[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

How does certification affect you?

Mockbdhl@ix.netcom.com
Tue, 6 Jan 1998 10:52:37 -0600

The questions raised about certification on this forum all have valid points. The average person
can study at home or through the NAA home study course and pass the ISA certification if they
are deducted. If they pass and do not remain current with new technologies or do not give a shit
about trees, and their only concern is money. They are on the dark side of certification and as
far as I am concerned they are worst than the hackers because they are using certification to fool
the public into believing they are professional. These people and the hackers give all the rest of
us a bad reputation. The public is who we as everyday practitioners in professional
Arboriculture must educate. The hackers do not care, reduce there market through public
education and force a change in public standards.

Where does it start? With each individual involved in professional Arboriculture. ISA
certification is a good start for any individual. Certification should not stop at this level.
Example, I practice Arboriculture in New England. Is it fair to the public to advertise as a
certified Arborist in Florida. If you are not familiar with the flora of a particular geographic area
it will take some time to learn new plants and pruning techniques. I have never heard of the ISA
revoking a individuals certification unless they do not pay dues. In Massachusetts we have a
state certification program. This is an extensive test including identification of tree insects and
disease on 100 slides, 100 multiple choice and 50 fill in the blank. There is also a field
identification of tree species requiring 10 common and Latin names at a local extension field
station which is close to arboretum status. The last portion of the exam is oral, three
Massachusetts certified Arborist in a room with the candidate ask three questions dealing with
Arboriculture. This is a tuff exam, many have to take it several times before receiving a 70% or
above to pass. There are annual dues and educational credits that must be maintained in order
to continue certification status every year.

Regional certification is probably one of the best ways you can improve the quality of
Arboriculture in your geographic area. Most Countries have some sort of regional certification,
some my even require licensing. Do you know of any Country, State that requires licensing
within the Arboricultural trade? If so, how do they deal with people that practice with out a
license?

Many trades have taken the route of certification prior to licensing. How do you think it would
change Arboriculture in your geographic area? Would you be for it or against it?

How does certification affect you? Pro's or Con's welcome

Tom Simmons / Climb Safe & Keep Learning