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Arborist — ARB
Total cost: $410-$1,135
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Not Required
State License
Voluntary
ISA Certification
Required
Pesticide License
Not Required
State Exam
Yes
CE Required
$410-$1,135
Total Initial Fees
Licensing, certification, and permit requirements for commercial tree care
VerifiedState License
Not Required
ISA Certification
Voluntary (Widely Accepted)
ISA Certified Arborist is the industry-standard credential recognized by clients, municipalities, and insurers
Pesticide Applicator License
Required for Tree Treatments
Required; Operator or Applicator license from Illinois Department of Agriculture
Business License
Required
Arborist licensing varies significantly by state. Some states require a specific arborist or tree expert license, while others rely on ISA certification as the professional standard. All states require a pesticide applicator license for chemical tree treatments. Some states also require a general contractor license for tree work above certain dollar thresholds.
Not sure if you need a arborist license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education, experience, and examination requirements
Mostly verifiedEducation Requirements
Degree in forestry, horticulture, or related field preferred for municipal positions
Experience Requirements
Varies by municipality; ISA requires 3+ years experience
ISA Exam
Not Required
State Exam
Not Required
Continuing Education
ISA Certified Arborists need 30 CEUs per 3-year cycle. State license also requires CE credits for renewal. Pesticide applicator recertification requires ongoing CE credits.
The ISA Certified Arborist credential requires a minimum of 3 years full-time experience in arboriculture (degree substitutions available). The exam covers tree biology, diagnosis and treatment, pruning, safety, soil science, and urban forestry. A passing score of 76% or higher is required.
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International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Program
VerifiedCredential
ISA Certified Arborist
Issuing Body
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Experience Required
3+ years full-time (degree substitution available)
Exam Format
200 multiple-choice questions, 3.5-hour time limit
Passing Score
76% minimum
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years — 30 CEUs required
Exam Fee
$185 (ISA member) / $285 (non-member)
Exam Details
ISA Certified Arborist exam: 200 multiple-choice questions covering tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, safety, soil science, and urban forestry. 3.5-hour time limit. Minimum 76% passing score.
Advanced Certifications
ISA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the arboriculture industry. In Illinois, ISA certification is voluntary but strongly recommended and often required by municipalities for tree work permits. Advanced certifications such as Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) demonstrate higher levels of expertise.
ISA Certified Arborist Exam
Questions
200 questions
Time Limit
3.5 hours
Format
Multiple choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $185 (ISA member) / $285 (non-member) exam feeInvest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the ISA Certified Arborist Exam.
Insurance Coverage for Tree Care Operations
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
Recommended minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence for commercial tree care
Workers' Compensation
Required for all employers
Property Damage
Property damage coverage included in general liability policy; tree care operations carry significant property damage risk
Bonding
Not typically required for arborist licensing; may be required by some municipalities or clients
Tree care is considered a high-risk profession. General liability insurance with adequate coverage is essential for protecting against property damage and bodily injury claims. Workers' compensation insurance is required in most states for employers. Many clients and municipalities require proof of insurance before allowing tree work to proceed.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
State License Fee Licensed Tree Expert (municipal ordinances vary) application/exam fee | $50-$200 (varies by municipality) |
ISA Certification Exam Fee One-time exam fee; ISA membership ($135/year for individual) reduces exam cost | $185 (ISA member) / $285 (non-member) exam fee |
Pesticide Applicator License Pesticide applicator exam and license fee in Illinois | $25-$100 |
Business License Business registration and licensing fees in Illinois | $150-$500 |
Total Initial Fees Includes ISA certification exam, pesticide license, business license, and state license fees where applicable. Does not include insurance premiums. | $410-$1,135 |
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Renewal Requirements & CE Obligations
Mostly verifiedEvery 3 years; requires 30 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) or retaking the certification exam
ISA Renewal
Annual or triennial renewal depending on state; continuing education credits required
Pesticide License
Required
Continuing Education
State License Renewal
Varies by municipality
CE Details
ISA Certified Arborists need 30 CEUs per 3-year cycle. State license also requires CE credits for renewal. Pesticide applicator recertification requires ongoing CE credits.
Regulatory Board
ISA Certified Arborists must earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 3 years to maintain their credential. CEUs can be earned through conferences, workshops, college courses, and ISA-approved programs. Pesticide applicator licenses also require periodic renewal with continuing education. Failure to renew results in loss of credentials.
Illinois does not have a statewide arborist license, but Chicago and many other municipalities require Licensed Tree Experts for commercial tree work within city limits.
Illinois does NOT have a statewide arborist license.
Some municipalities require local tree care contractor licensing - requirements vary by city.
ISA Certified Arborist credential is recommended but not required at the state level.
A pesticide applicator license IS required for any chemical treatments on trees.
TCIA accreditation is available for tree care companies.
Arborist requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Arborist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare arborist requirements across all states →
Arborist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Illinois compare to other states for arborist? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
Arborist Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study materials for ISA Certified Arborist exam and tree care licensing.
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Arborist requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Agriculture, April 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Arborist license to Illinois →
Transfer your Arborist license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →
Illinois does not require a state-specific arborist license. ISA Certified Arborist is the recognized industry credential. A pesticide applicator license is required for chemical tree treatments. Licensing and permits are managed through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and ISA.