Source: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification-Applications/TRAQ-App-Guide.pdf
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers TRAQ as an instructor-led credential that demonstrates professional knowledge in tree risk assessment through participation in a training course and passing its accompanying exam. The TRAQ program offers tree care professionals the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the fundamentals of tree risk assessment by learning a standardized, systematic process for assessing tree risk and providing information to tree owners and risk managers for making informed decisions that will promote the safety of people and property and enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.
The course content is based on ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment
Manual and is divided into nine modules:
1. Introduction to Tree Risk Assessment
2. Levels of Assessment
3. Target Assessment
4. Site Assessment
5. Tree Biology and Mechanics
6. Tree Inspection and Assessment
7. Data Analysis and Risk Categorization
8. Mitigation
9. Reporting
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for ISA Certification Holders
If you hold an ISA certification, you can earn 14.5 ISA CEUs if you complete the ISA Tree Risk Assessment course, attending at least 80 percent of the instructional portion of the program. These CEUs can be applied to your ISA Certified Arborist® credential, including the Tree Worker credentials. For an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, 6 CEUs go to practice, 6 to management, and 2.5 to science.
• Comprehension of the fundamentals of limited-visuals and basic tree risk assessment as defined in the ISA Best Management Practices: Tree Risk Assessment;
• Knowledge of the principles of advanced diagnostic techniques for assessing tree risk;
• Mastery of methods for gathering and evaluating information to assess tree risk;
• Development of reasoned judgments and recommendations for mitigating identified risk.
The standard ISA TRAQ course is a two-day, in-person training course followed by a half-day examination. (Instructors may extend the time/length of the course in specific circumstances.) Lectures, discussions, small-group activities, applied case studies, and field activities are all a part of the training process. The program and examinations are offered in the English language and successful candidates should have enough knowledge of the language to allow them to understand main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in the field of arboriculture (see Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR Level B2 for more information).
The examination consists of two parts:
• Written exam: 100 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answer choices, and only one is correct. You will have two hours to complete the written exam.
• Performance-based exam: An actual, outdoor tree assessment will test your ability to apply tree risk principles to a tree at the training site. You will have one hour to complete the performance-based exam.
An eligible applicant for a TRAQ course must have earned at least one of the following credentials:
• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®
• ISA Certified Arborist®
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national
qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognized under a system that is substantially similar to accreditation.
• AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Australia)
• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status
• Connecticut Arborist License
• European Tree Technician
• European Tree Worker
• Fachagrarwirt Baumpflege
• Louisiana Arborist License
• Manitoba Arborist Training and Licensing Program
• Maryland Tree Expert
• Massachusetts Certified Arborist
• New Hampshire Arborists Association Certified Arborist
• New Jersey Certified Tree Expert
• New Zealand National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
• Rhode Island Arborist License
• Society of American Foresters Certified Forester
• United Kingdom Qualifications and Credit Framework
Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture
ISA maintains records of its own credential holders; however, ISA credentials that expired in 2001 or earlier may require documentation. Applicants must provide valid documentation of any other credentials to demonstrate eligibility.
Instructions for submitting documentation vary by course host and are provided as part of the course registration process. If you hold a credential or have completed a program of study not listed above, please complete and submit an Eligibility Equivalency Request form for consideration to qual@isa-arbor.com.
Nondiscrimination
The ISA Qualifications 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.
Special Accommodations
It is the intent of ISA to provide accessibility to ISA courses to any qualified participant with a documented disability or condition upon reasonable notice and without requiring ISA to take action which would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the course or an undue financial burden to ISA or the course host. If you have a special need and require an accommodation for a course, please complete the Special Accommodations Request Form and submit it to qual@isa-arbor.com. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be notified of a determination.
Course Dates and Locations
Qualification courses are offered through ISA via ISA chapters and associate organizations, and other hosts. Contact ISA or view the list of TRAQ Courses for information about dates and locations of courses in your area.
Fees
• Program registration cost, cancellation and refund policies may vary and are provided by each course host. To find the price for a specific course, go to the list of TRAQ Courses, click the course date you are interested in, and follow the links to the registration information.
Submitting Your Application
To apply for an ISA qualification course, go to the list of TRAQ Courses, click the course you are interested in attending, and follow the links through the registration process.
