ISA Certified Arborists / Treeworker

[John Hancock]

I've done both the RFS and Cert Arb. In terms of difficulty I'd rate the RFS as the better qualification. I did mine with Billy Rob a fair few years ago and boy, did he make me work for it.

 

If anyone is doing the RFS, book a ISA exam soon after you've sat the RFS because you'll breeze through it and have two good qualifications.(Both level two I know, but the RFS should at least be a three in my opinion)

[Sciadopitys]

What is involved with the European Tree Worker Mike?

PS - u based in Oslo?

[TheTreeWiseMen]

I've been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2003. Seems to be bigger over here than back in the UK.

[Sciadopitys]

YEAH, tell me about it mate. Did mine in NJ. All the guys i worked with over there treat me like an idiot cos i didn't have it so i booked it stright away and passed it with 92%, was happy with that - 16 wrong out of 200. I told them to get over to Uk and get some NPTC's

[Ian C]

I,m doing isa Cert ay the moment and enjoying it too, It is very American though, Been looking round Leeds for a "Parking lot" but all i can find is a car park! how do you get the points to keen you isa then, i asume by doing more training, courses etc?

[Sciadopitys]

I,m doing isa Cert ay the moment and enjoying it too, It is very American though, Been looking round Leeds for a "Parking lot" but all i can find is a car park! how do you get the points to keen you isa then, i asume by doing more training, courses etc?

 

Hahaha, i know what you mean mate - the climbing saddle always made me chuckle!

 

RE; Continuing Education Units (CEU's) : I passed last December, and i went to an Arb conference in PA whilst i was over there, I did some "official" climbing training and then i did the reveiws at the back of the Art and Science of Practical Rigging (F**$kin' great read btw!!) The ISA publication you receive if ur a member "Arborist News" also has a quiz in every issue (also avilable online to members) offering 1CEU per quiz.

 

I have been certified a year, and i already have 31 CEU's, only 30 needed to recertify every 3 years!

 

ISA provide a form where you can get CEU's for any practical training relating to the job so all ur NPTC 's will get you a CEU for every hour of training! First aid training will too, but only once per certification period.

 

The treeworker climber specialist which ISA offer, you need to be a certified arborist, and then you need (i think!!!!) to get another 7.5 CEU's theory and 7.5CEU's climbing training in the 3yr period as well as ur 30 CEU's for the CA.

 

Hope this helps ya! ISA website explains it all - not sure if there are any differences between USA and UK/I ISA procedures - doubt it - its same organisation ultimately so can't be that bloody different.

 

Good luck mate!

[Ian C]

Thanks for that, am sure all will become clear in the long run. How did you find the exam? I guess all the 200 questions are multi choice and related to the work book?

[Blakes 7]

Make sure yo swot up on TPO's and fungi.

There was a lot of TPO based questions in my exam. Also be familiar with UK Health and Safety.

[hesslemount]

How does the ISA certified arborist creditation compare with being a Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association (see pdf. file below)?

 

http://www.trees.org.uk/downloads/memtxtpro2007.pdf

 

Is this a good route to go down? Or is ISA much more recognised? being a business mostly dealing with the domestic market (80% domestic 20% commercial) no one EVER asks for any form of proof with the exception of commercial clients wanting NPTC proof. I just wonder that other than self achievement the ISA or AA quali's don't count for increased business within the UK. What's anyone elses take on this and in particular which is the best route to take; AA or ISA?

[Sciadopitys]

Thanks for that, am sure all will become clear in the long run. How did you find the exam? I guess all the 200 questions are multi choice and related to the work book?

 

190 multi choice questions - not from the book but very similar sorts of stuff - i would defo broaden ur reading - don't just rely on the book! but make sure you know whats in the book in ur sleep.

 

10 plant ID's from photographs - mine were mostly American natives as i did it in USA, plus some normal stuff, piece of cake for me cos i have botanic garden background!

 

The exam is not too bad if you do ur homework and know your stuff.

 

RE: AA or ISA, IMO.. the AA professional membership is basically a few letters after ur name cos u have paid em a subscription! WOW, great! At least with ISA u have to have 3 years practical experience, do an exam and renew every 3 years and prove continuing education - no comparison mate!