, indicating that the application was received, reviewed and approved by the Applications Coordinator. Applications MUST be received at least 12 business days prior to the exam date. Questions regarding certification may be addressed to ISA at (217) 355-9411 or cert@isa-arbor.com.

ISA Certified Arborist computer-based exams are now available in select areas for an additional $100 administration fee in addition to the examination fees. They are not currently available in Florida, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Arizona, Hawaii or the Virgin Islands. The examination application must indicate that you wish to take the computer-based version of the examination. Leave the examination date blank on the application form; an examination date will be assigned upon review and approval of the application. A confirmation letter will be sent when the application has been processed, with instructions about scheduling the exam date and location. The computer-based exam may be scheduled at a time that works best for you, as long as it occurs within 90 days of the date of the confirmation letter.

In order to schedule a computer based exam, the examination application MUST be submitted to ISA; the testing vendor does not allow an exam to be directly scheduled with them.

Quick links to certification information

ISA Certified Arborist

• ISA Certified Arborist Handbook and Application
• ISA Arborista Certificado
• Online application
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Topics for study [link to PDF]
  • Certified Arborist Examination Outline
• Certified Arborist Code of Ethics

ISA Certified Tree Worker/ Climber Specialist

• ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climbing Specialist Handbook and Application
• ISA Trabajando Certificado del Árbol Especialist in Trepa
• Online application (first time applicants only)
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Certified Tree Worker/Climber Examination Outline
  • Climbing Skills Evaluation Form
  • Climbing Skills Waiver Form
• Certified Arborist Code of Ethics

ISA Certified Tree Worker / Aerial Lift Specialist

• ISA Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialist Handbook and Application
• Online application (first time applicants only)
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Certified Tree Worker/Climber Examination Outline
  • Aerial Lift Skills Evaluation Form
• Certified Arborist Code of Ethics

ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist – must already be an ISA Certified Arborist

• ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist Handbook and Application
• Online application (first time applicants only)
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist Examination Outline

ISA Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist– must already be an ISA Certified Arborist

• ISA Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist Handbook and Application
• Online application (first time applicants only)
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist Examination Outline

ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist– must already be an ISA Certified Arborist

• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Handbook and Application [link to PDF]
• Online application (first time applicants only)
• Study materials
  • Study guides and materials available from ISA
  • Study materials list
  • Board Certified Master Arborist Examination Outline [link to PDF]
• Board Certified Master Arborist Code of Ethics

Certification >> How to Become Certified