At ATP we uphold the strictest arboriculture standards and only employ current best practices in any work we do, regardless of the size or difficulty of the job.
But don’t take our word for it – we have a full range of certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), from Certified Tree Worker on up to ISA Board Certified Master Arborist – the highest certification available from ISA.
Here are the certifications currently held by ATP staff:
Registered Consulting Arborist (ASCA)
The RCA credential is the highest attainable credential for consulting arborists in the United States. RCA’s must be a graduate of the Consulting Arborist Academy. Graduates of the Consulting Arborist Academy are able to deliver stronger work products after participating in sessions on the principles related to a professional consulting practice, the function of a consultant, best practices for report writing, the dispute resolution process, and the role of forensic investigation. RCA’s also must have more than 420 education credits related to arboriculture. In comparison, a PH.D. represents 450 education credits, and the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist represents 300 education credits toward the RCA application.The application also involves the submission of 5 in-depth consulting arborist reports for review in order to achieve the credential.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an
opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge
through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This
qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized
and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment
can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed
decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.
ISA Certified Municipal Specialist® (CMS)
ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist® credential holders are current ISA Certified
Arborists® who have chosen municipal arboriculture or urban forestry as a career path.
They have obtained a minimum of three additional years of work experience managing the establishment and maintenance of urban trees. Experience requirements include communication skills, public relations, administration, risk management, arboricultural practices, and policy planning in a municipal setting.
ISA Certified Utility Specialist™ (CUS)
An ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist™ has a minimum of 2000 hours experience over two years in electric utility vegetation management or has served as a consultant to a utility, with a minimum of 4,000 hours over a maximum 10-year period. The candidate must work in utility vegetation management. They have been tested on topics such as electric utility pruning, programme management, integrated vegetation management, electrical knowledge, customer relations, and storm response.
ISA Certified Arborist® (CA)
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist® credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborist® have met all requirements to be eligible for the exam, which includes three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute.
This certification covers a large number of topics giving the candidates flexibility in the arboricultural profession. A code of ethics for ISA Certified Arborists® strengthens the credibility and reliability of the work force. This certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, meeting and exceeding ISO 17024.
ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist® (CTW)
To be a ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist®, candidates must have the skill and endurance to climb trees, demonstrate high regard for safety, and be able to get the job done off the ground. This credential is different from the other certifications because you tested in both a classroom setting and a field setting. Candidates must have training in aerial rescue, CPR, and First Aid to obtain this certification.