• Questions about your application? Please contact the course host.
• Your completed application and full payment must be submitted on or before the registration deadline.
No exceptions.
• The course host will contact you regarding any problems with the application or payment that must be corrected before you may attend the training.
• Onsite registrations are not available for TRAQ courses.
Confirmation
You will be notified
• When your application is received
• After your application is approved (Timeline may vary dependent on course host.) A confirmation packet will be shipped to you three weeks prior to the course date, which includes:
• The Tree Risk Assessment Manual
• The Tree Risk Assessment Workbook
• Tree Risk Assessment Clipboard
• A letter containing the date and time of the course
If your registration has been confirmed for a program and you have not received your confirmation packet with study materials three weeks prior to the course date, please contact ISA at qual@isa-arbor.com to report as soon as possible. Please note that for ISA TRAQ Renewal programs only digital study materials may be included. No refunds or discounts are given if you already own the Tree Risk Assessment Manual.
Cancellations
Cancellation requests must be received by the course host before the course registration deadline. If requests are not received before the deadline, a refund may not be issued. The host’s contact information and refund policy will be detailed with each course listing.
Privacy
By applying, you authorize the release of any information for the purpose of verifying your application. ISA has the right to contact any person or organization as part of the review and to notify appropriate organizations if your application contains false information. You also authorize ISA to provide your contact information to your local chapter/associate organization and ISA’s professional affiliates for information-sharing about educational seminars and other events. Your name, location, and credential will also be available to the public on the ISA website. If you do not wish to have your name included on the ISA website or in lists for distribution, contact ISA Customer Service at isa@isa-arbor.com.
What to Study Before the Course
Be sure to thoroughly review the Tree Risk Assessment Manual and complete the pre-work activities in the Tree Risk Assessment Workbook before arriving at the course location.
Items to Bring with You
• A government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID
• Tree Risk Assessment Manual
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Workbook (Workbook is required to complete the course.)
• Writing utensil(s), including at least one #2 pencil
• Tree Risk Assessment Clipboard
• Appropriate attire for both indoor and outdoor activities
• High-visibility vest, coat, or clothing
• Hard hat
Admission
• Arrive at the course site 30 minutes before the start time of the first day of the course. (See confirmation packet for exact time, date, and location.)
• The course host will check your government-issued photo ID and have you sign a check-in sheet. If you do not have a photo ID with you at the start of the course, you must produce one by the exam day or you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
Site Rules
• Dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor temperature and outdoor weather conditions may vary.
• Visitors are not permitted in the training or exam areas.
• The following are not permitted during the exam and may result in score invalidation or confiscation of exam materials:
o The manual, workbook, and/or any notes you have taken
o Cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or other electronic devices
o Writing on the exam booklet
o Looking at others’ exams or talking
• Follow all regulations and directions provided by the instructor.
Inappropriate Application and Exam Conduct
Participation in the TRAQ program is intended to be a professionally relevant, informative, and rewarding experience for all candidates. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner during the course and exam.
When ISA or an ISA-designated representative finds that a candidate has engaged in inappropriate conduct or behavior, ISA reserves the right to respond with actions including, but not limited to, the following:
• Rejecting an application for qualification
• Prohibiting or precluding a person from participating in a course
• Prohibiting or precluding a person from participating in an examination, including removing a person from the testing site
• Invalidating or nullifying examination results
• Issuing and enforcing any other lesser response or action determined to be appropriate or necessary
Inappropriate conduct or behavior includes, but is not limited to:
• Misrepresentation
• Failure to disclose requested information
• Cheating
• Unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of copyrighted or legally protected material
• Verbal or physical disturbances of the course and/or examination
• Failure to pay fees in a timely manner
• Any other objectionable, improper, or unprofessional actions by a person participating in the ISA qualification process
By submitting an application for qualification, each participant acknowledges that he or she understands and agrees to the terms of this policy.
Failure to Attend or Complete the Course and Examination
You must attend at least 80 percent of the instructional portion of the program to be eligible to take the exam. No refunds or discounts will be issued if you do not attend or complete the course and examination. Should this occur, you will need to retake both in order to obtain the credential.
