ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAQ) Course

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

The qualification consists of a 2-day educational course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field component. It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Upon the completion of the instructional portion of the course, you will automatically receive 14.25 CEUs that will be credited toward your ISA Arborist Certification credential.

Instructor: Dr. Bill Fountain, Extension Professor of Arboriculture & Landscape Management, UK Department of Horticulture.

*Deadline for registration and cancellation is July 28, 2024. There will be no course refunds issued after TBD registration deadline.

TRAQ course manuals are mailed out from ISA’s Atlanta Headquarters right after the July 28, 2024, deadline.

Very important! ISA will not deliver to P.O. Boxes, please provide and specify your home or business address.

To avoid Eventbrite's tax charges for non-profits/government, please contact Bonnie Burnick at KAA: info@ky-isa.org. We will be happy to register you over the phone and payment can be made by credit card (Square is available).

Due to low attendance requirements, KAA observes the right to cancel TRAQ Course at any time due to low attendance and reschedule participants if necessary.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification: Tentative Agenda

Day 1: Educational Session (8:00am – 5:00pm) *Registration at 7:45 am

Course Opening:

Module 1: Introduction to Tree Risk Assessment(Break 15 min)

Module 2: Levels of Assessment

Module 3: Target Assessment(Lunch 1 hour)

Module 4: Site AssessmentBreak 30 min)

Module 5: Tree Biology and Mechanics

Day 2: Educational Session (8:00am – 5:00pm)

Module 6: Tree Inspection and Assessment(Break 15 min)

Module 7: Data Analysis and Risk Categorization (indoors)

Module 7: Field Activity (outdoors)(Lunch 1 hour)

Module 8: Mitigation

Module 9: Reporting(Break 30) Review and Exam Information

Day 3: Exam (8:00 am – 11:30 am) Written exam Performance-based exam (*Times are subject to change).

Registration includes:

a) Tree Risk Assessment Manual (Must have read the manual prior to the course.)

b) Lunches and breaks are included on Day 1 & Day 2.

c) Come prepared for the weather-of-the-day.

PREREQUISITES FOR TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION

To earn a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification you must hold or have held one of the following prerequisites. Please indicate which prerequisite(s) can be used to verify your eligibility. For non-ISA credentials, please submit a copy of a certificate, credential identification card, diploma, or similar documentation demonstrating your qualifications in the green industry.

A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognized under a system that is substantially similar to accreditation. Also, serving as a pre-qualification for taking the TRAQ course are individuals (including county Horticulture or Agriculture and Natural Resource agent) who conduct tree risk assessments as a regular part of their job duties.

Copies should be emailed to info@ky-isa.org.

• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®
• ISA Certified Arborist®
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognized under a system that is substantially similar to accreditation. AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Australia)
• American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status
• Connecticut Arborist License
• EAC — European Tree Technician
• EAC — European Tree Worker
• Fachagrarwirt Baumpflege
• Louisiana Arborist License
• Manitoba Arborist Training and Licensing Program
• Maryland Tree Expert
• Massachusetts Certified Arborist
• New Hampshire Arborists Association Certified Arborist
• New Jersey Certified Tree Expert
• New Zealand National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 4)
• Rhode Island Arborist License
• Society of American Foresters Certified Forester
• United Kingdom Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture

A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognized under a system that is substantially similar to accreditation.

If you hold a credential or have completed a program of study that is not listed above, go to www.isa-arbor.com/certification/resources/cert_Cred_TRAQ_EligibilityAppeal.pdf for information on submitting an appeal. Please be aware that the appeal process could take several months.

Please contact Bonnie Burnick with any questions at info@ky-isa.org or 330-307-8651.

Hotels recommended by the extension office:

Airport- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

(a) Comfort Inn & Suites Northern Kentucky,10 Country Drive, Wilder, KY 41076, 859-441-3707

(b) Hampton Inn & Suites Wilder, 10 Hampton Ln, Wilder, Ky 41076, 859-441-3049

(c) Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 8 Hampton Ln, Wilder, KY 41076, 859-815-8855