ISA certification exam

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SteveT123

Location
southern Ontario
Hey everyone, My first post here so here goes nothing! I am interested in taking the ISA certification exam and I was just wondering do you guys have any recommendations on what study guides are good or ones that you have used ?

So I am wondering is this book the best resource to use and is it also the most up to date study guide ?

International Society of Arboriculture

The International Society of Arboriculture promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.
wwv.isa-arbor.com wwv.isa-arbor.com

I just want to make sure before pulling the trigger on it as it is a bit pricey as is the test as well- so I'd want to be as well prepared as possible...
 
The ISA study guide book, in conjunction with your prior experience with get you a passing score. There are some areas you will need to study more based on your professional experience. For me I’ve never done much plant health care, just not part of my practice so I needed to study that stuff a bit more than say pruning.

Get the Study Guide book, it will be very helpful!
 
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I’d say go with the book.

There’s knowledge checks and practice tests throughout the book, I photocopied them so I could go over them a few times and not write in the book.

I still haven’t tested, but even if I never do sit the test, I’m glad I own the book. Excellent reference, well put together with input from some of the greatest minds in the industry.
 
I tested and passed a few weeks ago. I used the book, and had field experience. I felt pretty confident and prepared, but actually found the test fairly challenging. I felt very ill prepared about 30 min into the exam.....Staying present and not getting anxiety was key. I used all 310 minutes allowed, clearly I took my time and went back over things, but be careful not to second guess yourself. I got an 84%, passing is 74% I believe. Questions are worded trickily and vaguely.
 
Chris Schultz said:
I tested and passed a few weeks ago. I used the book, and had field experience. I felt pretty confident and prepared, but actually found the test fairly challenging. I felt very ill prepared about 30 min into the exam.....Staying present and not getting anxiety was key. I used all 310 minutes allowed, clearly I took my time and went back over things, but be careful not to second guess yourself. I got an 84%, passing is 74% I believe. Questions are worded trickily and vaguely.
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That book does not cover everything on the exam. Let me be clear on that. Like others have said, it should get you a passing score though.....
 
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Hey guys, thanks so much for all the replies! I've also emailed ISA to check regarding the new book that maybe coming out- as I think having the newest version would probably be best...
Chris Schultz said:
I tested and passed a few weeks ago. I used the book, and had field experience. I felt pretty confident and prepared, but actually found the test fairly challenging. I felt very ill prepared about 30 min into the exam.....Staying present and not getting anxiety was key. I used all 310 minutes allowed, clearly I took my time and went back over things, but be careful not to second guess yourself. I got an 84%, passing is 74% I believe. Questions are worded trickily and vaguely.
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If you don't mind me asking- when you say the test was challenging- was it that the questions where poorly or vaguely worded/ diagrams may have been hard to read/see etc... or more so the content itself ??

Also another general question respecting work experience I have just under 4 years working for the same guy/company- however he himself is not an ISA certified arborist- is it still acceptable to use him as my reference?
 
SteveT123 said:
Hey guys, thanks so much for all the replies! I've also emailed ISA to check regarding the new book that maybe coming out- as I think having the newest version would probably be best...


If you don't mind me asking- when you say the test was challenging- was it that the questions where poorly or vaguely worded/ diagrams may have been hard to read/see etc... or more so the content itself ??

Also another general question respecting work experience I have just under 4 years working for the same guy/company- however he himself is not an ISA certified arborist- is it still acceptable to use him as my reference?
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I think any related work in the “green” industry will suffice. It was challenging (for me) because half of the material was +/- foreign from my studies, the questions are worded poorly, and yes the content of the test. My biggest battle during the exam was: about 30 min in I felt I was severely unprepared, this put me in a panicked state and I wanted to bail out, it was hard to reel my focus back in..... If you STUDY, are a good test taker, and take your time, you should pass, emphasis on pass. For my field experience: 8-10 years felling, plus ~5 years of rope access tree work. I also spent/d a lot of free time educating myself on the industry/practice of tree work, and trees.
 
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