Completion Requirements
To obtain the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, you must complete the training course and achieve the passing scores of 75 percent for the written component and a passing mark on the performance-based component.
Exam Scoring
ISA Headquarters grades written exams through electronic scanning and scoring to ensure the most reliable grading. The performance-based exam is scored onsite by the instructor administering the exam or by an ISA-Approved Instructor and Evaluator. Your scores are then reported to ISA Headquarters.
ISA will notify you of your overall results.
Exam Results and Notification of Qualification
Your results will be mailed approximately six weeks after you have completed both written and performance-based examinations. You will be notified of your pass/fail result; for exam security
purposes you will not receive a list of questions that were answered correctly or incorrectly. Your results are confidential and your score will not be disclosed to any third party. Results cannot be obtained over the phone, by fax, or by email.
If you have questions concerning your exam results, direct them in writing to ISA Customer Service at isa@isa-arbor.com.
Retaking the Exam
If you do not pass both the written and performance-based portions of the exam, you will receive a failure notification and details for retaking the exam. To obtain the qualification, you will be required to retake both the written and performance-based portions of the exam, even if you failed only one of them. There
are a limited number of seats available at upcoming TRAQ courses for those needing to retake the exam. You must contact ISA at qual@isa-arbor.com or call +1.678.367.0981 to schedule a retake and file an application prior to the published registration deadline listed for the TRAQ Course where you wish to retake your exam.
There is a $150 USD fee per retake for up to one year from the original date of your exam. If you do not pass within one year, you will be required to complete the full TRAQ course and examination and pay the full fee.
Appeals and Complaints
Appeals and complaints are accepted and resolved in accordance with the ISA Credentialing Appeals and Complaints policy.
If you believe that an error was made in the grading of your exam, you may request that it be regraded. Contact ISA Customer Service at isa@isa-arbor.com. A fee of $35 USD applies to each regrade.
Successful Qualification
Those who pass the TRAQ examination will receive a certificate. Your qualification is personal to you and may not be transferred or assigned to any other individual, organization, or entity. When publicizing your credential, you must comply with the requirements in the ISA Branding and Style Guide.
What Does an ISA Qualification Represent?
By successfully completing the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification course and exam, you have demonstrated knowledge of the material covered in the TRAQ course, which is considered relevant for the
five-year term of your qualification. No other conclusions may be drawn concerning qualification holders. ISA qualifications do not represent licensure, registration, or other authorization to practice or to conduct business activities for a fee or otherwise. Qualifications are not subject to ongoing requirements, such
as adherence to a code of ethics or participation in continuing education activities.
Terms of Validity and Renewal
The ISA TRAQ credential is valid for five years. To reinstate your qualification after each five-year period, you must retrain and retest. The ISA TRAQ Renewal program includes five hours of instruction and two examinations (written and performancebased). A reminder will be sent within an 18-month window
prior to your expiration date, so be sure to notify ISA promptly if your contact information changes. We are not responsible for undeliverable notifications.
You may complete the TRAQ Renewal Course or full course as early as 18 months prior to your expiration date. An extension past the expiration date will not be available. Once you have successfully passed the requirements, the new five-year qualification period will begin the day following the original expiration date rather than the date of passing the renewal course. This will allow you to take full advantage of the five-year qualification period.
When you complete the TRAQ Renewal Course, you can earn 5 CEUs for the instructional portion of the program. These CEUs can be applied to your ISA Certified Arborist® and/or ISA Certified Tree Worker credentials. For an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, 2 CEUs go to practice, 2 to management, and 1 to science.
Fees
• Program registration cost, cancellation and refund policies may vary and are provided by each course host. To find the price for a specific course, go to the list of TRAQ Courses, click the course date you are interested in, and follow the links to the registration information.
Rescheduling an ISA TRAQ Renewal Online Exam or Requesting an Additional 90-Day Authorization
If you are within your current 90-day authorization period and want to reschedule your written examination, you may do so by signing in through the Pearson VUE website. If you need to
request an additional 90-day period to complete your internetbased written and performance-based examinations, a fee of $50 USD will apply to make the change. Requests must be made within the 90-day authorization period, if a request is made beyond the 90-day authorization period, or the candidate fails
to schedule an exam within the 90-day authorization period, the candidate will be considered a no-show and all exam fees will be forfeited. Registrations are not transferrable to another person.
