2026 ISA Certified Arborist Prep Course

Prepare with confidence. Build your knowledge. Advance your career.

Join us from August 26 – 28 in Nashville for an immersive three-day ISA Certified Arborist Prep Course designed to equip you with the core knowledge and confidence to succeed on the exam and in your professional practice.

This in-person course brings together top arboriculture professionals from across Tennessee to deliver 16 chapters of the ISA Certification Study Guide (4th Edition) in a focused, interactive format. You’ll leave with a better understanding of arboricultural principles and practices, plus valuable networking connections.

Why Become an ISA Certified Arborist?

The ISA Certified Arborist credential is recognized worldwide as the industry standard for professional knowledge in arboriculture. Certification demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence, continuing education, and industry best practices. Becoming ISA Certified can help you:

• Demonstrate professional knowledge and credibility
• Increase career opportunities and earning potential
• Better serve clients and communities
• Expand your understanding of tree biology, care, and management
• Meet qualification requirements for many employers and contracts

What Makes This Course Different?

This is more than a review of the study guide. Participants benefit from live instruction by experienced arborists who bring decades of practical field experience to every topic. In addition to comprehensively reviewing exam material, instructors connect textbook concepts to real-world situations encountered in daily arboricultural practice. Throughout the course, participants are encouraged to ask questions, discuss challenging topics, and learn from the experiences of instructors and fellow professionals.

Agenda:

Wednesday, August 26
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Topics: Tree Biology, Tree ID, Soil Science, Water Management, Tree Nutrition and Fertilization, Tree Selection, Installation and Establishment

Thursday, August 27
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Topics: Pruning, Tree Support and Lighting Protection, Diagnosis and Plant Disorders, Plant Health Care, Tree Risk Assessment and Management, Trees and Construction, Urban Forestry

Friday, August 28
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Topics: Tree Worker Safety, Climbing and Working in Trees, Test-Style Q&A, Study Tips, Next Steps

Instructors:

Instruction will be provided by a team of experienced ISA Certified Arborists from across Tennessee who share a passion for developing a skilled arboriculture workforce in support of healthier urban forests. A complete instructor lineup will be announced soon.

Continuing Education:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be submitted for approval through the International Society of Arboriculture.

Meals:

Breakfast and light refreshments will be provided daily. Lunch will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday.

Sponsors:

Interested in sponsoring the course? Contact us at [email protected].

Exam Scheduling & Study Guide:

Please note this course does not include registration for the ISA Certified Arborist Exam or a copy of the Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. We encourage you to check the ISA Southern Chapter’s listing of upcoming in-person exam dates or schedule a computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing facility. You must first submit your application to ISA and receive approval before contacting Pearson VUE to schedule your exam at one of their testing centers. The Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, Fourth Edition can be purchased on the ISA website.

Cancellations/Refunds:

Cancellations prior to 8/7 are eligible for a full refund, and cancellations prior to 8/21 are eligible for a 50% refund. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the completion of the event. Please direct your cancellation requests and related questions to [email protected].

Funding for this project was provided in part through an Urban & Community Forestry Grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.