Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

The qualification consists of a 2-day educational course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field component. It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Approved for 14.5 ISA CEUs.

When applying to participate in a TRAQ event, applicants must agree to the terms, conditions, and policies outlined in the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Application Guide.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides 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.

This course will cover:

• Tree Biology and Mechanics
• Tree Inspection and Assessment
• Data Analysis
• Risk Categorization
• Risk Reporting

As of November 5, 2025, this qualification will be effective for 7 years after successful completion.

TRAQ Course - IN PERSON

December 8-10, at the New York Botanical Garden

Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026

Special Accommodations Requests: If you have an accommodation request, please complete the Special Accommodations Request Form and submit it with your application. You may find the form online at www.isa-arbor.com/Accommodations.

Applicants must submit registration and registration payment by the registration deadline. Onsite registration is not available.

Please see ISA's list of FAQs for more information regarding the extension of your qualification.

Cancellation Policy:
Registrants may cancel for a full refund minus any credit or service fees paid by the chapter (or use it as a full registration for the next chapter TRAQ event) prior to the course materials being sent. Registrants who are unable to attend once the course materials are sent may transfer their registration to our next NYSA chapter TRAQ event minus a $200 cancellation fee or forfeit their registration. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

TRAQ Renewal Course

Effective November 5, 2025, ISA is no longer supporting the renewal option for TRAQ. See press release HERE.

TRAQ Program Testimonial

Having TRAQ has enabled me to use consistent language and an accepted rating system for determining a trees risk to homeowners and the community. Using a legally validated form for every tree makes prioritizing simple and documents residual risks, re-inspection intervals and so on. This covers you if anything goes wrong.

It’s also been tremendously useful for my clients in persuading their neighbors to remove dead and risky trees. Documenting risk on a form/matrix that uses the same language as insurance companies and lawyers is invaluable if ever in a court situation.

Also, the course itself was very instructional. Even as a Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), I learned new information that has changed the way I look at trees. I’ve always leaned towards saving trees rather than removing and this course provided me with a bit more balance.

Jeremy Sayers, BCMA
The Tree Doctor Consulting
Clarence, NY
NYSA Past President