Anyone taken the ISA Utility Arborist test, lately?

[Sunrise Guy]

I want to know how it lines up with the study guide. Was it tough? Many tricky questions? Pretty straightforward? Many questions on exact working distances for specific voltages? Many pictures of electrical components to ID? Any other info is appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

OK, I guess it's not a very popular test/certification

Very strange----to post in here and not get a single reply. Oh well.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Is there another board, somewhere online, for utility arborists?

Apparently this board has no Certified Utility Arborists on it.

 

[treeseer]

Apparently this board has no Certified Utility Arborists on it.

you said "lately". i took it a couple years ago; and do not remember pics of components. there were a few questions about how far to stay away based on voltages.

Studying for it was a learning experience in itself, and worthwhile.

try the archives here; it's been discussed before.

 

[Shaun Bowler]

Yes!
I have taken the test twice and failed it twice.
I felt it was more difficult than the CA I took about a illion years ago.
I am a CA, WCISA, CTW, and an ACRT CLCTT.
The study manual is VERY small. Like a Archie Comic Book.
Most of the questions have little or nothing to do with the real life industry.
I have missed the minimum passing score by two points both times.
I should not even be in the bottom end. I should have passed at 100%.
I was shocked both times because my lowest scores were at the "emergency responce section".
At this time in my life, being a "Muni Forester" this is where I "shine."
Nevertheless, it has been the section of the test where I have recieved my lowest score.
I will continue to take the test until I pass.
BUT AS TREE CARE PROFESSIONALS WE HAVE TO LET THE ISA KNOW THAT THERE HAS GOT TO BE AN END TO ALL THESE MONEY GENERATING SPECIAL POSITIONS THAT KEEP BEING PRESENTED.
A CA used to be the peak in our industry.
The first time I took it the tree ID had to be spelled correctly in Latin or you failed.
You also had to be vetted by two CA's who would recommend you before you could even sit for a test. That was in the 1980s-John Britton, wack job.
DID YOU/MY PEOPLE KNOW THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ISA CERTIFIED TREEWORKER, AND A WESTERN CHAPTER CERTIFIED TREE WORKER?
Call the ISA.
WE ARE BETTER THAN YOU ARE! THAT IS THE RULE!:jawdrop:
Any human being on the planet can take the CA test and be a CA.
Anybody.
I have been told by a friend at the ISA that they are working on a CERTIFIED GROUND WORKER CLASSIFACATION. CHA CHING...

 

[treeseer]

"... my lowest scores were at the "emergency responce section".... this is where I "shine."
Nevertheless, it has been the section of the test where I have recieved my lowest score."

Why do you think that is?

"A CA used to be the peak in our industry."

that was 20 years ago.

"DID YOU/MY PEOPLE KNOW THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ISA CERTIFIED TREEWORKER, AND A WESTERN CHAPTER CERTIFIED TREE WORKER?"

yes--no need to shout. the wcisa leads the way--setting a ropesaver from the ground will be required next year

"they are working on a CERTIFIED GROUND WORKER CLASSIFACATION"

do you like the current level of quality and respect in this position?

 

[Shaun Bowler]

No.
It is very difficult to take direction from a CA that has never used a chainsaw, tied a knot, or been able to understand the dynamics of a tree.
Any tree.
These CA certs that were really important/a prize, to me 10 -15 years ago, are now being handed out in classrooms (collage), and Boy Scout Troops.
To be an ISA Certified Arborist is only about sending in the money, getting a test date, passing the test, and then, "hanging out your shingle."
There is no way anyone can prove this wrong.
As professionals, paying lots of money to the ISA so we can call ourselves a Certified Arborist is a waste.
My next door neighbors step son is a CA.
19 years old. Never used a chainsaw in his life.
I know;when he helps me on side jobs no matter what he will not use a saw.
Certified Arborist

 

[clearance]

No.
It is very difficult to take direction from a CA that has never used a chainsaw, tied a knot, or been able to understand the dynamics of a tree.
Any tree.
These CA certs that were really important/a prize, to me 10 -15 years ago, are now being handed out in classrooms (collage), and Boy Scout Troops.
To be an ISA Certified Arborist is only about sending in the money, getting a test date, passing the test, and then, "hanging out your shingle."
There is no way anyone can prove this wrong.
As professionals, paying lots of money to the ISA so we can call ourselves a Certified Arborist is a waste.
My next door neighbors step son is a CA.
19 years old. Never used a chainsaw in his life.
I know;when he helps me on side jobs no matter what he will not use a saw.
Certified Arborist

Ouch. Well said Shaun, "never used a chainsaw, tied a knot....." Here in this province you have to work (with a chainsaw, climbing, in a bucket with a trimsaw) for 1200 hours to be certified. Among other things. Kind of puts the ISA utility certification in its place.

