This course is Now full. Please sign up for the waiting list if you are interested in attending. We do occasionally Have cancellations.
ISA TRAQ FULL COURSE -
TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION
April 22nd-24th
COURSE LOCATION:
Sandy Springs Municipal Complex
Human Resources Training Room
1 Galambos Way
Sandy Springs GA, 30328
Instructors:
Jimmy Walters and Sharon Lilly
14.5 CEUs Available
Registration Deadline:
March 25th, 2025
(Slots fill up fast! Register now!)
Registration Cost:
$625 - Georgia Arborist Association & ISA Member Rate
$625 - Georgia Arborist Association Member Only Rate (not a member of the ISA)
$700 - ISA Member Only Rate (not a member of the GAA)
$795 - Non-Member Rate (not a member of ISA or GAA)
If you are interested in becoming TRAQ qualified, please take some time to read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” available here - TRAQ-App-Guide.pdf . The guide will provide details about the application process and let you know what pre-requisites are required to apply for the credential.
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
Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational 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.
At the bottom of this email you will find recommended accommodations as well as more information about the location
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.
Meet the Instructors:
Jimmy Walters: Certified Arborist since 1996. SC Registered Forester. 1971 graduate of Clemson University, BS Forestry. Retired with over 40 years service with SC Forestry Commission. Retired as Program Coordinator for Urban and Community Forestry in SC. Charter member of SC Urban and Community Forestry Council (now Trees SC). Board of Directors, SC Vegetation Management Association, active in the SC Green Industry Association. Past President, Southern Chapter ISA and member of Florida Chapter as well. Now operating an arboricultural consulting firm, Urban Forest Advisors, LLC. Skilled teacher and public speaker. Many classes and lectures on Hazard Tree Management (old terminology) and Tree Risk Assessment prior to TRAQ.
Sharon Lilly:
Sharon Lilly, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, spent 25 years in commercial arboriculture including climbing, managing, and consulting. She also served for 19 years as director of educational goods and services at ISA. She is a Past President of ISA and she developed and taught arboriculture class at Columbus State University. Sharon led the initial development of ISA’s Arborist Certification program, led the development of the ISA TRAQ program, co-authored the Tree Risk Assessment Manual and Best Management Practices (BMP) published by ISA. She is an author of the Arborists’ Certification Study Guide and many other books, BMPs, workbooks, articles, and brochures. Sharon also developed many video training programs, and online courses.
HOTEL BLOCK INFORMATION:
We were unable to secure a "hotel block." But there are several options for hotels that are close by, including this Holiday Inn Express.
Disclaimers, Important Information, & Refund Policy:
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Applicants for TRAQ courses must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!
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The FULL course is required for those qualified applicants that wish to earn the TRAQ credential.
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This class provides the needed exams that must be passed to earn the TRAQ credential.
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Please bring your own hard hat and vest to the event.
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Please bring your government ID.
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Be sure to bring your course materials. (This will be mailed to you by the ISA in advance.)
***Cancellation & Refund Policy -
All cancellations made after the registration deadline of the event, no-shows, or those found to not have the required pre-requisites will not be eligible for refund. Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline/shipment of course materials are eligible for full refund. Cancellations made within 1 week of the registration deadline will be eligible for full or partial refund if GAA is able to fill their spot with a waitlisted registrant. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee.
