Common Questions
If I already have the TRACE credential with the ISA Pacific Northwest Chapter, will my TRACE credential transfer into the new ISA Tree Risk Qualification?
Once the ISA program is launched, all those individuals holding a valid TRACE credential will be assimilated into the ISA program. No additional test or learning event will be required to transfer in to the ISA program.
Will I have the same expiration date when I transfer into the new ISA Tree Risk Qualification?
Yes
What are the differences and similarities between the two programs?
While much of the course curriculum will be very similar, there will be some differences. The information in the new ISA Best Management Practices – Tree Risk Assessment provides the foundation for the new qualification under development, and describes the new methodologies for assessing risk.
How is the exam administered?
The exam consists of two parts, a knowledge- and a performance-based (written and practical). You will be expected to successfully complete both portions in order to obtain the qualification.
Are there Tree Risk Assessment Qualification events scheduled for my area?
No Tree Risk Assessment Qualification events have been scheduled yet. Check the ISA website for announcements in the future.
How much is this qualification going to cost?
ISA fees will be comparable to fees currently charged by the ISA Pacific Northwest Chapter for the TRACE credential; however, fees may vary by geographic region.
How long is the qualification good for?
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification will be valid for a period of 5 years. After 5 years, if you wish to maintain this qualification, you will be required to retake the course and assessments to renew your qualification.
The ISA Credentialing Council continues to work hard to administer and enhance its certification programs. To support these efforts,
the Board has initiated a process to enhance and improve the current Certified Tree Worker (CTW) program. Based on low response to the
current CTW program and feedback from tree workers, employers, Certified Arborists, and Chapter Liaisons, the Credentialing Council has
formed an expert committee to study, develop, and recommend modifications to improve the tree worker credential.
In response to the Credentialing Council’s mandate and its research, this CTW Standards Committee is currently working to develop a proposal
for an internationally recognized and meaningful set of credentials for active tree workers. The committee finds that in order to meet industry
needs, the CTW or comparable credential should clearly define a reasonable scope of practical worker knowledge and skill and accurately measure
a desirable level of proficiency.
The committee comprises highly experienced professionals from the U.S. (Bruce Smith, Scott Bunker, Kevin Eckert), Canada (Ruurd Van de Ven),
the UK (Dan Yeomans), and New Zealand (Richard Wanhill), supported by Credentialing Council Chair David Glenn, ISA Certification Director Kevin Martlage,
and ISA Financial Director Mark Bluhm. This team has been studying the current ISA and Western Chapter
CTW programs and proven tree worker qualification programs that have been established within the UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Utah. Beyond those
existing, successful tree worker qualification programs, the committee is also gathering information from selected tree company managers, active
tree workers, arboricultural training agencies and service providers, and government agencies.
Based on the results of its recent research and extensive experience, the committee is developing a significant modification to the current
CTW program for the consideration of the Credentialing Council. These modifications include individual training and qualification tracks for ground
workers, tree climbers, aerial lift operators, utility line clearance workers, and a high-level master recognition program. Knowledge and skill
topics for each distinct job classification would be designed to clearly define important performance elements and their threshold for successful
achievement by qualified candidates. The tree worker credential should be based on clear demonstration of key knowledge and skill elements on a
regular basis to ensure that each credential holder maintains the desired level of proficiency.
The Credentialing Council intends to continue the existing CTW program as it is currently structured for the foreseeable future and wishes to
ensure all stakeholders that it will not abandon any current or future CTWs who remain current with their recertification requirements within
the current program.
These potential enhancements to the current CTW program are designed to provide tree workers, employers, the public, and regulatory agencies
with a better definition of the true scope of job knowledge and skill requirements and a more reliable measurement of a credential holder’s
performance proficiency. This program also seeks to provide opportunities for the industry’s critical, underserved workforce, including ground
workers, utility line clearance workers, and exceptionally experienced and proficient tree workers.
Please contact Committee Chair Kevin Eckert or
Committee Member Ruurd Van de Ven if you have any questions or would like further information
about this effort to enhance the ISA CTW program.