Certification workshops are provided by the IAA to assist in preparing for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Exam. The Certified Arborist recognition is given by the ISA to those who (1) meet the eligibility requirement for admission to the exam (including 3 years experience in Arboriculture or 2 years with a two or four year degree in a related field), (2) successful completion of the exam and (3) maintain the necessary number of continuing education units to re-certify after three years.

The Certification Workshop series will cover the following topics:

• Tree Biology
• Tree Identification
• Tree/Soil Relations
• Water Management
• Tree Nutrition & Fertilization
• Tree Selection
• Installation & Establishment of Trees
• Tree Pruning
• Tree Support & Protection Systems
• Diagnosis & Plant Disorders
• Plant Health Care
• Tree Assessment & Risk Management
• Trees & Construction
• Safety
• Climbing and Working in Trees

The Arborist Certification workshops will run for 9 weeks and meet every Monday night from 6:30pm-9:00pm at the Downers Grove Public Works Department.  The Arborist Exam will be given on the last night of class. Classes start on September 20th and end with the exam on November 15th, 2010.

ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialists

The exam has 3 prerequisites:

• CPR/First Aid Certification

• Aerial Rescue Training

• 18 months of working experience as a tree climber

The exam is made up of two parts:

• 50 question multiple choice knowledge exam

• A skills exam

Currently there are no classes to help prepare you for the Utility Specialist, the Municipal Specialist, or the Board Certified Master Arborist exam.  There are study guides and exam prep materials to help you prepare for the exams click here to view the Certification Exam Prep Materials.