Note: The registration deadline is May 15, 2026
Course Information
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.
Programmatic Changes to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Credential
ATLANTA, Ga. — The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), under the guidance of its Credentialing Council and with the support of subject matter experts, announced significant updates to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) program in February 2025. These programmatic changes became effective November 5, 2025, and include updates to the credential’s terms of validity, training materials, and written and performance-based examinations.
This decision follows the most recent Job Task Analysis (JTA) for the program and the ISA Credentialing Council’s guidance based on international standards (ASTM 2659-24). ISA routinely conducts JTAs for all credentials to ensure they remain current and relevant to the industry, employers, and the general public. For ISA TRAQ, the JTA process involved a comprehensive review of the program’s scope and learning objectives, leading to changes in the training content, materials, and examinations.
Key Changes to the ISA TRAQ Program
• Term of Validity: The ISA TRAQ credential will now be valid for seven (7) years, extended from its previous five (5) year term.
• Elimination of ISA TRAQ Renewal Program: To earn a new certificate for the ISA TRAQ credential after expiration, credential holders must complete the full ISA TRAQ program, including retraining and retesting.
• Examination Updates: Written exam: Expanded from 100 to 110 multiple-choice questions, including 10 pretest questions used for exam development. Candidates will continue to have two (2) hours to complete the exam, with a required passing score of 75%. The exam will now be divided into three domains, with the following question distribution: 1) Assessment Methodology 61 % 2) Basic Tree Assessment and Risk Analysis 21% 3) Reporting Assessment Findings and Recommendations 18%. Performance-Based Exam (PBE): The PBE will incorporate a revised Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form to evaluate candidates’ ability to perform a basic tree risk assessment in accordance with the ISA TRAQ curriculum.
The qualification consists of a 2-day educational course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field component (PBE). It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification.
By applying to participate in a TRAQ event, you are agreeing to the terms, conditions, and policies outlined in the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Program Guide. Please review this document before applying for an event.
14.5 Continuing education units available
Course Pricing
ISA/ISAT member: $675.00 USD
ISA Non-member: $775.00 USD
Member pricing is an exclusive benefit to ISA/ISAT members only. You must be a current ISA/ISAT member at the time of registration. All others will be charged non-member registration rates.
Retaking the Examination
There is a $120 USD fee per retake up to one year from the original date that you took the course. Applications for retake must be submitted prior to the registration deadline for the scheduled course where you will retake your exam. To enroll for a retake, you must log in to your ISA account and enroll before the published registration deadline for the ISA TRAQ program in which you wish to retake the exam. The fee for each examination (written and performance-based) is $120 USD for up to one year from the original ISA TRAQ program start date. If you do not pass both examinations within one year of participating in the training portion of the program, you will be required to re-enroll and complete the full ISA TRAQ program again.
Cancellation Policy
A processing fee of $50 USD will be charged for all cancellations received on or before May 15, 2026. Cancellations after May 15, 2026, will be charged the full amount of the registration fee. Cancellation requests must be emailed to [email protected].
Prerequisites:
Applicants must have earned at least one of the following credentials to be eligible to take a TRAQ course: (For non-ISA credentials, you will be asked to please submit a copy of a certificate, credential identification card, diploma, or similar documentation.)
- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)
- ISA Certified Arborist
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
- A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognized under a system
- AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Australia)
- ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status
- Connecticut Arborist License
- European Tree Technician
- European Tree Worker
- Fachagrarwirt Baumpflege
- Louisiana Arborist License
- Manitoba Arborist Training and Licensing Program
- Maryland Tree Expert
- Massachusetts Certified Arborist
- New Hampshire Arborists Association Certified Arborist
- New Jersey Certified Tree Expert
- New Zealand National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
- Rhode Island Arborist License
- Society of American Foresters Certified Forester
- United Kingdom Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture
If you do not hold one of the above ISA credentials (CA, BCMA, TRAQ), please view the YouTube video on how to submit an application for the ISA TRAQ program. It will walk you through the steps to login to apply on the ISA website.
Special Testing Accommodations Request:
If you have a special need and require an accommodation for a course, please complete the Request for Special Accommodation Form and submit it to [email protected]. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be notified of a determination.
Confirmation Packet:
ISA will provide digital access to the Course Manual to each Participant prior to the Course and at least 21 days prior to the date of the Course. Host will receive the Course Workbook and Examination Materials in the Host Package that is sent in anticipation of the Course and for dissemination with Participants during the Course.
Participants and Candidates to the program can purchase a physical copy of the Course Manual and/or Program Clipboard. From the ISA Store or from ISA Texas to be picked up at the start of class (see below).
Participants should bring:
- A government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID
- Hard hat
- High visibility vest, coat, or other hi-vis attire
- Appropriate attire and footwear for both indoor and outdoor activities
- Writing utensil(s), including at least one #2 pencil
