Why Become ISA Credentialed?

Earning an ISA Credential is a voluntary activity that demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills to properly care for trees, as well as a high level of dedication to your profession and your community. ISA Credential holders understand the importance of continued education to increase their expertise and advance their careers.

The tree care profession has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, and there is a significant amount of knowledge required to perform tree care at the highest level. Displaying your ISA credential helps consumers identify you as a knowledgeable, experienced tree care professional who is committed to properly caring for and maintaining their trees. 

Added Benefits:

  • Your credential allows the public and those in government the opportunity to make an informed selection of services based on the knowledge and advanced training you demonstrate as a credential holder.
  • Experiencing the process and achievement of earning and maintaining your credential provides you incentives to continue your ongoing professional development.
  • Employers view credentials as a tool for both training their existing personnel and selecting new employees.
  • Holding an ISA credential can lead to increased income and open the door to new opportunities for professional advancement.
  • Credentials help set you apart from the competition and give you a competitive edge in today’s economy.
  • When multiple individuals bid for the same job, your ISA credentials can be a deciding factor in securing the contract. If you want the job done right, hire the right people!

Already certified? To view your Continuing Education Unit (CEU) status or renew your certification, please log in to the ISA site. As a credential holder, you already have a profile with ISA.

How ISA Credentialing Benefits Your Career

The tree care profession has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, and there is a significant amount of knowledge required to perform tree care at the highest level. Displaying your ISA Credential helps consumers identify you as a knowledgeable, experienced tree care professional who is committed to properly caring for and maintaining their trees. 

Need more reasons to become ISA Credentialed?

  • Your ISA Credential allows the public and those in government the opportunity to make an informed selection of services based on the knowledge and advanced training you demonstrate as a credential holder.
  • Experiencing the process and achievement of earning and maintaining your ISA Credential provides you incentives to continue your ongoing professional development.
  • Employers view ISA Credentials as a tool for both training their existing personnel and selecting new employees.
  • Holding an ISA Credential can lead to increased income and open the door to new opportunities for professional advancement.
  • ISA Credentials help set you apart from the competition and give you a competitive edge in today’s economy.
  • When multiple individuals bid for the same job, your ISA Credentials can be a deciding factor in securing the contract. If you want the job done right, hire the right people!

Know the Process to Become Certified

The process to become ISA certified takes proper planning, consideration, and attention to detail. The steps to becoming certified can take WEEKS and are outlined below:  

STEP 1
Choose the credential you wish to pursue. There are currently seven different credentials or specialized disciplines that you can choose. Each credential has a unique set of standards, qualifications, exams, a handbook, and study guides. You can learn more about the different credentials on the ISA site, Which Credential is Right for You. 

STEP 2
Review the requirements for the credential in the program guide to ensure you qualify. Do not assume that you will qualify to sit for the exam. Read the handbook.

STEP 3
Apply to take the ISA certification exam. (The timeline for approval is about 10 business days.) With the roll-out of the new system, there is now an application fee in addition to the exam fee.

  • Create an account online on the ISA website, not the Chapter’s website.
  • After you sign in on the ISA’s website, locate and click on the Portal button under ISA Credentialing. On this page, you will see applications that you may be eligible to apply for. Then you will click on Submit Application or Go to Checklist to see the progress. 
  • Read the Application Handbook for an explanation of the requirements, costs, etc.

STEP 4
Enroll for a written or computer-based exam. You will receive an email from ISA that your application has been approved or denied. WATCH FOR THESE EMAILS.

  • Your enrollment and exam fee must be received at three weeks before the in-person exam date deadline; there are no exceptions.

If you have questions about your application, please contact ISA. The Chapter does not have access to your application and cannot answer questions related to the application process.

Visit the ISA website for more information

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