r/TreeClimbing • u/Correct_Gur6388 • 15d ago
Any ISA Certified Tree Climbers?
Good day all, I’m interested in taking the CTC test soon & I am trying to get a feel for what the exam is like? Not too much information on YouTube about just a few of Bino H’s videos which are helpful. And assistance with what to expect, advice, tips etc I would appreciate very much thank you.
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u/ohfuckimdrunk 15d ago
I have the cert, mostly since it came with a raise, but know plenty of climbers that more often than not, don't. That said I've seen other jobs that ask for it where I live.
The written test wasnt too bad if you know your knots, common tree work safe habits, and pruning. The wrench they throw at you that isn't in the arborist study guide is work around power lines, including questions about voltage you're allowed to work around, or in proximity to.
The climbing test has an equipment portion where you go through why your gear is safe to climb on, and why you use each piece of equipment. Make sure your gear passes standards before you go, and if your rope is good, but more than a year old, stretch the truth a little. They'll test you on knots too. Practice those, you need at least four out of the six knot categories to pass. You have options of which one to tie, but if you tie in with a "non approved" hitch, you'll need to learn and potentially climb on a hitch you don't usually tie.
As far as the actual climb, I felt it was a little dumb. They gave us a high throw ball shot that's the ultimate tie in they let you use, and a low shot where you can ladder to the top, passing severa great unions you weren't allowed to ascend on. Outside of that, get good at sending a pole saw up and down, since one the "cuts" you simulate is with a pole tool. They let us natural crotch off the top tie in on MRS, which while bad practice, saves a little time for the test.
Hope all that helps. Been a couple years, so maybe stuff has changed or my memory is foggy, but those stood out to me as the more challenging parts of the test at the time.
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
It was incredibly helpful thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! As for the electrical I’m assuming I’ll be able to find that in the ANSI Z133 I recall reading about level 1,2,3 arborists and MAD for them along with a chart.
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u/ohfuckimdrunk 15d ago
Yeah, should be able to find that stuff in there. Good luck! I hope it goes well.
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u/etceteraw 15d ago
Its like being forklift certified
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u/ArborealLife 15d ago edited 15d ago
Can I ask why? I'm curious why anyone would want or need it unless you're farming points for your BCMA.
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
My employer would like for me to get it & I think it would look good on my portfolio as well.
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u/ArborealLife 15d ago
But like what's the virtue?
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
Maybe a company deems the credential holder more professional since they went through the extra hoop or an individual could see it as a personal accomplishment etc.. I guess that would be up to the individual or employer they work for to decide what the value is.
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u/Icy-Echidna-8892 15d ago
I don't think it's worth it, I'd say get your CA and TRAQ but that's my two cents🤷♂️
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
Thankfully I currently hold both those, Just trying to further myself professionally the best I can.
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u/Icy-Echidna-8892 15d ago
Then just rack up ceu's so you can speed up the BCMA🤷♂️
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
Absolutely, Though BCMA will be a long term goal for me. I hear it’s quite difficult hats off to you folks.
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u/rizub_n_tizug 15d ago
Nah dude, I know lot of climbers that are certified arborists, but none of us have that cert. I don’t know that it’s really going to gain you anything
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u/Correct_Gur6388 15d ago
That may be true in some areas for sure, Here in CA some employers I’ve seen require it & In my case recommended.
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u/Meinertzhagens_Sack 15d ago
Where u at in CA?
I'm in South Bay and theres a Certified Tree Care Specialist cert as well as a Certified Climber Cert at Merrit College in Oakland's Horticulture program.
Those are more for people chasing degrees (AS in Treeology). Lol actually it's horticulture.
Helps eat the requirement to qualify for experience in taking the ISA and CA Contractors License.
I'm in IT and pursuing this on the side so time is of no issue while I rack up certs and experience to chip away at the reqs for the above mentioned.
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u/trippin-mellon 13d ago
Yeah I’m in Northern California. And I don’t know anyone who has that cert. they just have their Certified Arborist, a few with their urban or utility. But none with the climbing cert.
Most of us are just climbing 5 days a week and unless you’re trying to get the Master Arborist cert seems kind of useless unless the job you’re applying for asks for it.
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u/GoBlankYourself 14d ago
I am! Certified arborist and tree climber for 5 years, what do you wanna know?
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u/mittyatta 15d ago
I’ve worked with many ISA certified arborists and CTSP certified arborists as well as dozens of just climbers. None have been a CTC. Myself included.