ISA Arborist Practice Test 2026 — Free ISA Arborist Exam Prep Questions
The ISA Certified Arborist exam is the credential tree care professionals earn to show they know the science and safe practice of arboriculture. This practice set follows ISA's 10 knowledge domains, from tree biology and soil management to pruning, tree risk and ANSI Z133 safe work practices. Every answer comes with an explanation tied to ISA and ANSI standards.
Which directional notch keeps the hinge controlling a falling tree for the longest part of its fall?
ISA Arborist format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers (a 120-day window to schedule after enrolling) or paper-based at events run by local ISA Certification Partners. Books, notes and phones are not allowed in the testing room.
| Questions | 200 multiple choice (180 scored + 20 unscored pretest), 4 choices each |
|---|---|
| Time | 3.5 hours (210 minutes) |
| Passing score | 76 percent |
| Exam outline | 10 domains, based on the 2022 job task analysis |
| Eligibility | 3 years of full-time arboriculture experience, or a qualifying degree or assessed-training program plus 1–2 years of experience |
| Fees | $40/$50 application + $295/$369 enrollment (ISA member/non-member) |
| Retakes | After 30 days; $120 per retake |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish and Traditional Chinese |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 30 CEUs + $220, or retake the exam |
| Safety standard | ANSI Z133-2026 replaced Z133-2017 on May 27, 2026 |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.isa-arbor.com/portals/0/assets/pdf/certification-applications/cert-application-certified-arborist.pdf. Always confirm details with ISA before your exam.
When can you take the ISA Arborist?
Computer-based exams are scheduled year-round at Pearson VUE centers within a 120-day authorization period; paper exams follow local ISA Certification Partner event dates.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the ISA Arborist covers
Every PrepBanq ISA Arborist test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Tree Biology | 11% | ~20 | 17 questions → |
Tree Identification and Selection | 9% | ~16 | 13 questions → |
Soil Management | 7% | ~13 | 10 questions → |
Installation and Establishment | 9% | ~16 | 14 questions → |
Pruning | 14% | ~25 | 21 questions → |
Diagnosis and Treatment | 9% | ~16 | 13 questions → |
Trees and Construction | 9% | ~16 | 13 questions → |
Tree Risk | 11% | ~20 | 17 questions → |
Safe Work Practices | 15% | ~27 | 23 questions → |
Urban Forestry | 6% | ~11 | 9 questions → |
How to register for the ISA Arborist
Retake policy
You can retake the exam 30 days after your most recent attempt; each retake costs $120.
Score release
Computer-based exams show your result immediately on completion; formal results post to your ISA account within four weeks.
Credential renewal
Certification is valid for 3 years. Recertify by earning 30 continuing education units in the 10 exam domains and paying a $220 fee, or by retaking the exam.
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ISA Arborist FAQ
How many questions are on the ISA Arborist?
The ISA Arborist has 200 questions (180 of them scored) and you have 3 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice only: each question has four answer choices with exactly one correct. 20 of the 200 questions are unscored pretest items, unidentified and scattered through the exam..
How long is the ISA Arborist exam?
Testing time for the ISA Arborist is 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the ISA Arborist?
ISA Arborist passing standard: 76 percent. Score range: Reported as a percentage; 76% passes.
How much does the ISA Arborist cost?
The ISA Arborist registration fee is Application $40 (ISA members and credential holders) or $50 (others); exam enrollment $295 (members) or $369 (others), the same for computer and paper exams. No refunds. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the ISA Arborist?
The ISA Arborist covers Tree Biology (about 11%), Tree Identification and Selection (about 9%), Soil Management (about 7%), Installation and Establishment (about 9%), Pruning (about 14%), Diagnosis and Treatment (about 9%), Trees and Construction (about 9%), Tree Risk (about 11%), Safe Work Practices (about 15%), Urban Forestry (about 6%).
Who administers the ISA Arborist?
The ISA Certified Arborist Exam is administered by ISA. Delivery: Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers (a 120-day window to schedule after enrolling) or paper-based at events run by local ISA Certification Partners. Books, notes and phones are not allowed in the testing room..
Can you retake the ISA Arborist?
You can retake the exam 30 days after your most recent attempt; each retake costs $120.
Is there a free ISA Arborist practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free ISA Arborist practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real ISA Arborist formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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