isa certification

[shabz1978]

i just wondered if many had done the isa exams and what's involved etc. how much more employable would i be if i had this and are the alternatives more worthwhile (rfs and aa tech cert.)

[Steve Bullman]

i think rfs would probably serve you better, its more recognisable, especially by homeowners. In the states the ISA is much more recognized it seems....it would be nice for it to be the same here. ive yet to meet a homeowner who has a clue what the ISA is other than somewhere you can put your money!

im sure it would make you more employable though in answer to your question

[Quickthorn]

The ISA only lasts 3 years, unless you get enough CPD points in that time. You won't get enough unless you go to a few seminars (run by ISA, not surprisingly), and they cost £££. The RFS cert is equivalent to ISA, and lasts for life.

[Rentachimp]

Plus AA and RFS are better because they are British and we've had trees for longer than the Americans lol

[Mr Ed]

Assuming your climbing and saw skills are up to scratch, AA tech cert or RFS Diploma would be a better (Harder!) qualification to acheive. A lot of the RFS is very 'hands on' based, whereas the tech cert or dip is a more cerebral type of course.

Its all down to recognition. A degree in forestry will sound much better to a potential employer, despite the RFS being a better course.

[shabz1978]

thanks a lot guys, i've found a part time degree course in arboriculture, i think i'm gonna do that. my original plan was to do the first rfs one or the isa thing then go on to the prof diploma from rfs but i reckon they will take just as long as the degree course. i might do the rfs exams in the meantime though.

[frans]

Over the years I have noticed some things about 'our' industry:

 

Their are many many different certification programs to be had in order to be professionally involved in the field of Arboriculture.

Each different organization will reward the student with their own special certification, degree, license, ect.

However, their is very little or no 'reciprocity' between each one.

 

For example, the ISA certified arborist certification has no meaning to an accedited university. Should a person want to earn a degree say in Urban Forestry, being an isa cert. arborist will not help with your prerequisites.

 

Its like this, ED Thorman has made the point of making a substantial investment in machinery, always buy something which is easy to service. Dont buy a machine will parts that are unique to that machine only. Buy equipment with 'off the shelf' components. That way you will never have trouble getting the thing fixed when it breaks down. Also it is cheaper.

 

In my opinion, it is the same way with education. Education is one of the most important investments a person can make in their professional lives.

 

So, invest in an education which will reward you.

Ask yourself, is this certificate worth anything at all to the job which I anticipate applying for in the future?

[Shansen]

About the only people that request a ISA certification over here are the goverment entities. The test is not super difficult and you do have to do the CEUs.

[Yorkshireman]

had an issue the other day a a web site

http://www.tree-care.info/findanarb

they

wont list us with the rfs, but will if you have the isa & aa certs why I hear you ask apparantly with the Rfs there is no requirement to update to stay current

b**locks imo it seems to me that anyone who is dedicated enough to go through the study required to pass the theory & practical application to get the suite of certs aint the kind of person who is in this industry overnight !!!

 

personally i beleive the rfs to be a damn good test of your practical & theoretical knowledge & therefore competance to operate

Although the RFs would be boosted if they assess business policy & practise Too

[Yorkshireman]

jobs 4 Da boyz