Now you're ready to begin the process of becoming an ISA Certified Arborist.
It's a personal choice that will serve you well in your profession. Successful certification not only demonstrates the importance you place on continuing education, it will be tangible proof that you possess the appropriate knowledge for your profession.
An ISA-certified arborist understands the importance of continuing education and how it contributes to improving your skills. So you can help make the world a better place, one tree at a time.
The certification exam
Types of examination
There are two ways to take the ISA Arborist Certification exam. The participant can register for either a written exam or a computer-based exam*.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Written exam
The written exam is offered by SIAQ on a specific date and takes place in a classroom. When a date is announced, the participant can register for the exam according to the registration procedure. The exam takes place at the time and place specified in the invitation. The participant has 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
Computerized exam
For an additional fee, participants can choose to take a computer-based exam at a Pearson Vue test center. Please note that this is not an exam to be taken at home over the Internet. The participant chooses the date and time that best suits his or her schedule, based on the availability of a Pearson Vue test center. For a list of Pearson Vue centers in your area, visit www.pearsonvue.com/isa. Additional fees apply to take the computer-based exam (in addition to the exam fee).
* Important note: The computer exam is not available in Quebec. If you choose this option, you must travel outside Quebec. In Quebec, the only way to take the exam is by selecting the in-class written exam.
Exam content
The areas covered in the exam are the main responsibilities or tasks that characterize the practice of arboriculture. The weighting
or percentages indicate the proportion of the exam devoted to each area.
- Tree biology (11%)
- Tree identification and selection (9%)
- Soil management (7%)
- Installation and establishment (9%)
- Pruning (14%)
- Diagnosis and treatment (9%)
- Trees and construction (9%)
- Tree hazards (11%)
- Safe working practices (15%)
- Urban forestry (6%)
To find out more about the exam content for each area, please consult the document “Exam content”.
Exam results
As a general rule, all results are mailed directly to the participant approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the exam. Computer exam participants will be able to find out their results as soon as the exam is over, but will receive their official transcript by mail.
Retaking the certification exam in the event of failure
If a participant fails the certification exam, he or she may retake the exam free of charge (computer exam fee not included) within 12 months of taking the initial exam. A retest fee of $110 CAD ($75 USD) will be charged for each subsequent retest before the 12-month period has expired. After this period, re-takes will no longer be possible, and the participant will have to reapply in full and pay the fee in full.
Forms
Accommodation Form (bilingual)
Prochains examens
Upcoming exams
Montreal area
February 13, 2025
Registration deadline: January 16, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Requests for accommodation must be submitted no later than December 5, 2024.
Places available: 25
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - On-site registration from 8:15 a.m.
Location: Centre Accès, 6500 boul. Arthur-Sauvé, Laval, H7R 3X8, room 208-209 (2nd floor)
Quebec City area
February 25, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Registration deadline: Received no later than January 28, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Requests for accommodation must be submitted no later than December 15, 2024.
Places available: 20
Time: 1 p.m. - On-site registration from 12:30 p.m.
Location: Center sportif Marc-Simoneau, 3500, rue Cambronne, Québec, G1E 7H2, Local 117
Important information
Places are limited. Registrations are accepted up to maximum room capacity. Your registration may be refused even if submitted before the registration deadline.
Incomplete applications.
We receive a high number of incomplete or ineligible applications. Please read the Applicant Guide carefully before submitting your application. An incomplete application sent at the last minute may be rejected if you are unable to comply by the deadline. The application deadline must be respected, and no exceptions will be accepted.
Request for accommodation
It is possible to make a request for accommodation, particularly for a candidate who needs more time (diagnosis required). To request accommodation, you must complete the appropriate form and attach supporting documents identifying the reason for your request. The completed form will then be reviewed by the ISA and a decision will be communicated. Accommodations will only be granted if the candidate is deemed eligible and the accommodation can be provided at the test location. Requests may take several weeks to process. Accommodation must be approved before you register for an exam. Exam rooms are reserved on an as-needed basis at the time of booking. We may not be able to accommodate you if your request is not submitted in advance.
Certification exam fees
Price 2024 - Subject to change. Price on form prevails.
Exam fees
ISA AND SIAQ members: $246 CAD ($170 USD)
ISA members only: $398 CAD ($280 USD)
SIAQ member only: $398 CAD ($280 USD)
Non-member: $398 CAD ($280 USD)
Computer exam surcharge
181 CAD ($125 USD) payable each time you take the computer exam.
This fee is in addition to the exam fee. This is the fee for administering the computer-based exam.
* Please note that the computer-based exam is not available in Quebec.
Certification renewal fees
You must renew your certification directly in your account on the ISA website. The SIAQ cannot renew your certification; you must do it yourself on the ISA website.
Renewal fees are in US dollars and must be paid at the time of renewal.
Only certified arborists who have accumulated at least 30 CFCs will be eligible to renew their certification.
ISA and SIAQ members: $120 ($US)
ISA members only: $230 ($US)
SIAQ member only: $230 ($US)
Non-member: $230 ($US)