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. Respect all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards governing professional arboricultural practice.
2. Adhere to all accepted professional standards related to the practice of arboriculture, including standards of practice and national policies.
3. Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information regarding certification and certificate renewal.
4. Safeguard the security of ISA exam information and materials, including preventing unauthorized disclosure of exam information.
5. Cooperate with the ISA in regards to ethics and the collection of information related to ethics.
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 Ethics Procedures of the Certification Program.
7. Avoid any behavior or conduct that clearly contravenes the 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 delivery of professional services. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Offer safe and competent services through independent professional judgment in decision-making.
2. Recognize the limits of their professional abilities and offer services only based on 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 element.
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 within the scope of their professional activities unless: the information can reasonably be considered part of illegal activity; a court or government agency legally requires the disclosure of the information; the client or employer expressly authorizes the disclosure of this specific information; or failing to disclose this information could cause death or severe physical injuries to employees or the public.
5. Use professional credentials appropriately and provide truthful and accurate information about their qualifications, experience, skills, and service delivery.
6. Provide truthful and accurate information to the public in advertising, public statements, and other representations, as well as in the preparation of cost assessments, services, and expected outcomes.
7. Recognize and respect others' intellectual property rights and act accurately, completely, and truthfully, including in activities associated with professional work and research.

B. Responsibilities of the Certified Arborist in cases of conflicts of interest and appearance of inappropriate practice. Certified Arborists and candidates must:

1. Disclose to clients and employers any significant circumstances that might be interpreted as a potential or actual conflict of interest or an appearance of inappropriate practice.
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 nor that any conflict of interest influences or interferes with professional judgment.
4. Avoid offering or accepting large sums, gifts, or any other form of compensation or advantage to secure a contract or if the purpose of the gift is to influence professional judgment.

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

1. Adhere to proper health and safety procedures in their professional activities to protect clients, employers, employees, and the public from any reasonably foreseeable conditions that could result in injuries or other harm.
2. Inform appropriate agencies or government representatives if they are aware of activities or circumstances that could be unsafe or contravene 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 the ISA member trademarks and logos.
3. I agree to provide the ISA Certification Program with complete and accurate information regarding my certification application and certification, including any changes to my home or business address, phone number, or email, within sixty (60) days following such a change.
4. I agree that the ISA Certification Service may contact any person or organization as part of the verification of my initial application. I authorize the disclosure of any information required by the ISA for the verification of my application. I agree that the ISA may notify the concerned organizations if my application contains erroneous 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 Arborist Code of Ethics and Ethics Procedures.
6. I agree to report to the ISA Certification Service any actions that may violate any clause of the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics, within sixty (60) days following such an action. This type of reporting applies to behaviors or activities that have occurred since the date I applied for the ISA certification. (NOTE: Any action to be reported according to these terms must be noted on a separate sheet and submitted with this agreement.)
7. I understand that certification granted by the ISA does not represent a license, registration, or any other authorization to practice or conduct commercial activities in exchange for fees or otherwise.
8. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the ISA and its agents, employees, representatives, and successors from any and all claims, suits, complaints, losses, or liabilities (claims) (including attorney fees) from a third party resulting from or related to: my ISA certification; my use or display of the ISA Certification Program credentials or designations or any references to the ISA Certification Program, my professional activities and services or my other commercial activities.
9. I understand that the ISA certification is personal and cannot be transferred or assigned to any other person, organization, or entity. Regarding my use and display of 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 and their possible future amendments.
10. Once I obtain ISA certification, I understand that the ISA might receive requests for verification of my certification by individuals or organizations, including the dates of certification, and I agree for this information to be disclosed.
11. I agree that, upon my request, the ISA may publish certain professional information about me on the ISA website, including my employer and business contact details. 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 the ISA certification. I agree to comply with any additional directives from the ISA Certification Program.