Understanding ISA Certified Arborist CEUs
Earning your ISA Certified Arborist credential is a major achievement, but the journey doesn't end there. To maintain your certification and stay current with evolving arboriculture practices, you must engage in continuous learning. This is tracked through Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In this guide, we will break down exactly what ISA Certified Arborist CEUs are, how many you need, and where you can earn them.
How Many CEUs Do I Need?
All ISA Certifications are valid for a three-year period. By the end of this cycle, you must accumulate a specific number of CEUs to recertify. The requirements vary depending on the credentials you hold:
- ISA Certified Arborist: 30 CEUs
- ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist: 36 CEUs total (6 Utility + 30 Arborist)
- ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional: 42 CEUs total (12 Urban Forest + 30 Arborist)
- ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist: 15 CEUs
- ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist: 15 CEUs
- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA): 60 CEUs (10 Science, 10 Practice, 10 Management, and 30 general Arborist)
Where to Earn ISA CEUs
The ISA offers a variety of ways to earn your required CEUs, accommodating different learning styles and schedules. Here are the most common methods:
- Online Courses and Quizzes: The ISA website and various approved providers offer online courses, webinars, and quizzes (often based on articles in Arborist News or Arboriculture & Urban Forestry).
- Conferences and Seminars: Attending the ISA Annual International Conference or regional chapter events is a great way to earn multiple CEUs in a short time while networking with peers.
- In-Person Workshops: Many local ISA chapters and affiliated organizations host hands-on workshops covering topics from rigging to disease diagnosis.
- First Aid/CPR Training: A portion of your CEU requirement can often be fulfilled by maintaining current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Publishing and Teaching: You can earn CEUs for writing articles for approved industry publications or teaching arboriculture-related courses.
Tracking Your CEUs
The ISA tracks your CEUs through your online account profile. When you attend an approved event or complete an online course directly through the ISA, the CEUs are typically uploaded automatically within 4-6 weeks. However, it is crucial that you:
- Always keep a personal record or certificate of attendance for any event you attend.
- Ensure you provide your ISA Certification ID number when registering for CEU-approved courses.
- Periodically check your online ISA profile to verify that your CEUs are being recorded correctly.
What Happens if I Don't Get Enough CEUs?
If you fail to accumulate the required CEUs by the end of your three-year certification cycle, your certification will expire. Once expired, you cannot simply pay a late fee to reinstate it; you must reapply and pass the certification exam all over again. Don't wait until the last month to start gathering your CEUs!
Recertification Fees
In addition to earning the required CEUs, you must also pay a recertification fee every three years. Being an ISA member offers significant discounts on these fees. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date with the ISA, as they will send a recertification invoice one month prior to your expiration date, provided you have met the CEU requirements.