An arborist is responsible for maintaining the health of trees.
Arborists are people who work with trees to maintain their health and shape and are sometimes called “tree surgeons.” Arborist certification can be obtained through an exam, but each different variety of arborist has its own set of guidelines and required credentials. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), there are six different types of arboriculture certification. Certifications include arborist, arborist specializing in utilities or dealing with municipalities, arborist specializing in climbing equipment or aerial lifts, and master arborist.
The most basic type of arborist certificate available is the ISA Arborist, and the ISA provides study materials on its website.
While arborists are not required to become certified in most places, certification often means increased pay and better job prospects. The most basic type of arborist certificate available is the ISA Arborist, and the ISA provides study materials on its website. A list of required knowledge and credentials can also be found there. Basic knowledge of tree care, growth and identification is required. Similar certifications can be found in local organizations, but the ISA certification is valid anywhere in the world.
The utility arborist certification means that the arborist has taken an exam and received a certificate indicating that they know the proper safety rules and procedures to protect the health of a tree while working on utility lines. Often this type of arborist works for the utility companies themselves. The municipality specialization means that the arborist has a working knowledge of trees in urban settings. These arborists may work for city or regional governments, or park planning services, as well as building contractors.
Certification may also include tree specialist certification in climbing or aerial lift equipment. An arborist seeking climbing specialist certification as a tree worker must have documented over one year of safe tree climbing protocol. Aerial lift equipment specialists work with powered equipment and must know and demonstrate recommended operating and safety procedures.
Board Certified Master Arborist certification requires the candidate to first become an ISA Certified Arborist, in addition to meeting a number of prerequisites set forth by the ISA. People seeking this type of certification must be knowledgeable, knowledgeable about the science of trees and their diseases, their safe management and control, as well as business management and corporate relations. As with all other arborist certifications, there are exams that must be passed and arborist certification study guides are available through the ISA.