Frequently Asked Questions
about TCIA's CTSP Program

Q. Why is the CTSP credential important to arborists?

A. Employers: As an organization employing one or more CTSPs, you will have taken an important step toward creating a sustainable safety culture in your business and realizing that safety can be profitable.

Employees: As a CTSP, you will be recognized by your colleagues as well as by the public as someone with demonstrable and substantial value to your profession.

Q: Do I need to be a member of TCIA to enroll in CTSP?

Q: What are the steps in becoming a CTSP?

A: The basic steps are:

• Applying and fulfilling the prerequisites.
• Passing the Safety Fundamentals exam.
• Registering for and attending the CTSP Workshop and passing the Core Exam.
• Fulfilling the CTSP requirements for ongoing professional development.

Q: If I fail either of the exams, how long must I wait before I can re-test?

A: There is no waiting period to re-take the CTSP exam.

Q: How do I reapply?

A: Information on how to reapply will automatically be forwarded to those who fail. The application fee must be resubmitted.

Q: What is considered “safety related” experience?

A: Experience requirement may be satisfied by arboriculture-related or by non-arboricultural safety-related degrees and/or practical experience.

The following 8 experience areas from disciplines outside of arboriculture are considered “safety related”:

• Safety & Health
• Industrial Hygiene
• Emergency Management
• Fire & Rescue Service
• Security Service
• EMS and/or advanced life-saving training and/or experience
• Risk Management
• Occupational Health and Environmental Sciences

Q: What is the “Experience Year Requirement” to take the CTSP exam?

A : To be eligible to sit for the CTSP examination, an applicant is required to have 3 years of arboricultural experience. One of these years needs be safety related.

Q: How do I maintain my certification once I have it?

A: You must complete 30 Contact Hours of continuing education and submit a renewal fee every 3 years. This fee is payable every three years on the anniversary month of receiving your CTSP certification.

Q: What happens if I let my CTSP certification lapse for any reason?

A: If you fail to accumulate the necessary contact hours or fail to pay the recertification fee when it is due, then your certification is considered void. In other words, the likeliest way to regain your CTSP status is to go through the study and examination again. You may appeal for re-certification to the CTSP Council. The Council considers appeals on a case-by-case basis.