ISA Exam Day Checklist: What to Bring and How to Prepare
"What to bring to Pearson VUE on ISA exam day, how to manage time across 200 questions, and test-day mental strategies from BCMA Chris Comer."
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
Chris Comer is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and the founder of Joshua Tree Inc. (Florida License FL6714B). He has taught ISA exam prep to hundreds of arboriculture students through his YouTube channel and the Tree Nerd Academy platform. With 15+ years of field experience and direct teaching on every ISA exam domain, Chris created Tree Nerd Academy to give working arborists the most effective, accessible exam prep course available.
"What to bring to Pearson VUE on ISA exam day, how to manage time across 200 questions, and test-day mental strategies from BCMA Chris Comer."
"Tree ID is 9% of the ISA exam. Use the MAD HORSE mnemonic, leaf morphology, and gymno/angiosperm concepts to study efficiently."
"Tree Risk is 11% of the ISA exam. Learn the 3-level assessment system, failure targets, risk mitigation options, and TRAQ qualification."
"Trees and Construction is 9% of the ISA exam. Study TPZ/CRZ calculations, protection fencing, and construction damage mitigation."
"Urban forestry covers 6% of the ISA exam. Study tree appraisal methods, CTLA guide, tree inventory, and urban tree selection concepts."
"ISA exam diagnosis questions cover biotic vs. abiotic disorders, IPM, PHC plans, and common tree diseases like oak wilt and Dutch elm."
"Pruning is 14% of the ISA exam. Understand ANSI A300 standards, crown cleaning/thinning/raising/reduction, and the 3-cut technique."
"A cheat sheet of ISA exam tree biology concepts: CODIT, xylem/phloem, cambium, photosynthesis, and key anatomy terms."
"Safe Work Practices is 15% of the ISA exam. Learn the ANSI Z133 safety standards, PPE requirements, and climbing safety concepts tested."
"Covers tree planting techniques, nursery stock types, root flare depth, and establishment best practices for the ISA arborist exam."
"Soil management is 7% of the ISA exam and one of the hardest sections. Study the soil triangle, pH, CEC, and compaction concepts here."
"A week-by-week ISA exam study plan for 12, 8, and 4-week timelines. Includes daily study hours, domain order, and review weeks."