Education and Certification

The profession of urban forestry and municipal arboriculture is a rich and growing field. Furthering your education or acquiring a certification is a great way to grow your career and help you stand out. UCFS supports and encourages members and individuals entering the field of urban forestry and municipal arboriculture to grow their knowledge base. The following programs for certification and additional education offer a few places to start.

ISA Certified Arborist®

The ISA Certified Arborist designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed. It is ISA’s most popular credential. To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere a Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce.

ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist®

ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist credential holders are current ISA Certified Arborists® who have chosen municipal arboriculture or urban forestry as a career path. For this credential, you will be tested on the areas of public relations, administration, risk management, policy, and planning as they pertain to municipal arboriculture.

To be eligible for the exam, you must be an ISA Certified Arborist and have a minimum of three years of work experience managing the establishment and maintenance of urban trees.

Urban Forestry Educational Offerings

Explore the various ways you can extend your urban forestry education with these university programs. UCFS will add to this list of educational offerings as we become aware of them.