The TRAQ course and credential provide 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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION (a list of upcoming Southern Chapter courses is found below)

Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational “full” course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field exams. The first two days are typically 8am-5pm and the third day (exam day) is 8am-noon. It is required that you attend the entire course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Coffee and a light breakfast are typically included each day along with lunch the first two days. If overnight travel is needed you will need to make hotel reservations on your own.

The course includes Tree Biology and Mechanics, Tree Inspection and Assessment, Data Analysis and Risk Categorization, and Risk Reporting. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Once registered, you will receive a course Manual and a Course Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. It is strongly suggested that you read the materials prior to the course. Not all of the materials on the exams will be covered in detail in the classroom. The Manual and Workbook are essential parts of the learning process for this course.

IMPORTANT NOTES - THERE HAVE BEEN SUBSTAINTIAL CHANGES TO THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

SUBMITTING YOUR TRAQ COURSE REGISTRATION

Please read this section. This will help to make sure your registration goes smoothly! ISA has changed the registration process and Southern Chapter has adjusted our registration process to keep in step with policy changes.
The first step in enrolling for an ISA TRAQ course is to verify your eligibility to register for the course. If you hold an ISA credential, congratulations! You can skip to Step 7. Eligible ISA credentials that allow you skip to Step 7 are the following:
- ISA Certified Arborist®
- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®
- ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional
- ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist®
- ISA Certified Tree Climber
If you do not hold an ISA credential , you’ll need to first submit an application to ISA to verify your eligibility to become TRAQ qualified. An application can be submitted by those who believe they have met eligibility requirements for the program even though they do not hold an ISA credential. It is not the same as registering for a TRAQ course. Its simply an application make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you complete an application with ISA and your application is approved, you can then REGISTER with Southern Chapter for a specific course. If needed, here’s a set of directions to create an account and submit an application to take a TRAQ course.
- If you are an ISA member and/or credential holder or if you have purchased any ISA products in the past, you have an online account with ISA.
  Simply log in at credentialing.isa-arbor.com and look for the ISA credential you are interested in applying for and click 'Apply Now' to start the process.
- If you are not an ISA member, you will need to create an online account with ISA. Use this link to create an online account and save your ISA CSID number in your records. Create an ISA account and submit an application HERE
Once you have an ISA CSID number, you are good to go. Save your ISA CSID number in your files for future reference along with your ISA account login information (username and password). ISA’s new database management system (and Southern Chapter) will rely on this unique CSID number as a great way to identify you when you rregister for events. While its “another number” to file away (we get it, its a pain), it will really help smooth the registration process for events.
Non ISA members that create an ISA account and now have a CSID can log in at credentialing.isa-arbor.com and look for the ISA credential you are interested in applying for (TRAQ) and click 'Apply Now' to start the process.
Only fully completed applications can be submitted for review. Submitted applications will be reviewed within five (5) US business days. You will be notified by ISA of your application approval by email. If our team requires more information for approval, you will also be notified by email. You may review application status at any time through ISA’s credentialing management system. You will only be able to REGISTER for an ISA TRAQ program once you have an approved application in the system for the program.
Once you have a valid ISA CSID number, hold an ISA credential, or have been approved by ISA to register for a TRAQ course, (See Steps 3 thru 6 above if you do not have an ISA CSID number,) you are now ready to find a TRAQ course offering below with a location and date that works for you and click on the REGISTRATION link. You will then register for one of the classes that are hosted by the Southern Chapter. Class dates are limited. We try to offer classes to meet the varying demand across our chapter.
CONFIRMATION
You will be notified via email when your registration is received and when it is approved. ISA typically ships your class materials (manual, worksbook, etc) about three weeks prior to the class.
Applicants for TRAQ courses must register at least 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close 30 days prior to the course or earlier if the class reaches capacity. Be sure to build in time for your “pre-application” process with ISA if you dont hold an ISA approved credential (Steps 3-6 above). These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!
CLASS SCHEDULE
The first two days of the class are indoor and outdoor learning that typically run 8am-5pm and the third day is exam day and runs from 8am-Noon.
A light breakfast is provided each day and lunch is provide the first two days.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS
No refunds will be provided less than 45 days prior to the course. ISA limits class sizes to 20 registrants. If you cancel, we may not be able to re-fill your spot. Cancellations received 30-45 days prior to the course are only permitted if a replacement is available. No refunds are provided within 30 days of the class. Final rosters are delivered to ISA at that time.

RENEWING YOUR TRAQ CREDENTIAL NEW INFORMATION! PLEASE READ!

Beginning in Fall 2025, ISA plans to launch TRAQ 3.0 with a new course agenda, manual, and Tree Risk Assessment Form. Anyone attending a class with the new agenda will be able to hold their TRAQ credential for 7 years. (An increase of 2 years from the current 5 years.) If you wish to renew after 7 years, TRAQ holders will need to attend a full course and pass both exams to requaify for an additional 7 years.

Current TRAQ credential holders will no longer have the option of a one-day renewal course (live or virtual) and exams. Attendance at a full 2 1/2 day TRAQ course and passing both exams will be required to renew for an additional 7 years.

ISA LINK TO TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION INFO

TRAQ COURSES

2025 CLASS DATES

September 30, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern CLASS IS FULL AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED TRAQ RENEWAL VIRTUAL COURSE (on-line) Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Midwestern Chapters This was the last virtual renewal course being offered by the cooperating chapters. Others may offer live renewal courses. This fall, ISA is launching TRAQ 3.0 and will no longer offer TRAQ renewal with one day courses. Renewal will be accomplished by attending a full 2 1/2 day course and completeing both exams.

December 3-5, 2025            TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS Universidad de Puerto Rico en Utuado Carr. 123 Km. 52.2 Barrio Salto Arriba Utuado, Puerto Rico 00641 ISA has launched TRAQ 3.0! This new version of TRAQ will require that you verify your eligibility before you register for a TRAQ course. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the full course prerequisites and details about the credential and the courses.

IMPORTANT STEPS 1) If you hold a current ISA credential (Certified Arborist, etc) you can register directly for this class by using the registration link below. 2) If you are not certain about your eligibility to take a TRAQ courses, you need to compete an application with ISA to be sure you are eligible for the course. Use this guide to get approval to register for this class if you are not an ISA credential holder. Again, if you do not hold an ISA credential, you need to apply with ISA first, then come back to Southern Chapter to register for the class. Be sure that you submit your application to ISA well in advance of the class. 3) Once your application from ISA is approved, you can then register for the class with the link below.

Be sure you are prepared to register at least 30 days prior to the class.  Registration will close when class capacity is reached. Register early!! Additional information can be found on the ISA Southern Chapter website at https://www.isasouthern.org/traq-events 

Register HERE for December 3-5 TRAQ Course (Closes November 3 or when capacity of 20 is reached)

2026 CLASS DATES (New class dates for 2026 are being arranged and will be announced soon)

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) INFORMATION

TRAQ COURSES