Ever wondered what sets a professional arborist apart? The answer lies in expertise, experience, and a high dedication to tree care, set forth by industry recognized standards and certification. But what do these designations mean and why should they matter to you? This article looks at the different levels of arborist expertise and training, including an ISA certified arborist certification. We’ll also take a look at the different certifications and qualifications available to arborists via the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which sets industry standards and ethics for professional arborists worldwide.
Accreditation, Qualification, and Certification: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into specific ISA certifications, let’s take a look at the different categories of expertise commonly seen throughout the tree care industry: accreditation, qualification, and certification.
Accreditation is a formal recognition by a governing body that an organization or company adheres to industry best practices. Many of our arborists here at ATC are accredited through the ISA, which sets forth industry standards for professional arborists.
A certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes individual expertise and knowledge through continuing education, such as coursework or exams. For example, the ISA’s Board Certified Master Arborist credential.
Finally, a qualification is a specialized designation that focuses on a niche area of knowledge and requires continued, periodic training. The ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credential is one such example.
Why choose an ISA Certified Professional Arborist?
Hiring an ISA certified or qualified arborist should ensure you work with an expert who:
- Undergoes rigorous training and assessment.
- Demonstrates deep knowledge of tree care and risk management.
- Remains current and up-to-date on industry best practices.
- Provides safe, reliable, and informed tree care solutions.
- Helps you to make informed decisions for your tree’s health and vitality.
ISA offers several credentials for practicing arborists, ensuring a standardized level of expertise in tree care. Many of ATC’s arborists hold these certifications and qualifications, demonstrating their commitment to industry best practices and professional excellence.
ISA Certified Arborist certification
An ISA certification signifies a recognized standard of expertise in arboriculture. To earn this credential, an arborist must be trained in tree biology, pruning, risk assessment, soil management, and safe work practices. Additionally, certified arborists must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, reinforcing trust and professionalism in the industry. Maintaining this certification also requires ongoing education – ISA certified arborists must complete 30 hours of training every five years to stay qualified.
ATC’s consulting arborists pull from a number of skill sets gleaned from their certification to provide you with top-notch servicing, including structural tree reinforcement and general pruning. After thorough assessment, our technicians design custom support systems to extend the life of your tree, preventing costly damage to your property and the surrounding landscape.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)
Recognized as the highest level of certification offered by the ISA, earning this credential not only enhances an arborist’s skill set, but sets them apart in the industry. Think of these arborists as the cream of the crop among industry professionals. Becoming an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist means demonstrating advanced knowledge across various areas, including:
- Science (ecosystem, biology, soil science, plant identification).
- Practice (climbing, pruning, plant health care, soil treatment).
- Management (business relations, risk assessment, safety, tree preservation).
Less than 2% of all ISA certified arborists currently hold this certification, so we’re very proud to have two on our team. If you’re looking for the best of the best, a BCMA is the gold standard.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
Hiring an ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor ensures your trees are evaluated using a standardized, systematic approach. This can be especially important if you’re concerned about tree safety. This qualification requires specialized training and testing to assess tree risk and make informed recommendations for mitigating hazards. Unlike other ISA certifications, qualifications like TRAQ must be renewed every five years. At Advanced Tree Care, we are lucky to have 4 ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessors.
Our TRAQ qualified arborists are trained to conduct hazardous tree assessments. As part of the process, our consulting technicians assess all factors contributing to your tree’s risk hazard, evaluating for potential limb or stem failure, and even risk of uprooting. While our team is highly trained to identify hazards, it’s important to recognize that some tree failures are impossible to predict due to hidden internal issues or unforeseen environmental factors.
Why Certification Matters for Quality Tree Care
When it comes to tree health and safety, working with certified professionals means trusting experts who adhere to the highest standards of arboriculture. At ATC, we take pride in our team’s credentials, ensuring you receive expert tree care backed by industry-leading knowledge and experience. While ISA certification is a strong baseline, looking for additional qualifications and ongoing education can help you identify arborists who are truly dedicated to staying current in their field.
Whether you need risk assessment, structural support, or general tree maintenance, an ISA certified arborist certification guarantees informed, safe, and effective solutions. Don’t leave your trees to chance—choose ATC’s certified expertise for long-lasting tree health and vitality.