Failure to Attend the ISA TRAQ Renewal Online Examination or Schedule within a 90-Day
Authorization
No refunds or discounts will be issued if you do not attend or complete the examination within the 90-day authorization period. There are no exceptions. If you do not schedule or reschedule your appointment or request an additional 90-day authorization period, and/or you do not show up to take an exam at your scheduled date and time, you will be considered a no-show. This will result in forfeiting any exam fees or internetbased examination administrative fees associated with the exam you missed. If this happens, you will have to contact ISA to request another authorization and pay associated fees. If you miss an examination appointment, this is considered a no-show and the written examination re-authorization fee is $100 USD, if you missed the 90-day authorization period and did not request an additional period, full retake fees ($150 USD) apply. You will have one year from the completion of your ISA TRAQ Renewal training to take both examinations. Once you have exceeded the one year, you will be required to retake the full ISA TRAQ training and examinations.
Invalidation of a Qualification
Your qualification may be invalidated or revoked for:
• Falsification of application
• Violation of testing procedures
• Misrepresentation of your identity or other information
If your ISA qualification is invalidated or revoked, you must immediately stop using and/or displaying any designation indicating an affiliation with the ISA Qualification Program and comply with any additional directives from ISA.
Liability Disclaimer
Practitioners of the skills taught in ISA qualifications courses practice at their own risk. Neither the International Society of Arboriculture, course instructors, nor the authors of the course and related materials accept any responsibility, explicit or implied, for liability, loss, or consequential damage arising from the manner in which the materials presented in the course are used in the field. The instruction and training materials provided are considered to be reasonable and sufficient to provide the user with a thorough understanding of when and how to practice the relevant skills. The contents of the course and related materials are provided “as is” and “where is” and may change without notice as research and understanding of the subject matter evolve.
ISA TRAQ Eligibility Equivalency Request Form: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification/TRAQ-Eligibility-Equivalency.pdf
Special Accommodations Request Form: http://www.isa-arbor.com/Accommodations
ISA Credentialing Appeals and Complaints Policy: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credential-Appeals
ISA Branding and Style Guide: http://www.isa-arbor.com/BrandingGuide
List of TRAQ Courses: https://www.isa-arbor.com/events/events-calendar/traq
Source: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification-Applications/cert-Application-BCMA.pdf
ISA Certification is a voluntary program that tests and certifies your achievement of a professional level of knowledge and skill in the field of arboriculture. When you become an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® (BCMA), you are recognized by your peers and the public as having reached the highest level of certification offered by ISA. By studying for and passing the BCMA exam, you demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and dedication to correct arboriculture practices. Hiring a BCMA provides tree owners and government decision makers the opportunity to become better informed about proper tree care and their
selection of services based on the expertise represented by your credential.
Achieving the highest level of ISA Certification also builds your self-image. The process of accomplishing and maintaining this designation provides personal incentive to further advance your professional development. Presenting your ISA credential to potential employers and customers makes you more competitive in the job market, and for employers, encouraging ISA Certification is a tool to assist in training their existing tree care personnel.
The certification examination is developed by a panel of industry experts representing all aspects of arboriculture. Questions are derived from a job task analysis survey filled out by arborists from around the world. Questions are continually analyzed by the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Certification Test Committee using the latest test statistics, and new questions are always being developed. Updated examinations are created on a regular basis.
The written exam content is divided into 19 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.
Science—27%
1. Abiotic Disorders—5%
2. Biology—6%
3. Biotic Disorders—5%
4. Plant Identification and Selection—5%
5. Soil Science—6%
Practice—38%
6. Climbing, Rigging, and Removal—4%
7. Diagnostic Process—6%
8. Installation Practices—6%
9. Plant Health Care—5%
10. Pruning—6%
11. Soil Treatment—5%
12. Support and Protection—2%
13. Water Relations and Irrigation—4%
Management—35%
14. Business Relations—5%
15. Inventory and Management Plans—4%
16. Plant Appraisal—4%
17. Risk Assessment—8%
18. Safety—7%
19. Tree Preservation—7%
ISA’s objectives for offering professional credentials are to:
• Advance the knowledge and application of safe work practices in all arboricultural operations;
• Improve technical competency of personnel in the tree care industry;
• Create incentives for individuals to continue their professional development;
• Provide the public and those in government with a means to identify professionals who have demonstrated by passing a professionally-developed exam that they have thorough knowledge and skill in tree care practices
Exam?
