The ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional credential is a sign to the public, employers, and peers that you have the urban forestry experience and fundamental knowledge and skills needed to manage community trees for maximum societal benefits.
Set yourself apart by obtaining this credential today!
The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) is a Professional Affiliate of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Through this relationship, the two organizations work closely to promote and support the ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional credential. We know that the people who make daily tree care decisions have the know-how to grow healthy trees where people live. We also know that there are competing interests for resources in communities and that every decision faces intense scrutiny.
That’s why holding advanced credentials, like Certified Urban Forest Professional, can prove to decisionmakers that you have the professional knowledge to advance tree-related policy, arboriculture knowledge to ensure trees are healthy, and the ability to build partnerships and coalitions to get more done.
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional (formerly called ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®) credential holders are recognized by their peers and the public as tree care professionals who have attained a fundamental level of knowledge in core areas of the arboriculture practice within an urban forest context and management of trees as a community providing societal benefits. Areas of knowledge measured include communication skills, public relations, policy and planning, administration, risk management, and arboricultural practices.
The ISA Credentialing Council requires a candidate to either: be an ISA Certified Arborist®; OR (ii) have a minimum of three years of documented and verifiable
work experience in a position managing the establishment and maintenance of urban trees; or (iii) have a combination of relevant education and practical experience.
To become an ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional, you’ll need to pass a computer-based exam that covers four subject areas, called domains. Full details about the exam can be found at the ISA website. Below are the four domains covered.
Focus: Practical oversight of trees and forests in urban environments. Of the entire exam, approximately 32% of the questions will focus on this domain and the associated topics.
Focus: Applied tree care, planting, maintenance, and protection practices. Of the entire exam, approximately 26% of the questions will focus on this domain and the associated topics.
Focus: Engaging the public, stakeholders, and volunteers in urban forestry. Of the entire exam, approximately 21% of the questions will focus on this domain and the associated topics.
Focus: Strategy, governance, policy, and oversight of urban forestry programs. Of the entire exam, approximately 21% of the questions will focus on this domain and the associated topics.
Great! We’re excited you’re taking the next step to grow in your career!
UCFS is dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of becoming an ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional. Over the course of the year, we’ll roll out a variety of ways to help you prepare to pass the exam with flying colors.
Monday, November 16 from 1:00-4:00pm
To join us, add the tour with your registration!
Before conference sessions begin, join fellow urban and community forestry professionals for a guided tour of St. Louis that explores the city’s urban forest through the lens of history, resilience, equity, and community investment. From iconic parks to neighborhoods experiencing both environmental challenges and revitalization, you’ll discover how planning decisions, natural disaster recovery, and community partnerships are shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Our journey begins at Brickline Greenway near Energizer Park, where an ambitious green infrastructure vision is reconnecting neighborhoods and expanding access to greenspace. From there, we’ll travel through the iconic Forest Park to explore the legacy of one of America’s great urban parks and the stewardship practices that continue to make it a model for urban forestry and public space.
As we travel through St. Louis neighborhoods, we’ll view the city’s history through its trees. We will see firsthand how communities are restoring and reimagining their urban forests through community-driven initiatives that are reversing damage from recent devastating tornado and the legacy of historic redlining and its influence on tree canopy distribution.
Along the way, we’ll stop at O’Fallon Park to explore ongoing restoration and neighborhood revitalization efforts before concluding at Kiener Plaza Park, where thoughtful landscape design and thriving urban greenspace showcase the power of trees to create welcoming, resilient downtown environments.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see examples of these critical urban forestry practices:
More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues who share a passion for building stronger urban forests. Come see St. Louis through a new lens and leave inspired with innovative ideas and practical insights.
Special Guests:
We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the City of St. Louis Forestry, Great Rivers Greenway, and Forest ReLeaf who will share insider perspectives on organizational collaboration.
