Certified.

Drewtree

Drewtree

Branched out member
Location
Toronto
Well, I finally did it. After working in the trade for a while now, climbing to feed the family and pay the bills. I managed to land a sweet consulting contract where ISA cert was required. So now I am. Just finished the exam and passed with a 96% average.

BOOM!

My wife and my mum can stop worrying now that I have a piece of paper that says I know how to do my job ;-)
 
That's awesome Drewtree, great job. How long did you prepare for the exam and how hard would you say it is overall? I have been wanting to get ISA certified but I'm not sure I'm ready quite yet. I've been certified through the state association for a few years but want to get into the ISA.
 
N.e.Tree said:
That's awesome Drewtree, great job. How long did you prepare for the exam and how hard would you say it is overall? I have been wanting to get ISA certified but I'm not sure I'm ready quite yet. I've been certified through the state association for a few years but want to get into the ISA.
Click to expand...


The exam itself was pretty straightforward, multiple choice. There were some tricky categories that if you didn't read up on you wouldn't necessarily encounter in your everyday work practices. I downloaded the introduction to arboriculture package on the ISA website and went through all 25 classes. Each class took me about an hour, then I did about 5 hours of review a day before the exam, and then on the day of the exam. So around a total of 35-40 hours of study time.
 
If you meet the working requirements and study the Isa book I'm very confident that you'll pass. Perhaps not with flying colors but anyone should do just fine with three years in the field and the study guide.
I studied ALOT and had about 6 years in and had to keep a straight face for the test. If it's what you want to do just dive in the pool.
 
My issue was.. I've been working in the industry as a tree worker/climber.. doing pruning and removal work but not really any "Arborist" duties. The study guide and the 25 part class really helped round out my knowledge base.
 
Congrats Drewtree! I finally bit the bullet and took the test too. I didn't make a 96, but I did pass and now I'm a shonuff certified arborist! Anyone reading this that's leery of taking it, don't be-I opened the book two days before the test and passed. If you are a proficient, knowledgeable treeman you'll do just fine.
 
Drewtree said:
My issue was.. I've been working in the industry as a tree worker/climber.. doing pruning and removal work but not really any "Arborist" duties. The study guide and the 25 part class really helped round out my knowledge base.
Click to expand...
That's more where I'm at. In a production setting more or less. I'm looking to get a little deeper into aboriculture. Thanks for the info and great job again!
 
TCtreeswinger said:
Congratulations! Taking the test tomorrow myself any pointers?
Click to expand...
Tips, the way I handle multiple choice questions is not to look for the right answer, but first to look for the dumb, obviously wrong answers and then to either physically block them from view with my fingers or just ignore them and choose from the remaining answers. Usually it's pretty obvious, there will be two dumb answers, one sort of right answer, and the correct answer.
 
N.e.Tree said:
That's more where I'm at. In a production setting more or less. I'm looking to get a little deeper into aboriculture. Thanks for the info and great job again!
Click to expand...
Pick up the study guide, I think there's one on lukes floor on treestuff for cheap. They say if you've been working in the trade for a while and have good common sense you'll do just fine. 74% passing grade minimum is pretty lenient.
 
Drewtree said:
Well, I finally did it. After working in the trade for a while now, climbing to feed the family and pay the bills. I managed to land a sweet consulting contract where ISA cert was required. So now I am. Just finished the exam and passed with a 96% average.

BOOM!

My wife and my mum can stop worrying now that I have a piece of paper that says I know how to do my job ;-)
Click to expand...
Congratulations on becoming certified!

Don't hold your breath on mom not worrying anymore. My mother is still the only client I have, who insists on being on site and witnessing the minutia of the entire task. I've pleaded with my dad and my brothers to take her to a movie or something...but no.. she's going to make sure her boy is safe.. even if it kills him.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom