Understanding ISA Certified Arborist CEUs
Once you pass the ISA Certified Arborist exam, the journey isn't over. To maintain your certification, you must earn Continuing Education Units, or ISA Certified Arborist CEUs. This ensures that arborists stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards, scientific discoveries, and safety protocols in tree care.
How Many CEUs Do You Need?
ISA Certifications are valid for three years. During this three-year period, a standard ISA Certified Arborist must earn:
- 30 CEUs in total.
If you hold additional specializations, the requirements increase. For example, a Utility Specialist needs 36 total CEUs (including 6 utility-specific), and a Municipal Specialist needs 42 total CEUs.
How to Earn CEUs
There are many ways to earn the required CEUs, catering to different learning styles and schedules:
- In-Person Events: Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars held by your local ISA Chapter or affiliate organizations.
- Online Learning: Participate in webinars, take online quizzes through the ISA website, or complete approved online courses.
- College Courses: Relevant academic courses in forestry, horticulture, or biology can often be translated into CEUs.
- In-House Training: Many employers offer safety and skills training that can count towards your CEU requirement, provided they are pre-approved by the ISA.
- First Aid/CPR: Maintaining current First Aid and CPR certification can earn you a small number of CEUs.
How to Track and Submit CEUs
The ISA makes it relatively easy to track your progress:
- Pre-Approved Events: For pre-approved events, you simply sign an attendance sheet, and the organizer submits the CEUs to the ISA on your behalf.
- Post-Approval Submission: If you attend an educational event that wasn't pre-approved, you can submit an application along with proof of attendance (like a certificate or transcript) directly to the ISA via your online portal.
- Online Portal: You can log into your ISA profile at any time to view your current CEU count and see how many you still need before your expiration date.
What Happens If You Don't Earn Enough CEUs?
If you fail to earn the required 30 CEUs by the end of your three-year certification cycle, your certification will expire. To regain your Certified Arborist status, you will have to retake and pass the certification exam and pay the full exam fees again. It is highly recommended to space out your CEU gathering over the three years to avoid a last-minute scramble.
Staying Sharp Between Exams
While earning CEUs is the official way to maintain your credential, staying sharp on core concepts is just as important, especially if you plan to pursue higher credentials like the Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). Using tools like our ISA Flashcards app can keep fundamental knowledge fresh in your mind, making future advanced exams or daily field decisions much easier.