Become an ISA Certified Arborist
You are now ready to embark on the process leading to ISA arborist certification. This personal choice represents a valuable investment in your professional development.
Obtaining this certification not only demonstrates your commitment to ongoing education, but it is also concrete proof of your skills and knowledge in the field of arboriculture.
An ISA Certified Arborist understands the value of continuing education and how it contributes to the constant improvement of their skills. By making this choice, you are helping to make the world a better place, one tree at a time.
Quick links to access sections
The exam | Steps to register for the exam | Results | Exam fees | Exam retake in case of failure | Certification renewal
The Certification Exam
Everything you need to know about the ISA arborist certification is found in this guide, from exam details to eligibility criteria. Take the time to review it carefully before starting the certification process.
Guide version in English: Program Guide
Types of Exams
There are two ways to take the ISA arborist certification exam. The candidate can choose to register for a written exam session in a room or a computerized test, offered in an accredited center.
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, and the candidate has 3.5 hours to complete it.
The exam is offered by the SIAQ on a specific date and is held in a classroom. When a date is announced, participants can register according to the established registration procedures.
The exam takes place at the location and time indicated in the official notice. The participant has 3 and a half hours to complete it.
The participant can choose to take the exam on a computer at a Pearson VUE testing centre.
Note — this is not an online at-home exam.
The participant selects the date and time that suit their schedule, according to the availability offered by the Pearson VUE centres.
To view the list of testing centres in your area, visit the site www.pearsonvue.com/isa (in English only).
Exam Content
The areas covered in the exam correspond to the main responsibilities and tasks that define the practice of arboriculture.
The weighting (or percentage) associated with each area indicates the proportion of the exam dedicated to it.
For more details on the exam content and description of each area, refer to the document titled « Exam Content »
- 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%)
- Risk related to trees (11%)
- Safe work practices (15%)
- Urban forestry (6%)
The steps to register for an exam
The registration for the exam is done in 3 steps.
- Create your account on the ISA website.
- Submit your application
- Register for an exam
- Step 1: Create your account on the ISA website
Go to the ISA website* to open your account. Note, if you already have an account, do not create a new one.
A period of 24 to 48 hours is required for your account to be activated.
When your account is activated, you will be able to log in to submit your application.
* The website is in English, but you can enable site translation through your browser.
- Step 2: Submit your application
Log in to the ISA website, then access the ISA Credentialing Portal**.
Click on the link to submit your application for the ISA Certified Arborist certification.
** The portal is defaulted to English, but you can select your preferred language from the menu on the left.
- Step 3: Register for the exam
When your application has been processed, the button to register for an exam will be activated in your account.
Simply log in to the ISA Credentialing Portal.
Notes:
-
You cannot register for an exam until your application has been approved.
- If you wish to take a written in-person exam, allow sufficient time for your application to be processed. A period of 10 to 15 business days may be necessary to process eligibility applications.
- Need help creating your account? Check the tutorial
Request for Accommodation
It is possible to request accommodation, particularly for candidates who need additional time or other adjustments (a diagnosis or medical justification is required).
To submit a request, you must complete the accommodation request form and attach the supporting documents specifying the reason for your request. The file will then be reviewed by the ISA, who will communicate their decision to you.
Accommodations are granted only if the candidate is deemed eligible and if the accommodation can be offered at the chosen examination location. Processing a request may take several weeks.
⚠️ Important: Your accommodation must be approved before your exam registration.
Demande d'accommodement (bilingue)
As examination rooms are reserved according to needs at the time of planning, it is possible that an accommodation cannot be granted if the request is submitted too late.
Please allow a timeframe of 45 to 60 days for the complete review of your request.
Results
The results of the written exams in the room are published in your account about 4 to 6 weeks after the exam date.
The results of computerized exams are available immediately after the end of the test.
The detailed results by domain (according to weighting) as well as the final grade can be viewed in the ISA Credential Portal
Application Fee
ISA Member: US$40 (approximately $60)
Non-ISA Member: US$50 (approximately $75)
Exam Registration Fees
ISA Member: 295 USD
Non-ISA Member: 396 USD
The application request can be made as follows:
- Through the ISA Credential Portal (Credential Portal).
- The application fees are charged by the ISA in U.S. dollars (USD).
Exam Registration
Registration for the exam must be done through the ISA Credential Portal (Credential Portal).
The exam registration fees are charged by the ISA in U.S. dollars (USD).
⚠️ Important: There are no additional fees for taking the computer-based exam at an authorized centre.
Retake of the certification exam in case of failure
In case of failure in the certification exam, the candidate can retake the exam as many times as necessary.
A retake fee of $120 USD applies for each attempt.
Registration for an exam retake must be done through the ISA Credential Portal (Credential Portal).
Certification Renewal
The renewal of your certification must be done directly from your account on the ISA website.
The SIAQ cannot proceed with the renewal on your behalf, as the status of your Continuing Education Credits (CEC) is required to complete this process.
You must therefore perform the renewal yourself on the ISA website.
The renewal fees are payable in US dollars (USD) and must be paid at the time of the transaction.
To be eligible for renewal, you must have accumulated at least 30 CECs during your certification period.
Recertification Fees
Base recertification fee: $220 USD
Recertification fee for each additional certification: $95 USD
⚠️ Important Note:
No discount is offered to members. The renewal rate is the same for all certified arborists.