I took it yesterday. Now, if I passed, I'll say it was easy! If I failed, I'll say it was too hard! Comparing the test to the study guide, the hardest of the sample test questions showed up, and the questions got progessively more difficult. I was a little upset because the test had not been proofread well - words were missing from a couple questions and so on. Yes, they had Riker mounts (correct speeling) which I found easy because that's how I learn them in school. They showed twig, leaf top and underside, bark, flowers, and fruit. Scientific and common names were provided.
Conceptual questions seemed to be lacking throughout the test - most of them were technical, pointing to very specific situations, and very few about climbing. In general, I would have liked better-written questions. Compared to our pesticide test, it was much more difficult, but it should be. Enough people fail the pesticide test that I think its difficulty is appropriate.
For the CA test, 1 in 3 pass the first time according to Paul Markworth, WAA Certification Liaison, and his 1/02 business report. The renewal rate is 75%, and 13,434 CAs last October. I hope I passed...I'll let you know. If I did, I could get 75 CEU's for next semester, and the 11 semesters after that... We're really trying to promote getting certified while you're in school - before you get a degree, even. This weekend is devoted to publishing a Shigo section of the website.
What about ArborLearn?