Becoming Qualified

The qualification consists of a 2-day educational course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field component. It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification.

When applying to participate in a TRAQ course, applicants must agree to the terms, conditions, and policies outlined in the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Application Guide.

To be eligible to register for the course and take the exam, you must have earned one of the following credentials:

• ISA Certified Arborist® or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university.
• A national certification or certificate in arboriculture (see a complete list in the TRAQ application guide)
• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status
• Licensing or Certification from an approved state/province program (see a complete list in the TRAQ application guide)
• SAF Certified Forester

If you would like us to consider any other credential, contact ISA at isa@isa-arbor.com.

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

• Introduction to Tree Risk Assessment
• Levels of Assessment
• Target Assessment
• Site Assessment
• Tree Biology and Mechanics

• Tree Inspection and Assessment
• Data Analysis and Risk Categorization
• Mitigation
• Reporting

The TRAQ Renewal Course is a one-day refresher, with five hours of instruction, and three hours to take the exam. Current TRAQ holders can complete the abbreviated course as early as four years into their qualification.

You may complete the TRAQ Renewal Course as early as one year prior to your qualification expiration date. Once you have successfully passed the requirements, you will be given 5 years from the date of your previous expiration allowing you to take full advantage of the 5 year period granted with the credential.

For courses that are co-hosted by ISA, all participants are required to register online or by phone. For courses hosted solely by a Chapter or Associate Organization instructions will be provided for each event. View TRAQ Courses for current course offerings.

Course materials will be shipped to participants three weeks prior to the course.

Pricing may vary by course and host. To find the price for a specific course, go to the Schedule of ISA TRAQ Courses , click the course date you are interested in, and follow the links to the registration information.