ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®

*Individuals seeking credential obtainment must complete and submit their own application. Deviation from this will result in cancellation of registration.

Exam Fees
To be eligible for the discount rate, you MUST be a current member of ISA AND a current member of an ISA chapter. Please note: ISA certification fees are separate and distinct from ISA and ISA chapter dues.

ISA and ISA Chapter Member: $450 USD         Non-member: $550 USD

*Please note that payment will be processed once your application is submitted. Approval to take the exam is based on meeting the experience requirements set forth in the application handbook.

Examination Eligibility Requirement
To sit for the BCMA exam, you must be an ISA Certified Arborist® in good standing and have obtained a total of (8) eight points from any or all of the four categories that include measurable experience, formal education, related credentials, or professional experience.

*Category A—ISA Certification Program:
ISA Certified Arborist®................................................................1 point for each year certified
ISA continuing education ..........................................................1 point for every 60 CEUs over the required 30 every three years
Municipal Specialist...................................................................1 point
Utility Specialist.........................................................................1 point
ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist™..........................1 point

*Category B—Formal Education: Based on highest level of degree obtained in arboriculture or related field.
Two-year associate’s degree or equivalent ................................1 point
Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent .........................2 points
Master’s or equivalent terminal degree .....................................3 points
Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree ..........................................4 points

*Category C—Verifiable Related Credentials:
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist......................................3 points
SAF Certified Forester...............................................................1 point
State license or certification in arboriculture or urban forestry...1 point
European Certified Tree Worker ...............................................1 point
Professional tree care specialist .................................................1 point

*Category D—Professional Work Experience:
Years experience in arboriculture ………………………………1 point every six years

*Proof of the above must be in writing, such as a copy of a certificate and original transcripts or letter from a certifying agency. These must be submitted with your application for approval. By submitting your application, you authorize ISA certification staff to contact the practical experience reference named on your application to substantiate your eligibility.

Confirmation of Enrollment
The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® exam is only offered via computer based testing (CBT) and you may submit your application at any time. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter by email with instruction on how to schedule your exam within 90 days. If you do not receive this email confirmation within 7-10 business days, please contact the ISA Certification Department or call 217.355.9411.

Thank you for your consideration.