HOW TO GET CEUs PRE-APPROVED FOR YOUR EVENT
CEU Pre-Approval Application for Your Event

EVENTS PROVIDING ISA CEUS

This list contains upcoming events that we are aware of and also includes courses that we know have been canceled as well. Nearly all of them provide opportunities to earn ISA CEUs that help you maintain your ISA certifications. While we may not have links for each event that direct you to specific registration information, we do try to provide contact information so you can learn more about the event. NOTE: Not all events listed are sponsored or co-sponsored by ISA Southern Chapter and the Chapter is not responsible for those events.

WEBINAR/EVENT OPPORTUNITIES Many of the event organizers and hosts listed below provide clear instruction for obtaining a CEU credit for attending a webinar. ISA policy currently provides that you must watch the content as a live webinar to earn a CEU through the pre-approval process established by the webinar developer and host. This typically means that you must pre-register for the webinar event, just like attending a workshop. Each webinar developer and host will have a different registration process. Read the instructions on their website carefully to insure that understand how to receive CEU credit.

If you are planning an event and want to get ISA CEUs pre-approved for the event, click the link below and complete the application.  Send the completed application with a copy of the agenda for the event to CEU@isasouthern.org.

If you know of opportunities we haven’t listed, you can email us and we’ll get it posted!

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

November 5-6, 2025
2025 Commercial Horticulture Expo
Memphis, TN
Commercial Horticulture Expo is a 2-day training event to provide classroom education to horticulture, landscape, urban forestry, and turfgrass professionals. Registration HERE.

November 6, 2025
Watauga Professional Landscape Day
Blowing Rock, NC
One-day event hosted by Watauga Cooperative Extension. Find sessions about workers compensation law; invasive plant management after Helene; and updates on management of root rots, vascular disease, and insect pests of trees in landscapes. Registration HERE.

November 5, 2025
2025 Trees SC Pre-Conference Tour & Workshop
Spartanburg, SC
Join Trees SC for an immersive pre-conference tour that brings Strategic Connections to life ... literally! Explore premier arboretums, cutting-edge magnolia trials, and hands-on demonstrations of tree decay testing technology. This full-day experience blends science, scenery, and CEU opportunities as we visit the Spartanburg Community College Arboretum, Milliken Research Facility, and Wofford College. From walking tours under the canopy to hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this is your chance to connect with nature, knowledge, and fellow professionals before the main event kicks off. Space is limited. Registration HERE.

November 6-7, 2025
2025 Trees SC Annual Conference - Strategic Connections
Spartanburg, SC
Make plans to join Trees SC in downtown Spartanburg, SC, for the 2025 TreesSC Annual Conference, where Strategic Connections come to life for professionals shaping the future of our urban forests. This year’s program is designed for urban tree care professionals and enthusiasts who are driving innovation and stewardship in their communities. Dive into timely topics like biochar applications, tree resilience, vegetation management technology, and collaborative planning strategies. With expert-led sessions, dynamic breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and valuable CEUs, this conference will equip you with the insights and relationships to elevate your work. Registration HERE.

November 7, 2025
Educational Sessions - 2025 Alabama Tree Climbing Competition
Huntsville, AL
Alabama Urban Forestry Association has put together educational sessions covering plant disease and insect ID, soil science, safe climbing, electrical hazards with trees, and first aid. More information HERE

November 8-9, 2025
2025 Alabama Tree Climbing Competition
Huntsville, AL
More information HERE.

November 13-14, 2025
TUFC Annual Conference
Chattanooga, TN
Join TUFC in Chattanooga for the 2025 Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference! Events include pre-conference workshop, welcome party, awards luncheon, tours, and, of course, many educational sessions. Registration HERE.

November 14, 2025
Hope for the Hemlocks
Greenville, SC
Join Clemson Extension to hear about hemlock pests, treatments, and tactics. Email dawson4@clemson.edu for more information.

November 17-18, 2025
2025 MVMA Conference
Gulfport, MS
Join Mississippi Vegetation Management for its two-day conference. Session topics include Core and ROW certification training and industry updates. Agenda and registration HERE.

November 17-19, 2025 8:00AM - 5:00pm (Eastern) PRESCRIPTION PRUNING QUALIFICATION WORKSHOP - PPQ REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THE 3-DAY COURSE FOR PRESCRIBERS REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR THE ONE-DAY COURSE FOR PRODUCERS

City of Charlotte Special Services Division 1105 Otts Street Charlotte NC 28205 Presenters: Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley Developed by the Florida Chapter of ISA, the Prescription Pruning Qualification Workshop (PPQ) offers one-day and three-day options. The one day option for Producers (tree workers) offers clarity for tree workers that appreciate clear goals for each pruning task. The three-day course includes two days of training and demonstrations culminating in an exam. The successful candidate will receive the Prescription Pruning Qualification being recognized nationwide. You must be an ISA Certified Arborist to attend the qualification course. However, it is not required to attend DAY ONE ONLY.

Information and Registration HERE 3-day “PRESCRIBER” REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. 1-day PRODUCER Registration closes November 10.

