ISA Certified Tree Worker / Climber Specialist Workshop
Click here for the registration form

The first ISA Tree Worker Specialist Certification workshop in Texas is going to be held on November 3^rd & 4^th in Austin on the UT campus.  The program is available in both English and Spanish.

The Certified Tree Worker Specialist designation shows that a climber has demonstrated a certain level of climbing skill, aerial rescue ability and tree knowledge.  The purpose of the certification is to provide employers with a standard to train employees and hire new employees.  It also affords the public, those in government, and the commercial sector the opportunity to make an informed selection of services based on the knowledge that is represented by the Certification designation.  And, most importantly it provides an opportunity for tree workers to advance their professional careers.

There is a large list of requirements that must be met to become a Certified Tree Worker Specialist.  The upcoming workshop will provide opportunity to meet all requirements with one exception; you must have 1 ½ years field experience. Beyond the experience requirement, the ISA requires the following items be accomplished: completion of an approved aerial rescue training program; Red Cross CPR/first aid certification; demonstration of knot tying ability; in-tree demonstration of tree climbing and safe climbing practices (a.k.a. “skills test”); and passing a written test.  The workshop being held at the UT campus on November 3^rd & 4^th is the first opportunity in Texas for tree climbers to complete the skills test, and the workshop will include all activities and training requirements needed to meet the Certified Tree Worker Specialist requirements. 

Although the workshop will provide aerial rescue certification and Red Cross certification, it will be the responsibility of the climber to be prepared to pass the skills test and the written exam, and you must have 1 ½ years field experience.  A complete list of information about these tests is available at
www.isa-arbor.com/certification/resources/TWappJan2003.pdf  

The cost for the workshop will be $250 for ISA members and $300 for non-members.  Enrolling for the workshop is a little complicated because two registration forms must be completed and each form must be mailed to a different address.  One registration form is here.  Fill it out and mail it to CTW Workshop, 1414 E. 5th St. Austin, TX 70702 along with a check made out to ISA Texas for $150.  The other form is at www.isa-arbor.com/certification/resources/TWappJan2003.pdf  Fill out that form and mail it to the address provided with a check ($100 for ISA members and $150 for non-members) AND with a letter stating that you are enrolled in the Texas CTW workshop that is signed by your supervisor.

Only 30 seats are available for the workshop and the deadline for entry is October 17^th.  Contact Nevic Donnelly for further questions at (512) 922-7058.

ISA Certified Tree Worker Workshop

Workshop details

• 2 day event at UT campus (Saturday & Sunday)

• 1^st day: knot tying, skills test, aerial rescue

• 2^nd day: first aid/ CPR; written exam

• Charge $150 for workshop + ISA test fee

• Applicants will submit an entry form for the workshop to ISATexas and a separate test application ISA with a letter stating that applicant will attend the ISATexas CTW workshop

• 30 students will be allowed

• We will provide breakfast and lunch; dinner on your own

Day 1:

• Have three trees set up. Two for skills test, one for aerial rescue

• Perform knot tying while doing equipment check

• Do online belay in pre-installed line used for emergency aerial rescue before beginning skills test

• Skills tests will be conducted.  There will be 2 skills test trees run simultaneously.

• Climbers will complete an aerial rescue while waiting their turn for the skills test.  This will be set up just like the TTCC event

Day 2:

• Will use indoor facilities to proctor the written exam and provide CPR/first aid training.

  • Guy Leblanc will teach the CPR training. 

Schedule of Events:

Saturday:

8:30am-9am                breakfast, check in, knot tying practice

9am-9:30am                introduction of students/trainers

9:30am-10:00am         aerial rescue demonstration by Guy Leblanc

11:30am-12:30pm       begin skills test & aerial rescue simultaneously

12:30pm-1pm              lunch on site

1pm-5pm                     finish skills test/aerial rescue

Sunday:

8:45-9:00                    check in

9am-12:30pm              CPR/first aid training

12:30-1pm                   lunch on site

1pm-3pm                     certification test

 Cut off for registration is October 12^th & there are only 30 seats available!