Loading...
Loading...
Arborist — ARB
Total cost: $335-$585
Governing Authority
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF)
Official website →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
Required
State Exam
Yes
CE Required
$335-$585
Total Initial Fees
Licensing, certification, and permit requirements for commercial tree care
Mostly 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 for chemical treatments; Commercial Applicator License (Operator or Master level) from Maine BPC. Tree and shrub care is explicitly listed as a use case requiring a commercial license. Arborist license holders under Title 7 Ch. 404 may have the pesticide fee waived.
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
No state requirement; ISA certification voluntary
Experience Requirements
Must be 18 years or older. No experience required for Apprentice permit (must work under licensed arborist). Master Arborist requires minimum 5 years experience as First Class Arborist.
ISA Exam
Not Required
State Exam
Required
Written and oral exams administered by Maine DACF demonstrating proficiency in tree care and safety. ISA-certified arborists and licensed arborists from other states with equivalent requirements may have exam waived.
Continuing Education
ISA Certified Arborists need 30 CEUs per 3-year cycle for credential maintenance. Pesticide applicator recertification requires additional CE credits as specified by the state Department of Agriculture.
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.
Browse Arborist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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 Maine, 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
Required minimum $150,000 per occurrence and $300,000 general aggregate
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 |
|---|---|
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 Maine | $25-$100 |
Business License Business registration and licensing fees in Maine | $125-$200 |
Total Initial Fees Includes ISA certification exam, pesticide license, business license, and state license fees where applicable. Does not include insurance premiums. | $335-$585 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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
License may be issued for 1, 2, or 3-year periods. Expires December 31 of the final year. Renewal within 2 years of expiration may have exam waived at DACF discretion. After 2 years lapsed, must retake exam.
CE Details
ISA Certified Arborists need 30 CEUs per 3-year cycle for credential maintenance. Pesticide applicator recertification requires additional CE credits as specified by the state Department of Agriculture.
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.
Maine has no state arborist license. The state's Board of Pesticides Control regulates pesticide application for tree treatments. Many municipalities reference ISA standards.
Maine REQUIRES an arborist license for anyone performing arborist services.
An arborist license allows an individual to work independently in arboriculture.
ISA Certified Arborist credential is the industry standard but the state has its own licensing program.
A pesticide applicator license is also required for any chemical treatments on trees.
Maine has multiple license tiers: Apprentice (training permit, must work under licensed arborist), First Class Landscape/Utility Arborist (independent practice), and Master Landscape/Utility Arborist (5+ years as First Class, additional exam, requires pesticide applicator license in category 3A or 6A). ISA-certified arborists and out-of-state licensed arborists may have exam waived through reciprocity.
Arborist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (you) | $260–$885 | 4–10 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $260–$885 | 6–16 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $260–$885 | 4–10 wks | → |
| Vermont | $260–$885 | 4–10 wks | → |
See how Maine compares: Arborist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare arborist requirements across all states →
Arborist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure arborist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Maine compare to other states for arborist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your arborist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
Arborist Schools in Maine
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study materials for ISA Certified Arborist exam and tree care licensing.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Arborist requirements in Maine verified against Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), April 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Maine? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Arborist license to Maine →
Transfer your Arborist license from Maine to: New Hampshire →
Maine 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 Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and ISA.