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 professionals in arboriculture who meet the professional knowledge standards established by the ISA Certification Committee.

Regardless of other professional affiliations, this ISA Certified Arborists' Code of Conduct applies to all those seeking ISA Certified Arborist certification (candidates) and all those who have received ISA Certified Arborist certification (certified professionals). The Certified Arborists' Code of Conduct outlines appropriate and enforceable rules of professional conduct. It describes the minimum requirements for the ethical behavior of Certified Arborists and certification candidates. The Certified Arborists' Code of Conduct 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 to the ISA, the profession, and the public.

A. Compliance by the Certified Arborist with 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 the practice of arboriculture, including national practice standards and policies.
3. Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information on certification and certification renewal.
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 Certified Arborists' Code of Conduct 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 to 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 preparing cost estimates, services, and expected outcomes.
7. Acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of others and act truthfully, completely, and accurately, including in activities related to professional work and research.

B. Responsibilities of the Certified Arborist in the event of conflicts 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 create 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 regarding 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 Credentialing Guidelines Candidate Handbook and the ISA credentialing programs policies.
2. I understand that the ISA Credentialing Program is separate and distinct from all other ISA programs and services. ISA certification differs from ISA membership. Unless I am also an ISA member, I cannot use ISA member trademarks and logos.
3. I agree to provide the ISA Credentialing Program with complete and accurate information regarding my certification application and certification, including any changes to residential or business addresses, phone numbers, or email, within sixty (60) days of such changes.
4. I agree that the ISA Credentialing Program 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 concerned organizations if my application contains erroneous information.
5. I understand that maintaining my ISA certification is based on compliance with all certification and recertification requirements, including adhering to the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics and Ethics Procedures.
6. I agree to report to the ISA Credentialing Program any actions that may violate any clause of the Certified Arborist Code of Ethics within sixty (60) days following such an action. This reporting applies to behaviors or activities that have occurred from the date I applied for ISA certification. (NOTE: Any action to be reported in accordance with 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 for fees or otherwise.
8. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless ISA and its agents, employees, representatives, and successors from any and all claims, lawsuits, complaints, losses, or liabilities (claims) (including attorney fees) from a third party resulting or related to: my ISA certification; my use or display of the ISA Credentialing Program's accreditations or designations or references to the ISA Credentialing Program, my professional activities and services, or other business activities.
9. I understand that ISA certification is personal and may not be transferred or assigned to any other person, organization, or entity other than myself. Regarding my use and display of the ISA Credentialing Program's trademarks in relation to professional business activities, I agree to comply with all applicable ISA policies, including the ISA Credentialing Program Trademark Policy, Procedure Appeal No. 0016, and their possible future amendments.
10. When I have obtained ISA certification, I understand that ISA may receive requests for verification of my certification from individuals or organizations, including certification dates, and I agree that this information may be disclosed.
11. I agree that, at my request, ISA may publish certain professional information about me on the ISA website, including my employer's and business contact details. I further agree that information entered 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 credential trademarks, references, and any other designation indicating an affiliation with the ISA certification. I agree to comply with any additional directives from the ISA Credentialing Program.