ISA certifified tree worker/climber specialist

AaronO

AaronO

Location
Jackson, Michigan
Is the ISA tree work/ climber specialist the 1st level or the intro for the certified arborist? Is it a good idea to get the climber specialist 1st then work toward the CA?
 
If you've read through the Certified Arborist's Study Guide, and feel fairly comfortable with the material, I'd say go for Certified Arborist first. Climber specialist is basically a lighter and shorter version of the Certified Arborist written test, a quick test on knots, a gear check and the rough equivalent of a TCC work climb. You must also be Red Cross First Aid Certified and have completed an aerial rescue. I sat for Certified Arborist first, then followed up with the Climber Specialist exam. Both of the credentials have earned their oats for me over and over again.
 
They're two separate certifications. I didn't bother with the climber specialist cert. (and probably never will) and just went for the CA. All of the employers I've come across in job searches only care if you're a CA and use the amount of experience you have have on your resume as a basis for proficiency.
 
You will need to show verifiable work experience of 3 years for the CA test and only 1.5 years for the CTW test. If you don't have the time requirement for the CA but do for the CTW, I'd go ahead and take the CTW to have at least that credential.
 
Although I'm a Certified Aborist, I've had clients specifically call me because of my Climber Specialist credential, because the tree they were concerned about was in a spot inaccessible from a truck, and they wanted somebody with climbing experience, with whom to consult. Clients definitely appreciate your willingness to further immerse yourself in the culture of the industry, as evidenced by your willingness to obtain additional credentials.
 
cerviarborist said:
Although I'm a Certified Aborist, I've had clients specifically call me because of my Climber Specialist credential, because the tree they were concerned about was in a spot inaccessible from a truck, and they wanted somebody with climbing experience, with whom to consult. Clients definitely appreciate your willingness to further immerse yourself in the culture of the industry, as evidenced by your willingness to obtain additional credentials.
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Agreed. That means the clientele are becoming more educated about proper tree care.
 
AaronO said:
Thank you all. I don't quite have the 3 years I need to take the CA test (although I've been climbing trees for 5). But I do with the CS.
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Hey, Aaron! I was just wondering whether you ever bothered to go for this certification, and if yes, how difficult you found the requirements for completion to be.

Thanks in advance for any answers you choose to give.

Tim
 
The Climber Specialist exam is a great intro into the world of certification. If you are a CA, I wouldn't bother with it. It's like a diet CA exam, with knots. But, if you like cool patches, and your boss pays for the thing, go for it.

SZ
 
I am thinking of studying for the certified arborist exam, but I was wondering if they would honour my 2 year forestry course that I took in college in 2005, I also worked in the forestry industry for 4 years doing surveys concerning tree growth and such...

I don't have any experience with urban forestry...that's why I want to get the certification.
 
fireman33 said:
I am thinking of studying for the certified arborist exam, but I was wondering if they would honour my 2 year forestry course that I took in college in 2005, I also worked in the forestry industry for 4 years doing surveys concerning tree growth and such...

I don't have any experience with urban forestry...that's why I want to get the certification.
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You're good. The experience requirements for the CA exam are VERY broad. I've known guys who mowed lawns for a few summers who qualified. :tonto:

They'll pretty much honour anything greenery related.

P.S. I'm curious where you studied forestry?
 
Excellent, thanks

I went to the maritimes college of forest technologies. New Brunswick Canada

It's a 2 year course that I took over 1 year in a condensed program. 6 days a week 8 to 5.
 
fireman33 said:
Excellent, thanks

I went to the maritimes college of forest technologies. New Brunswick Canada

It's a 2 year course that I took over 1 year in a condensed program. 6 days a week 8 to 5.
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Everyone I work with went to MCFT. I've heard terrible things.
 
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