ISA is aware of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association’s (MNLA) Michigan Certified Nurseryman (MCN)/Certified Green Industry Professional (CGIP) programs, including the “Michigan Certified Arborist” certification. As this MNLA program certification has created some confusion or misunderstanding, ISA is advising the professional arboriculture community and the public that the ISA Certification Program does not support, endorse, or have any type of affiliation with, the MNLA or its MCN/CGIP programs, including the “Michigan Certified Arborist” program. The MNLA and its credentialing programs are completely independent of ISA, and are in no way related to the ISA Certification Program.

Additionally, ISA has not authorized the MNLA to use and/or display ISA trademarks, including the ISA trademark or the ISA Certified Arborist certification mark.

The Test Committee recently met and reviewed the passing score, as set in the previous format of domains, and considered the passing score for the exam. Based upon the Angoff Technique, widely used in many certification programs in North America, the Test Committee determined to set the passing score at 2% points higher than the 70% set more than 15 years ago. In addition to the Angoff technique, the Test Committee, made up of a diverse group of professionals from all segments of the arborist community, justified the slight incremental change in the passing score as consistent with the increase in training and educational materials now available as well the increased expectations of employers of Certified Arborists.

The change in exam format and the application of the new passing score will be July 1, 2009.You will be required to obtain a 72% overall score on the exam in order to have a passing score. If a passing score of 72% is not achieved you will have to retake the entire exam until a passing score is obtained to gain certification.

Unfortunately, when changes like this occur, there is always a group caught in transition. You must complete your exam under the existing requirements and you will have until September 30, 2009 to do so. The ISA Certification team understands your challenges and will work with you in every way possible to help you complete your domain retakes before that date.

ISA’s new credential, ISA Certified Tree Worker/ Aerial Lift Specialist, is now available. Several chapters have started offering the exam in their area and if you are interested please contact your local chapter. Chapters are in the process of training their proctors and your interest in this credential will be a driving force to increase availability.

The aerial lift exam is made up of two components, written knowledge and skill. If you have already obtained your Certified Tree Worker/ Climber Specialist credential you will only be required to take part in the skills component. The knowledge exam is based on 50 multiple choice questions, 5 of which are tree identification. The skills exam is made up of a truck inspection and set up, tree and site inspection, three work stations, and knot tying. If you are interested in preparation materials for the exam, ISA offers a Tree Climbers’ study guide and a skills test preparation DVD.