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."
Chris ComerMarch 14, 2025
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.
Articles by Chris Comer
Chris ComerMarch 14, 2025Tree Identification and Selection: How to Study Efficiently
"Tree ID is 9% of the ISA exam. Use the MAD HORSE mnemonic, leaf morphology, and gymno/angiosperm concepts to study efficiently."
Chris ComerMarch 10, 2025Tree Risk Management and Risk Assessment Basics
"Tree Risk is 11% of the ISA exam. Learn the 3-level assessment system, failure targets, risk mitigation options, and TRAQ qualification."
Chris ComerMarch 6, 2025Tree Protection During Construction: Study Guide
"Trees and Construction is 9% of the ISA exam. Study TPZ/CRZ calculations, protection fencing, and construction damage mitigation."
Chris ComerMarch 2, 2025Urban Forestry Fundamentals for the ISA Exam
"Urban forestry covers 6% of the ISA exam. Study tree appraisal methods, CTLA guide, tree inventory, and urban tree selection concepts."
Chris ComerFebruary 26, 2025Diagnosis and Treatment: Pests, Diseases, and Disorders
"ISA exam diagnosis questions cover biotic vs. abiotic disorders, IPM, PHC plans, and common tree diseases like oak wilt and Dutch elm."
Chris ComerFebruary 22, 2025Pruning Standards (ANSI A300) Explained for ISA Candidates
"Pruning is 14% of the ISA exam. Understand ANSI A300 standards, crown cleaning/thinning/raising/reduction, and the 3-cut technique."
Chris ComerFebruary 18, 2025Tree Biology and Physiology Cheat Sheet for ISA Candidates
"A cheat sheet of ISA exam tree biology concepts: CODIT, xylem/phloem, cambium, photosynthesis, and key anatomy terms."
Chris ComerFebruary 14, 2025Safe Work Practices and ANSI Z133: What the ISA Exam Tests
"Safe Work Practices is 15% of the ISA exam. Learn the ANSI Z133 safety standards, PPE requirements, and climbing safety concepts tested."
Chris ComerFebruary 10, 2025Installation and Establishment: ISA Exam Study Notes
"Covers tree planting techniques, nursery stock types, root flare depth, and establishment best practices for the ISA arborist exam."
Chris ComerFebruary 6, 2025Soil Management for the ISA Exam: Key Concepts and Common Questions
"Soil management is 7% of the ISA exam and one of the hardest sections. Study the soil triangle, pH, CEC, and compaction concepts here."
Chris ComerFebruary 2, 202512-Week ISA Exam Study Plan (With 8-Week and 4-Week Variations)
"A week-by-week ISA exam study plan for 12, 8, and 4-week timelines. Includes daily study hours, domain order, and review weeks."
Chris ComerJanuary 29, 2025