Code of Ethics of the ISA Certified Arborist

Code of Conduct for ISA Certified Arborists

The International Society of Arboriculture inc. (ISA) is a non-profit, voluntary professional association. The ISA certification program certifies qualified arboriculture professionals who meet the professional knowledge standards established by the ISA Certification Committee.

Regardless of other professional affiliations, this Code of Conduct for ISA Certified Arborists applies to all those aspiring to obtain ISA Certified Arborist certification (candidates) and those who have received ISA Certified Arborist certification (certified professionals). The Code of Conduct for Certified Arborists outlines appropriate and enforceable rules of professional conduct. It describes the minimum requirements for the ethical behavior of Certified Arborists and certification candidates. The Code of Conduct for Certified Arborists also serves as a professional resource for arborists as well as for those receiving services from a Certified Arborist or a certification candidate, in accordance with these standards and requirements.

I. Responsibilities towards the ISA, the profession, and the public.

A. Adherence by Certified Arborists to all rules and policies of the organization and all legal requirements. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards governing the professional practice of arboriculture.
2. Adhere to all accepted professional standards relating to arboriculture practice, including national standards of practices and policies.
3. Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information regarding certification and renewal of certification.
4. Safeguard the security of ISA examination information and material, including preventing unauthorized disclosure of exam information.
5. Cooperate with the ISA regarding ethics and the collection of ethics-related information.
6. Report promptly to the ISA Certification Program any personal behaviors that may contravene any clause of the Code of Conduct for Certified Arborists or the Program’s Ethics Procedures.
7. Avoid any behavior or conduct that clearly violates professional, ethical, or legal standards governing professional activities or services.

II. Responsibilities towards clients, employers, employees, and the public. 

A. Responsibilities of the Certified Arborist regarding the performance of professional services. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Provide safe and competent services using independent professional judgment in decision-making.
2. Recognize the limits of their professional abilities and offer services only within their qualifications. It is the responsibility of Certified Arborists/candidates to determine the limits of their professional abilities based on their qualifications, training, knowledge, skills, practical experience, and any other relevant factors.
3. Make a reasonable effort to provide appropriate professional referrals when unable to provide qualified professional assistance.
4. Maintain and respect the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained through professional activities, unless: the information can reasonably be considered to be part of an illegal activity; a court or government agency legally requires the information's disclosure; the client or employer expressly authorizes the disclosure of this specific information; or failure to disclose the information could result in death or serious physical harm to employees and the public.
5. Properly use professional accreditations and provide truthful and accurate information regarding their training, experience, skills, and service performance.
6. Provide truthful and accurate information to the public in advertisements, public statements, and other representations as well as in the preparation of cost assessments, services, and expected outcomes.
7. Recognize and respect the intellectual property rights of others and act accurately, completely, and truthfully, including in activities associated with professional work and research.

B. Responsibilities of the Certified Arborist in cases of conflict of interest and appearance of misconduct. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Disclose to clients and employers material facts that could be interpreted as a potential or actual conflict of interest or the appearance of misconduct.
2. Avoid any behavior that could cause a conflict of interest with a client, employer, employee, or the public.
3. Ensure that no conflict of interest compromises the legitimate interests of a client, employer, employee, or the public, or that no conflict of interest influences or interferes with professional judgment.
4. Avoid offering or accepting substantial sums, gifts, or any other form of compensation or advantage to obtain a contract or if the purpose of the offer is to influence professional judgment.

C. Responsibilities of the Certified Arborist towards health and safety. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Comply with appropriate health and safety procedures in their professional activities to protect clients, employers, employees, and the public from any reasonably foreseeable conditions that could lead to injury or other harm.
2. Inform appropriate government agencies or representatives if they are aware of activities or circumstances that could be unsafe or violate legal requirements.

As a candidate or certified professional:

1. I acknowledge having read and understood all the terms of the ISA certification, as defined in the ISA Certified Arborist Candidate Guide and the ISA certification program policies.
2. I understand that the ISA Certification Program is separate and distinct from all other ISA programs and services. ISA certification differs from ISA membership as a member. Unless I am also an ISA member, I cannot use ISA member trademarks and logos.
3. I agree to provide the ISA certification program with complete and accurate information about my certification application and certification, including any changes to my residential or business address, phone number, or email, within sixty (60) days of such a change.
4. I agree that the ISA Certification Service may contact any person or organization during the verification of my initial application. I authorize the disclosure of any information required by ISA for the verification of my application. I agree that ISA may notify the concerned organizations if my application contains incorrect information.
5. I understand that maintaining my ISA certification is based on compliance with all certification and certification renewal requirements, including adherence to the ISA Certified Arborists Code of Ethics and Ethics Procedures.
6. I agree to report to the ISA Certification Service any of my actions that might violate any clause of the ISA Certified Arborists Code of Ethics within sixty (60) days following such an action. This type of reporting applies to behavior or activities that occurred from the date I applied for ISA certification. (NOTE: Any action to be reported under these terms must be noted on a separate sheet and submitted with this agreement.)
7. I understand that the certification granted by ISA does not represent a license, registration, or any other authorization to practice or conduct business activities in exchange for fees or otherwise.
8. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless ISA and its agents, employees, representatives, and successors from and against any and all claims, lawsuits, complaints, losses, or liabilities (claims) (including attorney fees) by a third party resulting from or related to: my ISA certification; my use or display of the ISA certification program accreditations or designations or references to the ISA certification program, my professional activities and services, or my other business activities.
9. I understand that the ISA certification is personal and cannot be transferred or assigned to any other person, organization, or entity besides me. Regarding my use and display of the ISA certification trademarks in relation to professional business activities, I agree to comply with all applicable ISA policies, including the ISA certification program policy and Appeal Procedure No. 0016 as well as any future amendments to them.
10. Once I have obtained ISA certification, I understand that the ISA may receive requests to verify my certification by individuals or organizations, including certification dates, and I agree for this information to be disclosed.
11. I agree that, upon my request, ISA may publish certain professional information about me on the ISA website, including the contact details of my employer and my business. I further agree that the information listed on my ISA certification application may be used for research and statistical purposes.
12. If my ISA certification expires, is suspended, or is revoked, I agree to immediately cease using and displaying the ISA Certified Arborist certification trademark, its references, and any other designation indicating an affiliation with ISA certification. I agree to comply with any additional directives from the ISA Certification Program.