 

[treeseer]

Yes college credits are inflated as ceu's. Special interest at work.

Yes BC's utility cert means a lot more. Apples and oranges.

No the ISA certs are not a waste; just different. You can get CEU's free by reading and understanding articles. No, chainsaw usage has nothing to do with being an arborist. I might go a week without starting one up, but I'm still working as an arborist.

"... my lowest scores were at the "emergency responce section".... this is where I "shine."
Nevertheless, it has been the section of the test where I have recieved my lowest score."

Trying again; honest question: Why do you think that is? Is it the wording of the questions or the concepts or procedures or purposes involved, or what, do you think?

 

[Shaun Bowler]

I guess I just have not prepared well enough.
The ISA UA test may not be the SOP for the industry, but it is thier test to give. I want the UA Cert. so I will do it their way
I believe in the ISA Cert System. It is obviously not perfect.
Without it our profession would not have made the gains it has in the last 25-30 years.
So I will keep paying my dues, and going to seminars.
I have written two letters to the ISA in the last year. I never got a responce.

 

[treeseer]

:agree2:

I have written two letters to the ISA in the last year. I never got a responce.

This seriously sucks. I'm used to having communications sent to the Membership and Cert depts blown off, and that's not right for a "member-driven nonprofit org". Pick up the phone, or resend with the dept head or your chapter rep or the exec copied; that might work.

The Education dept is just as if not more busy, but they are a lot more responsive.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Studying for the ISA Utility Arborist test? PM me!

I just took it, and you will want to know what I have to say.

 

[treeseer]

why so shy?

I just took it, and you will want to know what I have to say.

Any probem posting this> legal if not quoting questions.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Any probem posting this> legal if not quoting questions.

PM's are the way I choose to go, on this.

 

[clearance]

PM's are the way I choose to go, on this.

Come on buddy, share it, no one is going to get you!

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Are there any Certified Utility Arborists anywhere?

In looking at TCIA's classifieds, I could not find anyone seeking CUA's. If you actually know any CUA's, I'd like to know what they're doing and what kind of $$$ they're making doing it. Thanks.

 

[BRCCArborist]

I don't know of too many people that benefit from the utility specialist/municipal arborist credentials. They appear to be a revenue generating deal for ISA and little else in my opinion.

Try the TCIA stuff. I really like what the TCIA is doing in terms of certifications and training. It's not perfect, but it's the best thing out there in terms of tree care organizations.

 

[Shaun Bowler]

I will be taking the test in the SF Bay Area again this November.
My understanding is that most of the companies who require/ would like this certification, lobby for this.
The companies involved in line clearance/maintenance have a stake in it as well.
It is very unfortunate that the ISA has found another venue to draw "blood" from its members.
A UA certification should benefit the worker.
Not be a "band-aid" to mitigate law suits.
The ISA has attorneys.
Davey, Asplunde,Lewis, etc have theirs as well.
Both feed off each other to create a culture that is sucking money out of tree workers.
I would like to see an action from people on this site to question the ISA regarding the need, benefit, and purpose for "another" certification.
A certification that ONLY benefits the power companies, and maintenance CORPORATIONS!
Is the ISA a NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?

 

[treeseer]

A UA certification should benefit the worker.
... sucking money out of tree workers.

Well mine benefits me; I learned more about utilities while I studied for it, and learn more by getting relevant ceu's. This helps as a commercial arborist and also as a consulting arborist.

costs pennies a day to keep current. I lose a lot more blood a lot of other ways with no return.

I'd rather see niche certs than to have the public think that All CA's know All about All of tree care.

 

[clearance]

I think you guys are right.

The ISA has become a money grubbing org and is function more like a trade union these days catering the big businesses in the trade!

I'm proud to say I no longer support them.


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How things have changed since I joined this site over four years ago. I was a voice in the wilderness, now many share my opinion. No hard feelings, whatever, it is what it is.