Arborists are professionals responsible for the care and management of trees. They play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of our urban forests, which in turn contributes to the overall quality of life in our communities. As with any profession, there are various levels of expertise and qualifications within the field of arboriculture. To help ensure the highest standards of tree care, several professional organizations have developed arborist certifications. These certifications allow arborists to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to their profession, while also providing a benchmark for consumers seeking qualified tree care professionals.

In this article, we will explore the different arborist certifications available, including the Certified Arborist, Licensed Tree Expert, Registered Consulting Arborist, and the Board-Certified Master Arborist. By understanding the key differences between these certifications, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right arborist for your needs.

The Importance of Arborist Certifications

Arborist certifications serve several important functions. First and foremost, they provide a means for arborists to validate their knowledge and skills. This is particularly important in an industry with limited peer review where improper tree care can result in long-term damage to trees, property damage, or even personal injury. By obtaining certification, arborists demonstrate their commitment to following industry best practices and staying current with the latest advances in tree care.

Certifications also help to establish a professional standard within the arboriculture industry. As more arborists pursue certification, the overall level of expertise within the profession increases, leading to better tree care and healthier urban forests. Additionally, certifications provide consumers with a means of identifying qualified professionals. This can be particularly important when faced with a tree care issue that requires specialized knowledge or expertise.

Finally, certifications can also help arborists advance in their careers. Many employers and clients prefer to work with certified professionals, and some may even require certification as a condition of employment or bidding on a project. By investing in certification, arborists can set themselves apart from their competition and increase their opportunities for professional growth.

ISA Certified Arborist: Roles and Responsibilities

With over 26,000 members, the ISA is the leading industry organization dedicated to promoting the professional practice of arboriculture and fostering a greater understanding of trees and tree care.

A Certified Arborist is an arborist who has earned the credential from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) by passing a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of arboriculture. To sit for the exam, the arborist must have documented three years of arboricultural experience or a combination of college education and experience. 

Learn more about the ISA Certified Arborist process

Certified Arborists are trained in various aspects of tree care, including tree biology, diagnosis and treatment of tree diseases and pests, tree risk assessment, pruning, tree removal, and tree planting. They are also knowledgeable in safety practices and equipment, as well as local, state, and federal regulations related to tree care.

The primary role of a Certified Arborist is to provide expert advice and services to clients seeking assistance with tree care. This may involve conducting tree assessments and inventories, developing tree management plans, or performing tree care tasks such as pruning, removal, and planting. Certified Arborists may work for private tree care companies, municipal governments, utility companies, or as independent consultants.

Licensed Tree Expert: Qualifications and Duties

A Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) is an arborist who has met specific state licensing requirements. These requirements typically include a combination of education, experience, and successful completion of a licensing exam. While the specifics vary by state, the overall goal of these licensing programs is to ensure that arborists meet a minimum standard of knowledge and professionalism in their work.

Licensed Tree Experts are responsible for providing tree care services within their respective states. These services may include tree assessment and diagnosis, pruning, removal, planting, and pest management. Like Certified Arborists, LTEs are knowledgeable in safety practices, tree sciences, and arborist equipment and must comply with applicable regulations.

In some states, the LTE designation is required to perform certain types of tree-related work. In New Jersey, for example, and arborist must be an LTE to perform any form of tree-related consulting. However, New Jersey also has a Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO) designation for arborists who specialize in basic services like tree pruning and removal. In Maryland, an arborist must be an LTE to perform any tree care service.

Learn more about the New Jersey LTE process

Learn more about the Maryland LTE process

Registered Consulting Arborist: Highest Level of Expertise

A Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) is an arborist who has met the stringent requirements of the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) and has earned the RCA credential. ASCA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting consulting arborists. ASCA’s mission is to elevate the practice and professionalism of consulting arborists through education, training, and outreach.

In order to become an RCA, an arborist must meet a rigorous set of requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in arboriculture, holding a four-year degree in arboriculture or a closely related field (or being a Board-Certified Master Arborist), successfully completing the prestigious ASCA Consulting Academy, and submitting reports with strict standards for peer review. In addition, RCAs must have a minimum of 420 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which is a level of accumulated education close to that of a Ph.D. RCAs are also required to adhere to the ASCA Code of Ethics and to maintain their education and designation through ongoing professional development.

