The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional organization that promotes research and the professional practice of arboriculture. The ISA offers several certification courses for members, including Certified Arborist, Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist, Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist, Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist, Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialist, and Board-Certified Master Arborist. ISA members who want to take one of the certification tests need to apply through the ISA. Those approved to complete the certification exam will find many cities worldwide where the computer-based tests are administered.
International Society of Arboriculture
P.O. Box 3129
Champaign, IL 61826-3129
217-355-9411
http://www.isa-arbor.com/home.aspx
The Tree Care Industry Association was established in 1938 as the National Arborist Association to develop safety and education programs, and standards for arboriculture firms. Today, the organization boasts more than 2,000 members. The association accredits member companies, so consumers know they are hiring a reputable tree care firm to care for their trees. In addition, the association offers individual certification as a Treecare Safety Professional. With a focus on safety, this certification provides member companies with assurance that their certified employees have learned safety basics. TCIA requires workers to have several years of experience and to complete a Certified Treecare Safety Professional workshop to receive certification. It is valid for three years.
Tree Care Industry Association
136 Harvey Road, Suite 101
Londonderry, NH 03053
603-314-5380
http://www.treecareindustry.org/index.aspx
Based in Akron, Ohio, ACRT--an employee-owned "utility vegetation management consulting firm--offers numerous certification programs in tree care and urban forestry, including several OSHA safety courses. ACRT's programs are geared toward electric utilities and the arborists who work with utility companies to keep lines clear. Certification programs from ACRT include: Line Clearance Arborist Certification; Electrical Hazard Training Certification; and Electrical Substation Safety Certification. ACRT's instruction meets state and federal OSHA requirements for certification compliance. ACRT conducts training at its headquarters in Ohio, but also performs on-site training for companies.
ACRT Independent Vegetation Management
1333 Home Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
800-622-2562
http://www.acrtinc.com/
The U.S. Forest Service, a division of the Department of Agriculture, offers certification courses for government employees, Indian tribes and university researchers. Courses instruct participants in tree climbing, as well as the tools and equipment needed for their work. Participants who meet basic requirements in climbing techniques, knot tying and aerial rescue receive certification at the end of the certification course. The certification is valid for three years. All training takes place at the Dorena Genetic Resource Center in Oregon, which has provided training for arborists since the 1960s.
Dorena Genetic Resource Center
34963 Shoreview Drive
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
541-767-5717
http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/
North American Training Solutions offers competency testing and certification for arboriculture technicians in specific skills. Each test is conducted in the field, where participants must demonstrate the proper skills, as well as a verbal evaluation. North American Training Solutions tests in 27 different skills, ranging from tree planning and pruning to emergency readiness and rescue. Arborists can test and receive certification in one or several skills. Certifications are valid for three years.
North American Training Solutions Ltd.
910 Athens Highway, Suite K219
Loganville, GA 30052
404-474-2225
http://www.northamericantrainingsolutions.com/