The ISA Certification Board requires a candidate to be an ISA Certified Arborist® in good standing and have obtained a total of eight points from any or all of the four categories below that include measurable experience, formal education, related credentials, or professional experience. The point values are
listed as follows:
Categories Points
Category A – ISA Certification Program
*ISA Certified Arborist® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*1 point for each year certified
ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist® . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist® . . . . . . . . . 1
ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist® . . . . . . . 1
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*ISA Continuing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*1 point for every 60 CEUs over the required 30 every three years
Category B – Formal Education: Based on highest level of degree obtained in arboriculture or related field
Two-year associate degree or equivalent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent . . . . . . . 2
Master’s or equivalent terminal degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Category C – Verifiable Related Credentials
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SAF Certified Forester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
State license or certification in arboriculture
or urban forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
European Certified Tree Worker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TCIA Tree Care Academy® Tree Care
Specialist™ program completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Category D – Professional Work Experience
*Years of experience in arboriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*1 point for every six years of verifiable work experience
Proof of the above must be in writing, such as a copy of a certificate and original transcripts or letter from a certifying agency, letter(s) of reference from your current or previous employer(s). If self-employed, references may be in the form of copies of invoices, contracts, and/or business licenses. The documentation provided must include the practical experience and outline the dates of work required for eligibility. These must be submitted with your application for approval. By submitting your application, you authorize ISA to contact the practical experience reference(s) named on your application to substantiate your eligibility.
Exam Dates and Locations
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® exams are offered at Pearson VUE testing centers. To find out if a Pearson VUE testing center is close to you, visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/isa/locate/.
Fees
Candidates who are members of ISA and an ISA chapter or associate organization receive an exam discount. The fee is $495 USD for members and $605 USD for nonmembers. To be eligible for the discounted rate, a candidate must be a current member of ISA and a current member of an ISA chapter or
associate organization. In the event that a local chapter or associate organization does not exist where you reside, you may receive member pricing by being a current member of ISA only. ISA certification fees are separate and distinct from ISA membership dues and ISA chapter or associate organization dues.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics and the Certification Agreement and Release Authorization
All applicants are required to review and accept the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics as well as the Certification Agreement and Release Authorization. Please review the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics and the Certification Agreement and Release Authorization, found at the end of the application. Your signature confirming review and acceptance of both documents is required for certification.
Application Submission
Becoming a candidate for an ISA certification is a two-step process through your MyISA Dashboard.
1. First, apply online or submit a completed application.
2. When you receive notice that your application is approved, you may then enroll through your website account to take an exam.
If you do not have an ISA website account, you may create one at the MyISA Sign-In page.
A completed application must be submitted by going to MyISA Apply for an ISA Certification and then by selecting Create Application. Once your completed application has been reviewed, you will be notified by ISA of your application approval or denial by email. You may Review Application Status at any time to determine your status or Review Old Applications. If denied, you will not be able to enroll into an exam until you provide additional documentation demonstrating that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Once approved, you may enroll into the exam by selecting either the enrollment link within the approval email or go to the Enroll to Take Exam web page. Enrollment will include the processing of applicable exam fees. ISA does not provide refunds for exam enrollments. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you have questions or difficulties with the application or enrollment process, contact ISA. Due to the complexity of the application process, onsite registration is not available for ISA exams.
ISA has the right to contact any person or organization as part of the review of your application. By applying, you authorize the release of any information requested by ISA for the purpose of reviewing your application. ISA has the right to notify appropriate organizations if your application contains false
information.
Enrollment Confirmation
You will be notified when your enrollment has been processed. After you have been successfully enrolled, you will receive instructions via email on how to schedule a date and time with the computer-based testing vendor. The vendor will then send you a confirmation including the location, date, and time of
the exam. You are provided a 90-day authorization period to schedule and take the exam.