Learn more about the RCA process

Registered Consulting Arborists are, without question, top experts in the field of arboriculture, with a focus on providing precise communication and consulting services to clients. These services may include tree appraisals, forensic investigations, tree risk assessments, tree preservation plans, tree management plans, and tree industry consulting. RCAs may work independently or as part of a consulting firm and typically do not perform hands-on tree care tasks such as pruning or removal.

Board-Certified Master Arborist: Highest Level of Certification

While the RCA may be an arborist’s most demanding illustration of commitment to arboricultural education and communication, the Board-Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) represents the highest level of certification available within the tree care industry. Offered by the ISA, this prestigious certification is reserved for arborists who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, understanding, and skill in the field of arboriculture.

To become a BCMA, an arborist must already be an ISA Certified Arborist and have accumulated a total of (8) points from the specifically developed qualification system consisting of (4) categories. The ISA awards qualifying points for documented years of experience, formal education, verifiable related credentials, and completion and maintenance of other ISA programs. For example, a candidate can earn (1) point for every six years of verifiable work experience, (3) points for a closely related master’s degree or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, (1) point for a state license, or (1) point for each year they have been an ISA Certified Arborist. 

Upon completion of the application, the arborist must pass a rigorous scenario-based exam covering advanced topics in tree biology, tree risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment of tree disorders, and tree management.

Learn more about the ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist process

Board-Certified Master Arborists are recognized as leaders in the field and are often sought after for their expertise in complex tree care issues. The BCMA is also a common gateway for those who seek to earn their RCA designations through ASCA. They may work as consultants, researchers, educators, or managers of large-scale tree care operations.

Comparing the Key Differences Between Arborist Credentials

While all of these arborist credentials indicate a certain level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of arboriculture, there are key differences between them. The Certified Arborist credential is the most common certification and represents a solid foundation in tree care knowledge and skills. The Licensed Tree Expert designation is specific to certain states and is often required for arborists working within their respective jurisdictions.

The Registered Consulting Arborist credential is tailored to those arborists who specialize in providing consulting services with the highest level of expertise, while the Board-Certified Master Arborist represents the highest level of certification within the industry and is often an indicator of a commitment to quality within their chosen specialization. When selecting an arborist, it’s essential to consider not only their certifications but also their experience, references, and the specific services they offer.

How to Choose the Right Arborist for Your Needs

When selecting an arborist for your tree-related needs, it’s important to consider their qualifications, experience, and the specific services they offer. Start by looking for arborists who hold the appropriate certifications, such as ISA Certified Arborist, Licensed Tree Expert, Registered Consulting Arborist, or Board-Certified Master Arborist. These certifications indicate that the arborist has met a certain standard of knowledge and professionalism within the arboriculture industry.

Next, consider the arborist’s experience and areas of expertise. While certifications are important, they are not the only factor to consider. Look for arborists with experience in the specific type of project you need, whether it’s pruning, removal, planting, pest management, risk assessment, or liability and forensic consulting. Additionally, ask for references from previous clients to get a sense of the arborist’s work quality and customer satisfaction.

Finally, make sure the arborist is properly insured and follows industry safety and other standards. Tree care can be a hazardous profession, and it’s essential to work with professionals who prioritize safety for both their workers and your property.

The Certification Process and Maintaining Credentials

In order to remain certified, arborists must complete the required education and experience for their chosen certification and pass a comprehensive exam. Once certified, arborists must maintain their credentials by participating in ongoing professional development and adhering to the ethical standards of their certifying organization.

For example, ISA Certified Arborists must earn a minimum of 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years to maintain their certification. Arborists can earn CEUs through various activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, or webinars, participating in volunteer work related to arboriculture, or authoring articles or books on tree care.

Similarly, Licensed Tree Experts, Registered Consulting Arborists, and Board-Certified Master Arborists must also participate in continuing education and adhere to the ethical standards of their respective organizations in order to maintain their credentials.

Conclusion

Understanding the key differences between arborist certifications is crucial when selecting a qualified professional for your specific needs. By familiarizing yourself with the various credentials, such as Certified Arborist, Licensed Tree Expert, Registered Consulting Arborist, and Board-Certified Master Arborist, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your project receives the highest quality care possible. Remember to also consider the arborist’s experience, references, and the specific services they offer, as well as their commitment to safety and ongoing professional development.