Thinking about hiring some professionals to work with the trees and plants on your property? Curious about the requirements they face? We've got answers. Arborists must undergo a specific process to become certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA for short, which is one of the leading organizations in the field. Read here to learn more about what it takes for arborists to become certified.

Why Is Certification Crucial for Arborists?

Becoming a certified arborist is not an easy thing. The work these tree care professionals perform is often technically complicated and not without risk. As such, it's necessary for professionals to undergo extensive training and to receive certification at the appropriate time.

Risks abound in the field. Consider that if a tree care professional is cutting down dead limbs in a tree, they're often working at significant heights, which creates the risk that someone could fall. Further, falling branches themselves can be a threat. Bad weather, dangerous pests (like wasps), and many other factors could impact safety. Training and certification can help reduce the risk of serious issues.

What Are ISA Certification Requirements?

First, it should be noted that there are six different certifications to become an arborist, in our experience. We're going to focus on the general ISA Certified Arborist credential. However, in specific situations, you may need someone who has a more specialized credential, such as an ISA Arborist Utility Specialist or ISA Tree Climber.

According to ISA, to become ISA-certified, an individual must pass an intensive exam that features 200 multiple-choice questions. The individual will have 210 minutes to complete the exam. Questions will cover a range of topics related to tree care work.

Before an individual can take the exam, however, he or she must be qualified. This means having at least three years of related work experience or having a relevant degree from an accredited university. The certification, by the way, is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, and we've seen that it meets and exceeds ISO 17024.

Ultimately, the arborist industry is a popular one with qualified professionals and four out of five employees in the tree service industry state the industry is healthy, according to Lawn and Landscape Magazine. With such a booming industry, it's crucial to work only with certified professionals. Contact Eden Tree Service today to request a free estimate.