Rescheduling Exam or Additional 90-Day Authorization Period Requests
If circumstances change after you have applied for the examination, you may be able to reschedule your exam or request an additional 90-day, computer-based authorization period. If your request is approved by ISA, a fee of $50 USD will apply to make the change. If you are requesting to reschedule a computer-based exam within your current 90-day authorization period, you will not be subject to the fee.
Additional 90-day, computer-based authorization requests must be received within the candidate’s current 90-day authorization period. If the request is not received by ISA before the ISA chapter’s or associate organization’s exam deadline date, or is beyond the 90-day authorization period, or the candidate fails to schedule an exam within the 90-day authorization period, the candidate will be considered a no-show and all exam fees will be forfeited. If the scheduled date that was missed was your free retake, your free retake will be forfeited.
If you need to reschedule an exam date within your current 90-day authorization period with the computer-based testing vendor, you may do so by contacting Pearson VUE via phone or through the Pearson VUE website. If rescheduling during the weekend, you must do so directly through the website. Requests must be received no later than one business day prior to the scheduled exam date. If contact is less than one business day, you will be considered a no-show and all exam fees will be forfeited. Registrations are not transferrable to another person.
Failure to Attend Examination or Schedule within a 90-Day Authorization Period
No refunds or discounts will be issued if you do not attend or complete the examination. There are no exceptions. If you do not reschedule your appointment or request an additional 90-day authorization period, and you do not show up to take the exam at your scheduled time and location, you will be considered a no-show and the exam surrendered, as well as any exam fees. If this happens, you will have to re-enroll along with paying the required retake fees. You will have only one year from the first scheduled exam date to retake the exam at the retake fee of $300 USD. Once you have exceeded the one year, you will be required to pay the full exam fee.
The examination is made up of 165, multiple-choice questions. Pictures and descriptive information may be included with exam questions when necessary to further explain the scenarios being tested. Each question is multiple choice and has four possible answers listed, only one of which is correct. You will have 4 hours (240 minutes) to complete the written exam. You must pass the exam to obtain the certification.
Pretesting of Exam Questions
Within the written exam, there will be 15 new questions that have not been used on previous exams. Inclusion of these questions allows for collection of meaningful data about development of new exam questions. Responses to these questions are not used in determining individual exam scores. These 15 questions are not identified and are scattered throughout the exam so that candidates will answer them with the same care as the questions that make up the scored portion of the exam. This methodology assures candidates that their scores are the result of sound measurement practices and that scored questions reflect current practice.
The publications referred to above can be purchased from ISA in the ISA web store or by calling 1.678.367.0981 and also through your local ISA chapter or associate organization. Note: These ISA publications should NOT be considered the sole source of information for the certification examination.
Admission
• Arrive at the testing site 30 minutes before the start time of the exam and have your identity confirmed by providing two forms of valid identification—a valid photo identification card and an identification card displaying your signature. (See your exam confirmation packet for exact time, date, and location of the course.)
• The exam host will check your photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID with you at the check-in time of the exam, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam and will be considered a no-show.
• There will be audio and video taping at the testing centers. If you are not prepared to be taped, you will not be allowed to test at the facility.
Site Rules
• Dress appropriately. While every attempt is made to provide a comfortable classroom atmosphere, indoor temperatures and outdoor weather conditions may vary.
• Visitors are not permitted in the exam area.
• Books, papers, and other reference material will not be allowed in the testing area.
• No cell phones or other mobile devices will be allowed in the testing area.
• No food or beverages may be taken into the exam.
• No smoking will be allowed in the testing area.
• You will be permitted to take restroom breaks on an individual basis. Time spent on breaks will be considered part of the time permitted for completing the exam.
• Writing on the test booklet is not allowed during the exam.
• If you are caught looking at another individual’s exam or talking during the exam, your score may be invalidated or exam materials confiscated.
• Applicants who are impaired by the use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, or use them at the examination site, will immediately be disqualified from taking the exam.
