Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) INFORMATION

If you are interested in becoming TRAQ qualified, please take some time to read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” available HERE.

The guide will provide details about the application process and let you know what pre-requisites are required to apply for the credential.

Application for a TRAQ course includes several steps. Be sure to read and follow the steps below to insure a smooth registration process.

ISA has launched TRAQ 3.0! Download this press release for some details and read about the new registration process below.

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 (Note: Begin the application and registration process at least 45-60 days prior to a course date to be sure there’s plenty of time to get all of the steps completed.)

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.

If you hold a current ISA credential (Certified Arborist, etc) you can register directly for this class by using the registration link found below each TRAQ Course announcement (class announcements and dates are found below). You will need to provide your ISA CSID and your ISA Certification number when you register for the course. Both can be found if you visit the ISA website and login to your ISA profile page.
If you do not hold an ISA credential, or you are not certain about your eligibility to take a TRAQ course, you need to complete an application with ISA to be sure you are eligible for the course. Click HERE to download 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. Expect at least one week or more for ISA to approve your application to register for a TRAQ course.
Once your application from ISA is approved, you can then register for the class with the registration link found below each class date below.
CONFIRMATION
You will be notified via email when your final registration is received and when it is approved.
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 2-3 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 30 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 and class exam materials are prepared.

RENEWING YOUR TRAQ CREDENTIAL

ISA launched TRAQ 3.0 in Fall 2025 with a new course agenda, manual, and Tree Risk Assessment Form. Those that earn the TRAQ 3.0 credential won’t need to renew for 7 years. (An increase of 2 years from the old 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.

One-day renewal courses and exams (live or virtual) are no longer offered. 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

2026 CLASS DATES

March 13-15, 2025            TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park 111 Welborn Street Greenville, SC 29601 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. Then, be prepared to follow the steps below….

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. Download 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 