How to Become an ISA-Certified Arborist in Texas

If you’ve had a passion for trees and arboriculture, you may have thought about becoming an arborist. While there are many different ways to become an arborist, the most common route is through certification. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers certification for arborists worldwide. To be eligible for ISA certification in Texas, you must meet specific requirements. This guide by TreeNewal, North Texas’ #1 spot for ISA-certified arborists, can help you!

ISA certification is the most respected and recognized credential in the arboriculture industry, so if you’re looking to become an ISA-certified arborist in Texas, look no further!

What is an ISA-certified Arborist in Texas?

An ISA arborist certification is the most respected and sought-after credential in the industry. Earning your ISA certification means you have met rigorous standards and demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in arboriculture. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) are recognized as authorities in their field.

As discussed in our blog, What is the Difference Between an ISA Certified Arborist and Other Tree Service Experts, to earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere to the Code of Ethics that strengthens their credibility and reliability.

Where do I start?

When you start the fulfilling journey of becoming an arborist, most people begin with obtaining a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute.

The ISA Credentialing Council requires three years of full-time practical arboricultural experience or a combination of education and practical arboricultural experience.

According to the ISA, this can include the practical use of knowledge regarding pruning, fertilization, installation and establishment, diagnosis and treatment of tree problems, cabling and bracing, climbing, or other services related to arboriculture.

A two-year associate degree with a minimum of two courses directly related to arboriculture plus two years of practical full-time experience in arboriculture is acceptable. A four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four courses directly related to plus one year of practical full-time experience in arboriculture.

Submit Your Application

If you have met the eligibility, it’s time to submit your application. All applications must go through the MyISA Dashboard. If you don’t currently have an account, you can set one up and submit your application through the portal.

Schedule Your Exam

Once your application is approved, you’re halfway there! The next step is to schedule your exam.

You have the option of an in-person paper exam or a computer-based exam. The paper exams are hosted by local ISA chapters or an affiliated organization. The dates for a paper exam are determined by the chapters or affiliated organizations. You can see the dates and location of the exams here. Test results usually take 4 to 6 weeks.

Computer-based exams are hosted at Pearson Vue testing centers. With computer-based exams, you have a bit more flexibility in deciding what time and date you want to take your exam. The computer-based exam results are instant.

The prices for both exams differ as well. Paper exams cost $170 for members and $280 for nonmembers. The computer-based exam costs $125.

Prepping for Your Exam

ISA offers study guides and an online learning center that you can utilize for studying for the exam in their web store.

The online learning center includes:

• Self-paced instruction
• More than 750 quiz questions for exam practice
• Interactive exercises that reinforce learning
• Lesson review activities with instant feedback
• Glossary of key terms
• Photos, drawings, and videos
• Text read aloud

However, it should be noted that these resources should not be considered the only source of information for the exam.

Now You’re an ISA-Certified Arborist!

Once you’ve passed your exam, congratulations! You are now an ISA-Certified Arborist. This means you have met the highest arboricultural knowledge, ethics, and practice standards.

Being an ISA Certified Arborist shows your clients and employers that you are a professional who takes their work seriously and is dedicated to upholding the Code of Ethics.

What Should I Do With My Certification?

Now that you’re an ISA-Certified arborist, you may wonder what to do next. One of the best things you can do is get involved with your local ISA chapter. Attending chapter meetings, volunteering for events, and networking with other arborists are great ways to build relationships, learn new information, and expand your knowledge base.

Make sure you keep up with your continuing education and stay updated on the latest arboricultural practices. The ISA offers a variety of training courses and webinars throughout the year that can help you do just that.

Being an ISA-Certified Arborist is a great way to show your clients and employers that you are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in arboriculture. Joining a leading tree care company that values the ISA-Certification can be a significant next step. At TreeNewal, we value the ISA-Certification, and we treat our arborists with integrity.

If you’re looking for a career in tree care, consider becoming an ISA-Certified Arborist. The process of becoming certified is rigorous, but it’s worth it! The benefits of certification are many and include increased knowledge and understanding of arboriculture.

Apply Now

We hope this guide helped you determine if you are eligible to become an ISA-Certified Arborist. If you become an ISA-Certified Arborist, consider applying for a job at TreeNewal. We are the #1 Tree Care Experts in DFW. Join our mighty powerhouse team of zealous tree care professionals making a significant impact in the DFW and surrounding areas. We believe in the power of a healthy ecosystem with sustainable solutions for healthy trees, healthy lives.

Fulfill your desire and passion for truly making a difference in the care of trees while educating your customers on the value and benefits of trees to the environment and proper tree care and maintenance.

We offer fuel reimbursement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. STD and LTD insurance is paid for by TreeNewal. As well as a scholarship program for children of employees.

To learn more about How to Become an ISA-Certified Arborist in Texas, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line.

Healthy trees, healthy lives.