AA Vs ICF

[RobArb]

After much deliberation at this stage and process of my life i have decided it would be advantageous to join a professional body. I have been looking at both associations and am torn between the two. I have already spoken to some members of both bodies but want to get as much a diverse range of opinions as possible so i can make an informed decision.

 

I do not want in anyway to cause any arguements between members of either association in regards to who thinks one is better than the other, but only to find out information from real people in regards to advantages of becoming a member myself.

 

All opinions are welcome:thumbup:

 

Cheers

 

Robin

[Silver Back]

Thats interesting. What has narrowed it down to these two? Personally think the ISA is worth at least a thought.

 

So from my pov I would say that AA tends to favour consultants, ISA favours Arborists, ICF I really am not sure what they do in terms of aboriculture

[Steve Bullman]

i've not actually heard of the ICF...should i have?

[Frankie Lawrence]

Institute of Chartered Foresters ICF

 

From what ive heard and read its aimed at degree holders and very much towards forestery as opposed to arb. I personally think it over complicates forestry just that little bit IMO. Yet i must admit my knowlage of ICF is pretty small.

[Charlieh]

ICF are a good route to getting CEnv status if your looking at getting that qualified, as from what i have read its the easiest route to getting that status that through other professional bodies. Not sure they are that similar to AA though, so im intregued as to how you have limited it to those two, if your doing forestry the ICF if your doing arb or arb and forestry then i would have though AA / ISA would have been the better choice

[combined tree services]

i would have thought that the ICF was moe aimed at consultants etc . as a tree surgery company i think i would be looking at either AA or ISA , as i feel they are better aimed at tree surgeons . what is your background ?

[RobArb]

i would have thought that the ICF was moe aimed at consultants etc . as a tree surgery company i think i would be looking at either AA or ISA , as i feel they are better aimed at tree surgeons . what is your background ?

 

I've been in Arb for the past 4 years (climber for 2) and have now ventured out and started my FdSc in Arb at Myerscough (albeit online). The FdSc is 3 years with the bachelors a further 2. I would at some point like to do a Masters (a long way off yet:001_tongue:) in Forestry to broaden my horizons. I know its a lot to take in and learn but i'm willing to put the effort in and reap the rewards! The ICF is more forestry related but Arboriculture does come under its umbrella. Both the AA and the ICF can lead to chartered status with the AA being CEnv and the ICF being CFor. The ISA as far as i'm aware doesn't have a chartered status its more about being certified

 

As far as i can see both have ongoing learning programs of development, both have monthly journals and both try to raise the profile of forestry and arb. I doubt i can say that one is better than the other, i just wondered if there where any members out there who could recommend either professional body because they are members and know whats involved.

[combined tree services]

great stuff , go for it and i wish you well , keep us informed as to which way you go - aa of icf

[john dawson]

by the sounds of it, id say either will serve you well. nowt wrong with bein part of both, or its eeny meeny miney mow!!

[arb culture]

As far as I'm aware, the ICF is the ONLY way to get chartered arboriculturist status.

 

I know the AA do CEnv, but it's not the same thing.

 

I don't know if tis makes any difference to you.