ISA HK/China --- CA and CTW International Recognition

Dear Station Members,


Please view the ISA Cert Today Jan 2011 edition for important information on the Certified Arborist (CA) credential.

Please note that the CA credential is now ISO Certified, making it truly international rather than just "national" for a lot of other credentials in our territory of HK, Macau, Taiwan & China. Getting an international recognition is more difficult than those recognized within a country. It also has a higher credibility in Court.

Please also pay attention to the vast difference in number between the CA & Certified Tree Worker (CTW) credentials. Becoming a CTW is much harder than a CA. Therefore, do not compare them with common labourers or gardeners, & put CTW into their categories out of ignorance. Give it the respect it deserves.

Please also take becoming a CA is only passing over a threshold to enter the sophisticated Arborist Profession. It does not make you an experienced professional right away. There is a long road ahead to become that. An Arborist should not rest on his/her laurel.

Please note that the next CA & CTW exams in our territory will be in mid-end March. Proper announcement will be given in Station Mail very soon.

best regards,

Sammy Au
Station Manager
Registered Consulting Arborist no. RCA#497 (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2010/12/isa-hkchina-first-rca-in-asia.html)
Independent Practicing Arborist no. IPA-010908 (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2010/04/isa-hkchina-hk-tree-news-14410-report.html)
ISA Certified Arborist / Certified Tree Worker no. HK-0174AT (www.isa-arbor.com)




Certification Statistics

Certified Arborists: 25,717

Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist: 987

Utility Specialists: 1,606

Board-Certified Master Arborists: 334

Municipal Specialists: 426

Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialists: 42

Written Exams Given, 2010: 260

Computer-Based Exams Given, 2010: More than 1,000

Contact the ISA Certification Department

View Your CEU Information on the ISA Website

Look for Upcoming Exam Dates and Locations

Certification Department Staff Directory

Adriana Collazo, Compliance and Promotions Specialist,

acollazo@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 262

Elise Cook, Customer Service Coordinator,

ecook@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 240

Paula Deck, Operations Manager,

pdeck@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 219

Karen Duez, Exam Administration Specialist,

kduez@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 241

Meredith Fonger, Applications Specialist,

mfonger@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 218

Anne Jerutka, Compliance and Promotions Manager,

ajerutka@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 207

Erin LaRocque, Exam Administration Manager,

elarocque@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 237

Jen Wagner, Applications Coordinator,

jwagner@isa-arbor.com, 217.355.9411 ext. 213

ISA Certification Director, This position is currently vacant with a search underway to find a replacement. Contact one of the staff members listed above or contact Mark Bluhm, ISA Finance and Operations Manager, at

January 2011

ANSI Accreditation for ISA Certified Arborist Certification

ISA was awarded The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accreditation, ISO 17024, for ISA Certified Arborist Certification on June 11, 2009. It was the biggest of many goals the ISA Certification Program had set for 2009, and ISA is proud of the accomplishment. Read more...



ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics

The ISA Certification program rolled out the ISA Certified Arborist Code of Ethics in June 2009 in adherence with the ANSI Accreditation, ISO 17024. Already more than 17,300 out of the 25,000 ISA Certified Arborists have submitted their signed agreement. Obtaining signatures from 25,000 ISA Certified Arborists around the world was going to be a challenge and we anticipated a 3-year implementation plan. To this day, we have exceeded our expectations and are looking to acquire the remaining signatures with the upcoming two certification periods ending June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Code of Ethics agreements are being sent out with recertification invoices and the process has proven to be very successful.



ISA Credentials Undergo Job Task Analysis

In early 2011, ISA will survey the industry again for the ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist, ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist, and ISA Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialist credentials. Every five years, ISA surveys the industry to find out what has changed in use of technology, standards, and importance as it pertains to each of our credentials. This process, known as a job task analysis, ensures that ISA credentials are testing individuals on relevant information. Read more...



ISA Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialist

ISA’s newest credential is the Certified Tree Worker/Aerial Lift Specialist. If you are interested in taking this exam, please contact your local chapter. Chapters are in the process of training their proctors and your interest in this credential will be a driving force to increase availability. Read more...



While the Economy is Down, it’s Important to Boost Your Advertising

ISA is adding value to your certification by making it easier for consumers to find you and your business. Learn more about the “Find a Tree Care Service” and why it is important to maintain advertising visibility in a tough economy. Read more...



Computer-Based Testing Available Worldwide

All of ISA’s credentials are available at computer-based testing facilities and four of the credentials are available in nearly 3,000 locations worldwide. Read more...



Storm Response Efforts Under Way

When weather disasters strike, it is both difficult and dangerous for customers to assess all that needs to be done in order to return to safe livable conditions. This new brochure available through ISA helps arborists education consumers about what steps to take if they experience storm-related damange. Read more...



ISA 2011 Membership

Your ISA Certification already demonstrates your commitment to the arboricultural profession. ISA Membership will expand your industry network and provide money-saving opportunities. We encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits ISA Membership can offer you as a professional arborist. Read more...