ISA vs TRAQ: What Is the Difference?

Note: For the master overview, see our Complete ISA Certified Arborist Exam Study Guide.

Alphabet soup is common in our industry. ISA, TRAQ, BCMA, CTSP. If you are just starting out, it's confusing. The two most common questions are: "What's the difference?" and "Which one should I get first?"

ISA Certified Arborist (The Foundation)

• What is it? A Certification. This means it validates your overall competency in the entire field of arboriculture (Biology, Pruning, Safety, Soil, etc.).
• Format: 200-question exam.
• Role: This is the "Driver's License" of the tree industry. It proves you are a professional.
• Prerequisite: 3 years experience.
• Expiration: Must recertify every 3 years.

TRAQ (The Specialization)

• What is it? A Qualification (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). This is a specific course on one topic: Assessing the risk of tree failure.
• Format: A 2-3 day in-person course followed by a written AND field exam.
• Role: This allows you to write standard-compliant Risk Assessment reports. It is essential for consultants.
• Prerequisite: You generally need to already be an ISA Certified Arborist (or have a degree) to take the valid TRAQ course.
• Expiration: Must renew every 5 years (requires retaking the course).

Which Comes First?

Get your ISA Certified Arborist first.

1. It is the prerequisite for TRAQ.
2. It covers the biology you need to understand why a tree is failing, which is the basis of risk assessment.

Do You Need TRAQ?

• Production Climber: Probably not, unless you want to move into sales/management. ISA Certified is enough.
• Sales/Consultant: Yes. If you are putting risk in writing ("That tree is safe"), you are taking on huge liability. TRAQ gives you a standardized, defensible system to protect yourself and your client.

Summary

ISA CA = General Practitioner. TRAQ = Risk Specialist. Get the first, then get the second.