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 17 from 1:00-4:00pm
To join us, add the tour with your registration!
Join the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) and the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation for a half-day bus tour exploring how urban forestry practices are evolving to meet the challenges of a hotter, drier climate. This tour is designed for practitioners, planners, and policymakers interested in practical, replicable strategies for building climate-resilient urban landscapes with limited water resources.
Throughout the tour, we’ll explore how cities can proactively adapt to aridification by redesigning public spaces, rethinking irrigation systems, and collaborating across departments and with community partners. Expect a balance of big-picture strategy and actionable detail.
Featured Tour Stops and Highlights:
🌿 Turf Removal & Tree Replacement at Community Parks
See how traditional grass lawns are being replaced with water-smart landscapes by the City of Henderson. At one park site, learn how a communication challenge over tree removals evolved into a model of public engagement, resulting in more—and better—trees planted with long-term resilience in mind.
🦉 Bird Preserve and Partnership with Audubon Society
Explore a vibrant bird preserve developed through a partnership between the City of Henderson and the local Audubon Society. Discover how external collaborations can unlock funding (including grants) and expand habitat while boosting urban canopy goals.
🚧 Street Diet and Green Infrastructure
Visit a transformed urban street where pavement removal made way for tree planting pits and green infrastructure. This site demonstrates how every tree in Henderson is planted with a sustainable irrigation plan—and how all cities can innovate in the right-of-way.
💧 Irrigation Systems & Incentive Programs
Get practical insights on installing and maintaining efficient irrigation systems in challenging settings. Learn how internal and external partnerships (including with the Southern Nevada Water Authority) are creating incentives that drive real change toward water-wise tree planting and landscaping.
What You’ll Take Home:
Special Guests:
We’ll be joined on the tour by guest speakers from the, local Audubon Society, City of Henderson Sustainability Office and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, who will share insider perspectives on interagency collaboration and the mechanics of water incentive programs.
