Motivations and Barriers of Professional Certification for Tree Workers

Abstract

Abstract Background Professional credentialing refers to the process of obtaining a certification or license that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities according to industry-accepted ethics and standards. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) confers and manages professional arborist certification as well as other arborist credentials. However, many communities, such as in the southern United States, have few if any credentialed commercial tree care professionals. This study explores the motivations and barriers commercial tree care workers place on professional arborist certification. Methods The research employed 60 qualitative interviews from 3 of the 8 southern states to elicit emergent themes and detailed understanding of participants’ attitudes and experiences. In addition, an online survey of 742 international respondents was conducted to validate and complement interview findings. Results Results illustrate degrees of professional interest in certification. For example, some arborists pursued certification to improve sales with government organizations, while both certified and noncertified participants suggested few clients were aware of certification and therefore did not consider certification valuable to market competition. Additionally, company cultures supporting professional development and engagement with professional organizations influenced certification among new employees. Finally, some arborists viewed certification as a pathway to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence in arboriculture. Others discussed difficulties in traditional education and testing required for certification. Conclusion The reasons for pursuing certification were as diverse as the tree care workers in the industry. Findings suggest several possible interventions to address the challenges some individuals have in achieving certification.