Additional Information
Certified arborists know their trees and woody plants! A degree in plant
sciences or horticulture is desirable, and you must be physically fit and
unafraid of heights. You must also be willing to study and do research when
necessary.
Some colleges and universities offer two- or four-year programs in arboriculture.
They also offer related programs that are horticulture-based, which can be
an asset for arborists. The National Arborist Association (NAA) offers a comprehensive
home study course in arboriculture.
You don't have to have a college degree in order to call yourself an arborist.
Students with a high school diploma can start at entry-level positions as
a groundsperson, for example, the NAA says. Interested students can contact
the NAA to get a complete list of colleges that offer training in arboriculture.
The Student Society of Arboriculture (SSA) is one of five recognized professional
affiliates of the International Society of Arboriculture. Branches within
the SSA represent specific schools or universities.
To become certified, you must pass a three-hour exam given by the International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Prior to taking the exam, a candidate must
have five years of experience, or have a degree and two years of experience
working with plants and trees.
Once you become certified through the ISA, you take the exam every three
years or maintain a certain level of education by taking additional courses
or workshops.