The ISA Certified Arborist Exam
The ISA Certified Arborist exam is the gold standard for arborist certification worldwide. This comprehensive examination tests your knowledge across all aspects of professional tree care, from biology to safety practices.
Exam Format and Structure
The ISA Certified Arborist exam consists of:
- 200 multiple-choice questions
- 4-hour time limit
- Computer-based testing at authorized centers
- Passing score of 72% (144 correct answers)
Exam Domains and Content
The exam covers ten domains with the following question distribution:
- Tree Biology (16%) - 32 questions
- Tree Identification and Selection (10%) - 20 questions
- Soil and Water Relations (10%) - 20 questions
- Tree Installation and Establishment (10%) - 20 questions
- Tree Pruning (16%) - 32 questions
- Tree Protection (8%) - 16 questions
- Tree Risk Assessment (8%) - 16 questions
- Tree Diagnosis and Treatment (12%) - 24 questions
- Urban Forestry (6%) - 12 questions
- Tree Support and Lightning Protection (4%) - 8 questions
Study Strategies for Success
Our ISA Flashcards app provides targeted study materials for each domain:
- Focus on high-weight domains first (Tree Biology, Pruning)
- Practice with domain-specific flashcards
- Take timed mock exams to build endurance
- Review weak areas with AI-powered explanations
Exam Day Tips
Maximize your performance on exam day:
- Arrive early and bring required identification
- Read each question carefully
- Use the process of elimination
- Flag difficult questions and return to them
- Manage your time - about 1.2 minutes per question