• It is of utmost importance that you carefully follow all directions and regulations. Listen carefully to all
instructions given by the exam administrator and follow the directions completely
Inappropriate Application and Examination Conduct>/b>
ISA intends that participation in its certification programs will be a professionally relevant, informative, and rewarding experience for all candidates. All participants in ISA certification exams are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner and to refrain from any objectionable,
improper, or unprofessional conduct. To ensure fairness in an examination environment, the following policy and rules apply:
• When an ISA or ISA-designated representative finds that a candidate has engaged in inappropriate conduct or behavior, ISA reserves the right to respond with actions including, but not limited to:
• Rejecting an application for certification
• Preventing or precluding a person from participating in an examination, including removing a person from the testing site
• Invalidating or nullifying examination results
• Issuing and enforcing any other lesser response or action determined to be appropriate or necessary
• Inappropriate conduct or behavior includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation; failure to disclose requested information; cheating; unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of copyrighted or legally-protected material; verbal or physical disturbances of the examination; failure to pay fees in a timely manner; and any other objectionable, improper, or unprofessional actions by apers on participating in the ISA certification process.
• By submitting an application for certification, each participant acknowledges that he/she understands and agrees to the terms of this policy
Completion Requirements
To obtain the BCMA credential, you must achieve the required passing score for the examination. The current passing score is 70 percent. Please note that when a job task analysis of the exam is performed, the overall passing score is subject to change.
When you receive your exam results, please remember that the domains are weighted, and the average of the domains will not be equal to the overall score. If you do not achieve an overall passing score, you must retake the exam until an overall passing score is achieved.
Once certified, you will receive the designation of ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®. Your certification is personal to you and may not be transferred or assigned to any other individual, organization, or entity. When publicizing your credential, you must comply with the requirements in the ISA Branding and
Style Guide.
Exam Scoring
The computer-based exams are graded by Pearson VUE. ISA will notify you of your detailed results. You may access a brief overview of your results by logging into MyISA on the ISA website and selecting My CEUs.
Examination Results and Notification of Certification
Computer-based exams provide result notification immediately upon completion of the exam. Your formal results will be sent approximately six weeks after your exam date. You will be notified of your pass/fail result; percentage scores will be provided for each domain for your information. Those who pass will receive a congratulatory letter, score sheet, certificate, identification card, hard-hat decal, and patch. Your results are confidential. Results cannot be obtained over the phone or by fax.
If you have questions concerning your exam results, direct them in writing to the ISA Credentialing Department at isa@ isa-arbor.com. Because of the need to maintain test security, exam booklets cannot be made available for review of the questions and answers, and the ISA Credentialing Department does not provide a list of questions that were answered correctly or incorrectly. The only information available regarding your performance on the exam is provided on your score report.
Request for Regrading of Examination
If you believe that an error was made in the grading of your exam, you may request to have your exam regraded. A fee of $35 USD applies for each hand-graded score report. Requests for regrading may take up to six weeks for completion. If you request to have your exam regraded, you may not schedule another exam until after you receive the regrading results. If you wish to have your exam regraded after receiving your initial score report, please contact isa@isa-arbor.com.
Retaking the Examination
If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a failure notification and details for retaking the exam. You may re-enroll by logging into MyISA on the ISA website and returning to the Enroll to Take Exam web page. You will be charged a $300 USD fee per retake up to one year from the original date that you took the exam. If you do not attain a passing score within one year of the original exam date, you will be required to pay the full fee amount.
What Does ISA Certification Represent and Require?
By passing the exam, holders of ISA certifications have demonstrated a broad base of knowledge in the area in which they are certified. No other conclusions may be drawn concerning certification holders. ISA certifications do not represent licensure, registration, or other authorization to practice or to conduct business activities for a fee or otherwise. The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® credential is subject
to ongoing requirements, such as participation in continuing education activities and abiding by the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics and Certification Agreement and Release Authorization.
Expiration and Recertification
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® certification is valid for three years. To retain certification after each three-year period, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® must recertify. Notify ISA promptly if your contact information changes. We are not responsible for undeliverable recertification notices.
The ISA Certification Program offers two methods of recertification. The first method is to retake and re-pass the certification exam. The second option is to accumulate at least 60 continuing education units (CEUs) that relate to the 19 tested domains on the exam with at least 10 CEUs in each of the three areas of science, practice, and management over the three year period and pay the recertification fee. Candidates who are members of both ISA and their local chapter or associate organization receive a discount on their recertification fees. The non-member recertification fee is $380 USD. For members, the recertification fee is $270 USD. Your signed ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics and the Certification Agreement and Release Authorization must be on file in the ISA office prior to your recertification fee being accepted. Additionally, a condition of recertification is to report any unethical conduct as it relates to the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics.
