Credentials side by side: who may sit or apply

This page puts the entry conditions published by each body next to each other. It is not advice on which to pursue, and it ranks nothing. The bodies are not alike. ISA, TCIA and the European Arboricultural Council (EAC) run exams. The Arboricultural Association and Arboriculture Australia grade membership, and a grade needs a qualification at a set level. NZ Arb's Registered Master Arborists programme assesses contracting businesses, not individuals. ISA's own program guides say its credentials do not represent licensure or authorization to practice, and nothing in the table says a credential is a legal requirement to climb. An empty cell reads "Not published" where the body's page, read on October 8, 2026, gives no answer. The companion tables cover exam format and length and renewal, CEUs, CPD and fees.

United States and international: ISA and TCIA

Credential	Entry conditions as the body states them
ISA Certified Arborist	Three years of full-time arboriculture experience, or a mix of education and experience. One year is about 1,795 hours. Listed mixes: a two-year degree with two arboriculture courses plus two years of experience, a four-year degree with four courses plus one year, 900 assessed training hours with at least 90 on arboriculture plus two years, or 1,800 hours with at least 180 plus one year. Approved registered apprenticeships can count. Documentation is required with the application.
ISA Certified Tree Climber	At least 18 months of climbing experience in arboriculture, plus proof of hands-on CPR and first aid training and practice aerial rescue training, both dated within one year.
ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist	A current ISA Certified Arborist with at least 2,000 hours of verifiable electric utility vegetation management work over the past two years, or 36 cumulative months of full-time utility vegetation work or contract work in the past 10 years.
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional	Either hold the ISA Certified Arborist credential, or show three years of documented work in setting up and looking after urban trees, or a mix of relevant education and practical experience.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist	An ISA Certified Arborist in good standing with a total of eight points from four categories: certification years and CEUs, formal education, related credentials, and work experience.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification	An ISA Certified Arborist, Master Arborist, Urban Forest Professional, Utility Specialist or Tree Climber is listed as readily eligible. Other paths: a degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, forestry or horticulture, a national certification in arboriculture, or an approved state or province licence or certification. These need an eligibility application.
TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional	One of three routes: three years of tree care field experience with at least one year of assumed safety responsibility; six months of arboriculture field experience plus one year in a professional safety position in another industry; or a two- or four-year degree in a related field with an internship giving technical field experience.

United Kingdom

Credential	Entry conditions as the body states them
Arboricultural Association, Technician membership	An RQF Level 3 qualification or higher in arboriculture or a related discipline, or equivalent knowledge and experience shown. The Association's qualification list names, among others, the NVQ in Tree Work (Arboriculture) at Level 3, the EAC European Tree Technician and the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.
Arboricultural Association, Professional membership	By the qualification route, an RQF Level 5 qualification in arboriculture or a related subject and at least two years of industry experience in a senior role.
Arboricultural Association, Fellow	At least five consecutive years as a Professional member before applying, plus criteria on experience, knowledge and contribution to arboriculture.
Arboricultural Association, Registered Consultant	The page says applicants must first reach the prerequisite level in qualifications, study and experience. The page points to an Application Guide for the levels: not published on the page itself.
City and Guilds (formerly NPTC) and Lantra Awards certificates of competence	Not published on the pages read. UK FISA's guide 805 names both as awarding organisations providing certificates of competence and qualifications, and describes who it recommends should hold one by type of work.

Australia and New Zealand

Credential	Entry conditions as the body states them
Arboriculture Australia, Registered Practicing Arborist	A General Membership first; proof of public liability insurance with a minimum value of AU$5 million; an AQF Level 3 arboriculture qualification from the listed codes; approval by the body; 6 CEUs per calendar year.
Arboriculture Australia, Registered Consulting Arborist	A General Membership; public liability cover of at least AU$5 million and professional indemnity cover of at least AU$2 million; an AQF Level 5 qualification from the listed codes; approval by the body; 12 CEUs per calendar year.
NZ Arb, Registered Master Arborists NZ	A company, not a person. The application guide lists a current corporate membership, and either a recognised arboricultural qualification equivalent to NZQA Level 4 plus three years of continuous contracting, or five years of operating an arboricultural contracting business, or equivalent shown. Crews need a Level 4 equivalent plus two years after qualifying, or five years of continuous experience.

Arboriculture Australia's page writes its dollar amounts with a plain dollar sign. This page shows them as AU$ because the body is Australian and the page quotes GST.

Europe: EAC

Credential	Entry conditions as the body states them
European Tree Worker (ETW)	Open to anyone with the technical skill, though the examining board alone decides on entry. At least 18 years old; signed Code of Ethics declaration; proof of payment; a medical certificate or self-declaration; valid first aid; chainsaw training, with a licence where the home country requires one. Climbers and MEWP operators show at least one year of practical experience. Climbers show aerial rescue skills or sit an optional rescue simulation. MEWP operators show platform skills.
European Tree Technician (ETT)	A European Tree Worker certificate, or a green industry certificate or diploma that a national arboricultural organisation and the EAC both recognize, plus at least three years of current green industry experience.

Credential

Entry conditions as the body states them

European Tree Worker (ETW)

Open to anyone with the technical skill, though the examining board alone decides on entry. At least 18 years old; signed Code of Ethics declaration; proof of payment; a medical certificate or self-declaration; valid first aid; chainsaw training, with a licence where the home country requires one. Climbers and MEWP operators show at least one year of practical experience. Climbers show aerial rescue skills or sit an optional rescue simulation. MEWP operators show platform skills.

European Tree Technician (ETT)

A European Tree Worker certificate, or a green industry certificate or diploma that a national arboricultural organisation and the EAC both recognize, plus at least three years of current green industry experience.

More on the two European credentials is in the guide on the European Tree Worker and European Tree Technician.