Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

Isa Certification vs level 4 Arboriculture


Recommended Posts

Edward, thank you for your reply here and you are quite right I have deviated from the OP point about ISA CA 'v' L4, which are essentially 2 quite different learning opportunities and in the OP's case clearly L4 would be the better / more suitable one.

 

However, if I may, regarding the cost of the ISA CA 'facilitated training' between the AA and Treelife it is as follows:

 

1. AA Member £840.00* +VAT (for x6 sessions = £140.00 (+VAT) per session)

2. Non-AA Member £1,080.00\\8 +VAT (for x6 sessions = £180 (+VAT) per session)

*includes the ISA CA study guide which is £75.00

 

To conclude, at the craftsman level, the ISA CA would be relevant to employers I would suggest.

 

Regards,

Paul  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

On ‎28‎/‎03‎/‎2019 at 08:04, AA Teccie (Paul) said:

"...but I'm not convinced about the content"

 

Hi Chris, can you expand please...is it because it's American based? (in reality probably less than 10% I would suggest and the rest is common, USA / UK / EU...oops :D.)

 

I truly believe the ISA CA is an ideal educational supplement for craftsman arb level where some has attained their practical skills quals, e.g. Lantra or NPTC chainsaws / tree climbing, to give a better understanding of trees and their requirements etc.

 

Cheers,

Paul  

Hi Paul

 

Just to clarify, I am not slating the ISA, its just that once I finished Tech Cert, I stopped doing the CEUs as I felt I had massively superseded it.  The OP is asking about new ventures and so I assumed this would be surveying and leading into consultancy.  The L4 would set him up for this, but the ISA will not in my opinion.  

 

I think the ISA is useful for someone working as a tree surgeon that has only the CS units but this chap has an L3 qualification already and so he is going to already know about target pruning, soils, anatomy and all the other stuff that is contained within the ISA, or at least you would hope.  The L4 will move him onto issues such as fungal colonisation strategies, BS5837, mortgage reports, etc.  These are not covered by the L3 he has or the ISA realistically and so I think that would be more benefit to his new ventures. 

 

I remember doing a CEU on the bulk flow mechanism, probably about 15 years ago now.  It was interesting but I can't say that I have ever used that knowledge as either a tree surgeon, TO or consultant.  I think there are better examples of CPD out there, including the many excellent courses that are run by the AA.    

 

As for job opportunities, the L4 would probably get him an interview for a surveyors job, or junior TO but the ISA almost certainly won't.  The ISA will carry some weight with employers for tree surgeon jobs but they will be more focussed on CS units in my experience, and he already has this covered.  One thing I would say about ISA is that if you want to work abroad employers do often ask for it as an additional.   

 

If people do want to do the ISA I would personally do it on top of something such as L4.  I don't think you need to study particularly hard for the ISA.  I read the book twice and then sat the exam and passed.  This was 4 years after completing my NC so it may be more difficult if starting from scratch. 

 

Just my opinion based on my experience.  Others may differ. 

 

Cheers

          

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The ISA cert Arb is a great qualification to have, you can’t compare it to a L4, that’s like comparing an apple to a pear, the ISA route is a great qual for a small business owner or working arborist or anybody “on the tools” it’s also v cost affective and easy studying as there are no time constraints.

 

Will it get you a consultant or TO job ? No but it’s not designed to, it’s a basic working mans qual to help in everyday working arborists life and it’s far better than having nothing! I just wish I had the brains to do a L4 or 6 !

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
The ISA cert Arb is a great qualification to have, you can’t compare it to a L4, that’s like comparing an apple to a pear, the ISA route is a great qual for a small business owner or working arborist or anybody “on the tools” it’s also v cost affective and easy studying as there are no time constraints.
 
Will it get you a consultant or TO job ? No but it’s not designed to, it’s a basic working mans qual to help in everyday working arborists life and it’s far better than having nothing! I just wish I had the brains to do a L4 or 6 !
You do have the brains to do it. If you have worked in arb for a good few years. You would of seen a lot of what is covered. I'm close to finishing my level 4. All I would say is the time commitment that is needed. But after the first year of lessons you have 2 years to hand in assignments. So if you are not in a rush you can still achieve the qualification. Speak to Dave Dowson or Andy summerley at tree life. They were the main authors of the new level 4 and can point you in the right direction. P.s. the level 6 has 2 years of lessons and then a further 5 years I believe.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You do have the brains to do it. If you have worked in arb for a good few years. You would of seen a lot of what is covered. I'm close to finishing my level 4. All I would say is the time commitment that is needed. But after the first year of lessons you have 2 years to hand in assignments. So if you are not in a rush you can still achieve the qualification. Speak to Dave Dowson or Andy summerley at tree life. They were the main authors of the new level 4 and can point you in the right direction. P.s. the level 6 has 2 years of lessons and then a further 5 years I believe.




Thanks, yeah I guess I could do it just not sure I have the time and commitment at my age, also the cost is pretty big!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Ian C said:

This is true. The cost is big and commitment. If you don't need the qualification directly you could read up on the subjects that interest you. And go on smaller 1 day courses or attend a few conferences. 

 


Thanks, yeah I guess I could do it just not sure I have the time and commitment at my age, also the cost is pretty big!

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 30/05/2019 at 20:20, Ian C said:

 

 


Thanks, yeah I guess I could do it just not sure I have the time and commitment at my age, also the cost is pretty big!

 

 

I'd go for it Ian if you can make the time to attend the classroom sessions. It's a lot of work and effort but you'll learn a lot. 

 

And if I can help at all with lending reference books etc just ask. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.