You have the option of tracking the CEUs you have earned online via the ISA website. To obtain a username and password to access to your CEU report, please email ISA at isa@isa-arbor.com.
CEUs and proper payment must be received in the ISA office in a timely manner. Allow four to six weeks for processing and posting to your account.
Please visit the ISA website for detailed information on maintaining your credential. You may contact ISA at isa@isa-arbor.com if you need further clarification.
Denial, Revocation, and Decertification
Your certification may be denied or revoked for any of the following reasons:
• Falsification of application
• Violation of testing procedures
• Misrepresentation of your identity or other information In the event that your ISA certification is denied or revoked or you otherwise become decertified, you must immediately stop using and/or displaying the ISA certification mark, credential, and any other designation indicating an affiliation with the ISA
Certification Program. You must comply with any additional directives of the ISA Certification Program.
Impartiality and Conflict of Interest
ISA commits itself to impartiality in its certification activities and understands how critical impartiality is to carrying out its certification activities. ISA manages conflict of interest and ensures the objectivity of all certification activities. All persons involved in certification activities, including ISA Headquarters staff and member volunteers, accomplish this through compliance with ISA’s structure, policies, and procedures related to certification activities.
Nondiscrimination
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.
Accommodations for Participants with Disabilities</em
It is the intent of ISA to provide accessibility to ISA exams to any qualified participant with a documented disability upon reasonable notice and without requiring ISA to take action which would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the exam or an undue financial burden to ISA.
If you have a special need and require an accommodation for an exam, please complete the Special Accommodations Request Form and submit it with each enrollment request. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be notified of a determination. Approved accommodations are provided through
our computer-based vendor at no additional charge to you.
Appeals and Complaints
Appeals and complaints are accepted and resolved in accordance with the ISA Credentialing Appeals and Complaints policy.
Privacy
By applying for an ISA certification, you authorize ISA to make your contact information available to your local chapter or associate organization and our professional affiliates so they can share information with you about educational seminars and other events. ISA shares your contact information, pass/fail exam result, expiration date, and other relevant details with your ISA chapter or associate organization so that they may monitor your credential status and administer credential-related services. Your name, city location, and credential will be available to members of the public on the ISA and TreesAreGood™ websites.
Some credential holders do not wish their names to be distributed to the public or to other interested parties (vendors, potential employers, etc.). If you do not wish to have your name included on the ISA and TreesAreGood™ websites or on distribution lists, contact the ISA Credentialing Department at isa@isa-arbor.com. ISA maintains the right and responsibility to verify a credential holder’s certification status to the public or to other interested parties.
You will be notified of whether or not you passed the certification examination, but your score will not be disclosed to any third party except as noted above. Your status as a certification holder, past or present, and dates of certification may be disclosed to third parties.
ISA Events Calendar https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/certification/becomeCertified/examDatesAndLocations?mode=exams
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Code of Ethics
https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification/Ethics-BCMA-Code-of-Ethics.pdf
Certification Agreement and Release Authorization
https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification/BCMA-Certification-Agrmnt-and-Release-Auth.pdf
Create an ISA Website Account https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/MyAccount/createAccount
Apply for an ISA Certification https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/myaccount/myprofile/CAPS
MyISA Sign-In/Dashboard https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/mydashboard/
Review Application Status https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Apply-Now/Review-Application-Status
Enroll to Take an Exam https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Apply-Now/Enroll-to-Take-Exam
Pearson Vue Testing Center http://www.pearsonvue.com/isa/locate/ or http://www.pearsonvue.com/isa/contact/
ISA Web Store https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store
ISA Branding and Style Guide http://www.isa-arbor.com/BrandingGuide
Maintaining Your Credentials https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Maintaining-Credentials
Special Accommodations Request Form http://www.isa-arbor.com/Accommodations
ISA Credentialing Appeals and Complaints http://www.isa-arbor.com/Credential-Appeals
Verify an ISA Credential https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/verify
Paper Application https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification-Applications/cert-Application-BCMA-F.pdf
