Learn how to become a certified arborist in Nebraska!

Photo of a storm-damaged tree

In the state of Nebraska, two organizations provide opportunities for arborists to become recognized as trained and tested arborists by earning credible certifications. The Nebraska Arborists Association (NAA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) both offer membership benefits, resources for test prep and continuing education opportunities.

Nebraska Arborists Association

NAA credentials recognize certified arborists at the state level, which can be beneficial for arborists who provide services within the state of Nebraska. The organization typically hosts an annual Arborist School in the fall in cooperation with the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

The Arborist School events are provided to assist arborists and horticulture professionals in: increasing their knowledge of plant characteristics important to tree identification; increasing their knowledge of tree climbing and safety practices; knot tying; and providing in-depth training for those who are considering arborist certification or want to learn more about trees and tree care in general.

The school format is three, two-day workshops that start with one in September, one in October and the last one in November with a test to follow the last workshop. The 2020 workshop series was held in Waverly, NE and Ashland, NE. NAA has provided scholarship applications for the workshop registration.

Registration fee includes: ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, NAA certification study guide questions, Common Insect Pests, Diseases and Abiotic Problems of Trees brochures, NAA certification exam (Certification fee not included), 1 year subsidized NAA membership (offered to non-members only).

To learn more about the Nebraska Arborists Association please visit their website: https://nearborists.org/

International Society of Arboriculture

ISA credentials recognize certified arborists internationally, which can be beneficial for arborists who provide services across state lines. To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborists must also adhere to the Code of Ethics that strengthens the credibility and reliability of the workforce. To be eligible for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, you must have one or both of the following:

  • Three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture
  • A degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute

To learn more about earning ISA Certified Arborist credential please visit their website here: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Types-of-Credentials/ISA-Certified-Arborist

The Nebraska Forest Service recognizes all certified arborists across the state as leaders in the green industry. Our staff provides training opportunities throughout the year for tree workers and arborists to continue their education in all practices of arboriculture. If you are interested in receiving workshop notifications please register your email HERE