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Arborist certifications, and how to show them
Six well-known credentials in US tree care. For each one: what it tells a homeowner, and how a company can feature it on its website and Google profile. We do not list fees or exam details. Get those from the official site.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Lirevon is not affiliated with these organizations.
ISA Certified Arborist
What it shows a homeowner: the person has met the ISA's requirements for knowledge of tree care, including passing an exam, and is held to the ISA's program rules. It is one of the best-known credentials in the trade.
How to feature it: list the arborist's name and certification on your about and team pages, and mention it in your Google Business Profile description. The ISA offers a way to look up certified people, so check its site for how customers can verify a credential.
ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist
What it shows a homeowner: the person who climbs is credentialed for climbing and aerial work, not only for general knowledge. That helps a customer feel safer about someone working high in their trees.
How to feature it: name the credential next to the climber on your team page and say it in plain words, for example "our climber is an ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist." Do not claim it for crew members who do not hold it.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
What it shows a homeowner: a higher level of the ISA's arborist credentials. It tells customers that the person has gone beyond the basic certification.
How to feature it: use the exact title, put it on the owner or lead arborist's bio, and add it to your Google Business Profile description if it is true for someone on your team.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
What it shows a homeowner: the person has been trained and qualified by the ISA to look at a tree and judge how risky it may be. This matters when a customer asks "is this tree dangerous?"
How to feature it: call it a qualification, not a certification, since that is how the ISA names it. Mention it on pages about tree risk, hazard trees and removal, and keep it current. Qualifications can expire, so check the ISA site.
TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)
What it shows a homeowner: someone at the company has earned a safety credential from the Tree Care Industry Association. It points to a company that takes crew safety seriously.
How to feature it: use the full name once, then "CTSP." Put it on your about page and in a short safety section on your website. Do not suggest it guarantees a safe job.
TCIA Accreditation (for companies)
What it shows a homeowner: this is a company-level program from the TCIA, not a personal credential. It looks at how a company runs its business, including its safety practices. Check the TCIA site for the current requirements.
How to feature it: only use it if your company is currently accredited. Say "TCIA Accredited company," follow the TCIA's rules on logo use, and add it to your website header or about page and your Google profile description.
Common questions
Is a certified arborist the same as a licensed tree company?
No. A certification is a professional credential held by a person. A license or registration is a government rule that varies by state or city. Check your own state and city rules.
Can a company be an ISA Certified Arborist?
No. ISA credentials belong to individual people. A company can say it employs an ISA Certified Arborist if that is true.
What is the difference between TRAQ and Certified Arborist?
Certified Arborist is a broad credential about tree care. TRAQ is a qualification about assessing tree risk. An arborist can hold one, both or neither.
How do I show my credentials on my Google Business Profile?
Name the credential and the person in your business description, and use the exact official title. Add photos of your team or truck signs, and keep the details current.
Does a certification guarantee good work?
No. It shows training and a standard of knowledge, not a result. Customers should also look at reviews, insurance and references.
Do I need to check anything before using a logo?
Yes. Each organization has its own rules for its name and logo. Read them on the official site first, and when unsure, use plain text instead of the logo.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Check each organization's own website for current details.
Want people to find your crew?
Lirevon helps tree service companies answer every call and show their credentials online. See our services. More references: Resources hub.