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
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).
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, they may retake it as many times as necessary. A retake fee of CAD 180 (USD 120) will be charged for each retake.
Forms
Accommodation Form (bilingual)
Prochains examens
Upcoming exams
Montreal area
Fall 2025
Registration deadline:
Requests for accommodation must be submitted at least 45 days before the exam date.
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
Fall 2025
Registration deadline: Received no later than January 28, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Requests for accommodation must be submitted at least 45 days before the exam date.
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 large number of incomplete or ineligible applications. Please read the applicant's guide carefully before submitting your application. The application fee is valid for a period of one year. If you are still ineligible after this period, you will have to pay the fee again.
The processing time for applications is 7 to 10 business days. Please allow for this time if you wish to register for an exam. Last-minute applications may not be accepted. The registration deadline must be met, and no exceptions will be made.
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 2025 - Subject to change. Price on form prevails.
Application fees
ISA member: $60 (US$40)
Non-ISA member: $75 (US$50)
Exam fees
ISA member: $430 (US$295)
Non-ISA member: $580 (US$396)
There is no additional fee for taking the computer-based exam.
Certification renewal fees
You must renew your certification directly in your account on the ISA website. The SIAQ cannot renew your certification, as your CEU status is required to do so. You must therefore renew your certification 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 CEUs will be eligible to renew their certification.
Basic recertification fee: $220 USD
Recertification fee for additional certifications: $95 USD
There are no longer any discounts for members. The renewal fee is the same for everyone.