The TRAQ course and credential provide 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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION (a list of upcoming Southern Chapter courses is found below)

Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational “full” course followed by a ½ day assessment that includes both a written and field exams. The first two days are typically 8am-5pm and the third day (exam day) is 8am-noon. It is required that you attend the entire course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Coffee and a light breakfast are typically included each day along with lunch the first two days. If overnight travel is needed you will need to make hotel reservations on your own.

The course includes Tree Biology and Mechanics, Tree Inspection and Assessment, Data Analysis and Risk Categorization, and Risk Reporting. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Once registered, you will receive a course Manual and a Course Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. It is strongly suggested that you read the materials prior to the course. Not all of the materials on the exams will be covered in detail in the classroom. The Manual and Workbook are essential parts of the learning process for this course.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Applicants for TRAQ courses must register at least 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close 30 days prior to the course or earlier if the class reaches capacity. These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!
The FULL course is required for interested applicants that wish to earn the TRAQ credential. The first two days are classwork and outdoor learning that typically run 8am-5pm and the third day is exam day and runs from 8am-Noon.
A light breakfast is provided each day and lunch is provide the first two days.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: No refunds will be provided less than 45 days prior to the course. ISA limits class sizes to 20 registrants. If you cancel, we may not be able to re-fill your spot. Cancellations received 30-45 days prior to the course are only permitted if a replacement is available. No refunds are provided within 30 days of the class. Final rosters are delivered to ISA at that time.

RENEWING YOUR TRAQ CREDENTIAL Current TRAQ credential holders can renew their credential anytime within 18 months prior to their expiration date. TRAQ needs to be renewed every five years. You can check your expiration date by visiting your profile on the ISA website.

LIVE RENEWAL OPTION - Renewal typically means attending a one-day event that includes a classroom review session followed by the practical and written exams on the same day. You can check the list below to see when and where renewal courses are being offered in the Southern Chapter.
VIRTUAL RENEWAL OPTION - There is now another option to renew your TRAQ credential. You can attend virtual sessions from your home or office. No travel needed! The classroom portion of the renewal is offered by the chapter as a virtual event on your computer. Check below for available dates. Southern Chapter utilizes a Zoom platform for the class. Once you are registered, the Chapter will send you a login link a few days prior to the course. You will not receive any of the printed materials to prepare for this online course. ISA will provide links to study online or download all needed materials.

Once you complete the virtual classroom portion, ISA will send you information to take the written exam from your computer as well. The on-line exam is only available to those that complete the on-line renewal course. The practical exam is a self-submitted process and can be completed on your own and submitted to ISA. FAQ for the virtual renewal option can be found HERE.

ISA will provide you with information about how to register to take the online exam using the OnVUE system. The OnVUE set up requires that your computer meet certain requirements. You can test your system to see if it meets these requirements HERE.

Taking an online exam from your computer with OnVUE is convenient, but does require some preparation such as the compatibility test just described. It also requires that you are prepared for the online testing environment. This short video will help you to see what to expect.

Virtual TRAQ renewal classes are listed below. The courses are a joint effort of Southern Chapter, Midwestern Chapter, Georgia Arborist Association, Ohio Chapter and the Texas Chapter. If you don’t see a course date coming up, let us know and we’ll get one scheduled!

ISA LINK TO TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION INFO

TRAQ “3 day” & TRAQ Renewal COURSES

December 17-19, 2024            TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS Anna T. Jordan Community Park 1750 Stilt St Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the full course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the either course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. 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 17-19 TRAQ Course (Closes Nov 16 or when capacity of 20 is reached)

2025 EVENTS

February 5, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern TRAQ RENEWAL VIRTUAL COURSE (on-line) Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Midwestern Chapters This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential and their expiration date occurs within 18 months prior to the date of this course. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read “Virtual TRAQ Renewal Info for Candidates” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close when class capacity is reached or 30 days prior to the class, whichever comes first. Register early!!

Only register for this course if you already have a current TRAQ credential and your TRAQ expiration date is after February 5, 2025. Do not register if your TRAQ credential will expire prior to the class date. Your eligible renewal window begins 18 months prior to your expiration date. Attending a renewal course and successfully completing the exams prior to your expiration date will result in five years being added to your current expiration date.

If you register for a class date that occurs after your expiration date, you may not be notified of this mistake until 30 days prior to the course. Your registration will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded, less a $50 service fee.

If class has filled, you can send us an email and ask to be placed on a waiting list or check for other available dates listed on this webpage. It is very rare that we can accomodate those on the waiting list, but we try to get you in the class of your choice when we can. Send the email to isasouthern@isasouthern.org A non-reply means we have no last minute cancellations or cannot accomodate those on the waiting list.

Click HERE to Register for February 5, 2025 Renewal Course (Closes January 4 or when capacity of 30 is reached)

May 7, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern TRAQ RENEWAL VIRTUAL COURSE (on-line) Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Midwestern Chapters This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential and their expiration date occurs within 18 months prior to the date of this course. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read “Virtual TRAQ Renewal Info for Candidates” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close when class capacity is reached, or 30 days prior to the course, whichever comes first. Register early!!

Only register for this course if you already have a current TRAQ credential and your TRAQ expiration date is after May 7, 2025. Do not register if your TRAQ credential will expire prior to the class date. Your eligible renewal window begins 18 months prior to your expiration date. Attending a renewal course and successfully completing the exams prior to your expiration date will result in five years being added to your current expiration date.

If you register for a class date that occurs after your expiration date, you may not be notified of this mistake until 30 days prior to the course. Your registration will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded, less a $50 service fee.

If class has filled, you can send us an email and ask to be placed on a waiting list or check for other available dates listed on this webpage. It is very rare that we can accomodate those on the waiting list, but we try to get you in the class of your choice when we can. Send the email to isasouthern@isasouthern.org A non-reply means we have no last minute cancellations or cannot accomodate those on the waiting list.

Click HERE to Register for May 7, 2025 Renewal Course (Closes April 6 or when capacity of 30 is reached)

August 6, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern TRAQ RENEWAL VIRTUAL COURSE (on-line) Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Midwestern Chapters This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential and their expiration date occurs within 18 months prior to the date of this course. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read “Virtual TRAQ Renewal Info for Candidates” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close when class capacity is reached or 30 days prior to the class, whichever comes first. Register early!!

Only register for this course if you already have a current TRAQ credential and your TRAQ expiration date is after August 6, 2025. Do not register if your TRAQ credential will expire prior to the class date. Your eligible renewal window begins 18 months prior to your expiration date. Attending a renewal course and successfully completing the exams prior to your expiration date will result in five years being added to your current expiration date.

If you register for a class date that occurs after your expiration date, you may not be notified of this mistake until 30 days prior to the course. Your registration will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded, less a $50 service fee.

If class has filled, you can send us an email and ask to be placed on a waiting list or check for other available dates listed on this webpage. It is very rare that we can accomodate those on the waiting list, but we try to get you in the class of your choice when we can. Send the email to isasouthern@isasouthern.org A non-reply means we have no last minute cancellations or cannot accomodate those on the waiting list.

Click HERE to Register for August 6, 2025 Renewal Course (Closes July 6 or when capacity of 30 is reached)

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) INFORMATION

TRAQ “3 day” & TRAQ Renewal COURSES