Certified Arborist Programme

Introduction

The Certified Arborist Programme, in collaboration with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) based in the United States, is a premier professional certification and accreditation programme for practising arborists. The Certified Arborist Programme is an intensive training and certification programme that prepares practicing arborists for professional certification.

Competencies trained and assessed

The Certified Arborist Programme consists of 70 hours of training and certification. This programme will provide refresher training on the essential theories and practices of tree care and management. The Certified Arborist Programme comprises 10 domains that makes up 15 chapters:

• Tree Biology
• Soil Management
• Fertilisation/ Urban Forestry
• Tree Identification
• Tree selection, installation and establishment
• Pest diagnosis and Treatment
• Tree Pruning
• Tree Risk
• Tree Protection & Preservation
• Safe Work Practices

Trainees who have successfully achieved certification will be registered as a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture.

The Professional Certification of an Arborist is valid for a period of 3 Years. CUGE will provide professional development and upgrading opportunities for Certified Arborists through professional workshops/seminars to achieve Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for re-certification.

Re-certification

A Certified Arborist shall accumulate 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the end of the 3-year period to prepare for professional re-certification. CUGE will manage and prepare Certified Arborists to achieve the requisite CEUs.

Methodology

Classroom lectures with project exercises and practices and assessment

Who should attend

Tree Care Supervisors and Managers with relevant working experience

Admission Requirements

The entry criteria stipulated for new entrants are shown below:
(Candidate must meet at least one of the following criterion) 

A) 2 Year Degree in Arboriculture with 2 years of FULL time working experience with tree care / management

B) 4 Year Degree in related discipline( Horticulture, Botany, Plant Sciences , Forestry and such) and 1 year FULL time working experience with tree care /management

C) Diploma in related discipline (Landscape Management, Horticulture and similar) with 3 years of FULL time working experience with tree care /management

D) Other experienced tree care professionals may apply but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. ISA has the final say before any candidate is allowed to sit for their exams. Candidates must have minimum 3 years FULL time working experience with tree care/ management.

Facilitators and Assessors

Industry Tree Care Practitioners who are Certified Arborists
Practising Certified Arborists from the National Parks Board, Singapore