Proctors and Evaluators

ISA Certification Exam Proctors are trained and pre-approved exam administrators who are responsible for all onsite exam logistics and maintaining exam material security. Well-trained proctors enhance the validity and reliability of the ISA Certification exam and protect the integrity of the program.

Eligibility Requirements to Become an ISA Exam Proctor

To apply, you must be

• An ISA Certified Arborist®; or
• A high school, community college, university educator or researcher; or
• An individual approved by the ISA Credentialing Council based upon acceptable background and experience.

How to Become an ISA Exam Proctor

• Submit a completed application for approval by your local Certification Liaison and by ISA.
• Study the Proctor Manual and review all related policies and forms.
• Pass the online quiz.
• Receive your Certificate of Completion from ISA.
• Sign and agree to abide by the ISA Test Confidentiality and Security Policy, the Conflict of Interest form, and all rules and procedures set forth in the ISA Proctor Manual. 

How to Maintain Your Proctor Status

• All proctors must review the Proctor Manual and other materials and pass the online quiz every two years.
• Proctors who have not administered at least one written certification exam within a 12-month period must retake and pass the online quiz to maintain proctor status.

ISA Skills Test Evaluators

ISA Skills Test Evaluators assess the skills-based tree climbing portion of the ISA Tree Worker Climber Specialist® and ISA Tree Worker Aerial List Specialist® exams through the use of a fair and objective evaluation format. Evaluators ensure that certification candidates are competent in performing specific work skills related to the credentials.

Eligibility Requirements to Become an ISA Skills Test Evaluator

• Tree climbing experience and/or aerial lift experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of all applicable safety standards, climbing skills, and knots, and/or aerial lift skills
• Commitment of time on an ongoing basis
• Experience judging tree climbing competitions (preferred, but not required)

How to Become an ISA Skills Test Evaluator

• Obtain approval from your local ISA entity and the ISA Credentialing Council
• Successfully complete an evaluator training program
• Sign and agree to abide by the ISA Test Confidentiality and Security Policy and all rules and procedures set forth in the ISA Certified Tree Worker Skills Test Evaluator’s Manuals.

How to Maintain Your Skills Test Evaluator Status

• Administer at least one skills test within a two-year period, or
• Attend and complete one Skills Test Evaluator workshop within the two-year period.