This new pruning paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist that may be operating without a clear goal about the pruning job, to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. The PPQ credential, offered to three day class attendees, teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience.

ISA Southern Chapter proudly acknowledges our sponsors: City of Charlotte, Rainbow Ecoscience, Charlotte Arborist Association, and the North Carolina Urban Forestry Council, and the North Carolina Forest Service.

TWO TRACKS ARE OFFERED:

  • PRODUCERS (Day One only; Nov 17) - ISA Certification not a prerequisite. This is a one-day session with extreme value for those who work in trees. Dr. Gilman provides attendees with an understading and appreciation of proper pruning based on clear goals and communication. Producer attendees receive a certificate of attendance. There is no exam.

  • PRESCIBERS - THis 3-day option is now closed (Day One, Two, and Three: Nov 17-19) - Must be an ISA Certified Arborist. Prescribers attend Day One and then return for Day Two and the review and exams on Day Three.  The second and third day of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam become PPQ Qualified through the Florida Chapter of ISA.

This course is a rising star in the arboriculture world. The one-day course for PRODUCERS is still an excellent option and will provide very useful information for all arborists. Plan to attend and register soon. Info and Registration HERE 3-day “PRESCRIBER” REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. 1-day PRODUCER Registration closes November 10.


November 19-20, 2025
PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY FORESTRY CONFERENCE Organized by the Arbor Day Foundation Hendersonville, Nevada
Our friends at the The Arbor Day Foundation are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Partners in Community Forestry Conference and partnering events will be held in Henderson, Nevada from November 19-20. Additional information HERE.

December 3-5, 2025                TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS REGISTRATION CLOSES NOVEMBER 3 1204 Calle Ceiba - Jardin Botanico Sur San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926 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)

December 10-11, 2025 CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREP COURSE Guilford County Extension Center
Greensboro, NC 27405 Instructors Dr. Keith O’Herrin, Dr. Barbara Fair, Mark Livingston, and Dr. Kelly Oten will be reviewing the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide over these two days.  Participants are required to have the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide during the workshop. The study guide can be purchased through the ISA web site (Copies WILL NOT be available onsite).

Registration for the two-day prep course can be found HERE.

The optional ISA Certified Arborist exam will be on December 12th in the same location as the workshop. Registration for the exam is SEPARATE from the workshop registration. See below.

December 12, 2025       8:30am-12:30pm Eastern ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST, UTILITY SPECIALIST, MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST EXAM Guilford County Extension Center
3309 Burlington Road
Greensboro, NC 27405

ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025. Applicants for each exam must register by November 24, 2025 at the ISA website. If you’re new to ISA, you’ll need to create an ISA profile at creating or logging in to your ISA account. Registering for an exam includes 2 steps. First, you must complete an application for your selected credential. On your ISA profile, find the link “Apply for an ISA Certification” Complete the application for your selected credential. Second, once the application is submitted and approved by ISA, you can register for an exam. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of registering for an exam as it can take several weeks to get a submitted application approved.

January 12-13, 2026 9:00am-4:30pm each day CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREP COURSE Arts Center of Greenwood 120 Main St Greenwood, SC 29646 Instructor, Jimmy Walters, will be reviewing the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide over these two days.  Participants are required to have the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide during the workshop. The study guide can be purchased through the ISA web site (Copies WILL NOT be available onsite).

Registration for the two-day prep course can be found HERE.

The optional ISA Certified Arborist exam will be on January 14th in the same location as the workshop. Registration for the exam is SEPARATE from the workshop registration. See below.

January 14, 2026       8:30am-12:30pm Eastern ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST, UTILITY SPECIALIST, MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST EXAM Arts Center of Greenwood 120 Main St Greenwood, SC 29646

ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Applicants for each exam must register by December 31, 2025 at the ISA website. If you’re new to ISA, you’ll need to create an ISA profile at creating or logging in to your ISA account.

Registering for an exam includes 2 steps. First, you must complete an application for your selected credential. On your ISA profile, find the link “Apply for an ISA Certification” Complete the application for your selected credential. Second, once the application is submitted and approved by ISA, then you can register for an exam. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of registering for an exam as it can take several weeks to get a submitted application approved.

January 14, 2026
Urban Tree Health Workshop
Charleston, SC
Join Clemson Extension for this one-day workshop. Email gpayne2@clemson.edu for more information.

January 19-23, 2026
2026 Green and Growin’
Greensboro, NC
NCLA has put together educational sessions for the tree professional. More information HERE.

January 28, 2026
Carolina Green Industry Network Seminar & Trade Show
Monroe, NC
Join NC Cooperative Extension - Union County for its one-day seminar and trade show. More information HERE.

January 29-30, 2026
SC Green Industry Assoc Conference & Trade Show
Columbia, SC
SC Green’s annual conference and trade show featuring landscaping classes, vendors, and networking with other industry professionals. Registration HERE

February 24-26, 2026 SOUTHERN CHAPTER 84th ANNUAL CONFERENCE Myrtle Beach Convention Center 2101 North Oak Street Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Detailed planning is underway! Be sure to check out details on the conference web page. See you in Myrtle Beach!!