ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Course Location:  Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center Meeting Room
                                        UW – Stevens Point
                                        2419 North Point Drive
                                        Stevens Point, WI 54481

Registration Fee:

ISA Member $675
(You must be an ISA member to receive the member discount.)  
Non-ISA Member $775
Exam Retake Only $150
Maximum # of Registrants: 20

Registration Deadline: November 10, 2025

Can’t make it?  If interested in attending a future TRAQ Full Course offering, please submit the following form: CLICK HERE – TRAQ INTEREST FORM

ABOUT THE COURSE

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides 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. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Course is a two-day educational course followed by a 1/2 day assessment that includes both a written and field component. The course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. 14.5 CEUs.

New changes from ISA

• Good for 7 years, with no renewal option. Must take full course every 7 years. 
• No workbook mailed, get access to a digital copy unless you want to pay for one.
• New registration process. (See Below)

Required Registration Steps:

1. Log in to your MyISA account through this link > https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/myAccount/login
2. Select “ISA Credentialing” to access the ISA Cred HQ system. 
3. Locate the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification under My Applications or under Are you Ready to Apply for Eligibility and follow the links to determine eligibility. Locate the applications that you may be eligible to apply for under Are you Ready to Apply for Eligibility and follow the link to determine eligibility. There is an application fee associated with the eligibility process; If you need to submit an application to become eligible, application submission fees will apply.  Application fees are found within the Program Guides for each of ISA’s credentials. Please see here > https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Which-Credential-is-Right-for-You.  This step is REQUIRED before registering for the Chapter’s TRAQ course.  
4. AFTER you confirm your eligibility in ISA Cred HQ, click on the link on this website to register for the WAA course.
   • Your enrollment and exam fee must be received by the November 10th deadline; there are no exceptions.

Hosted by: The Wisconsin Arborist Association

Instructor: Dr. Richard Hauer

Richard Hauer is the Director of Urban Forestry at Eocene Environmental Group and a Professor Emeritus of Urban Forestry at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. He was honored as the 2023 Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Education and the 2018 & 2024 L.C. Chadwick Award for Arboricultural Research. He has published over 200 publications and presented over 500 talks throughout the world.

COURSE CONTENT

Tree Biology and Mechanics: Participants will learn how to assess wood structure, decay, and tree mechanics, and evaluate their impact on likelihood of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to identify and assess defects and conditions that may affect likelihood of failure. Tree Inspection and Assessment: Participants will learn about types of targets, assess the likelihood of a tree or tree part impacting a target, and estimate the consequences of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to assess site factors that may influence likelihood of failure.

Data Analysis and Risk Categorization: After learning the tree and target factors that must be assessed, participants will combine likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure to derive a risk rating. This rating helps the assessor communicate tree risk to clients and risk managers, and allows comparison of risk levels between trees.

Risk Reporting: Participants will learn skills for clearly communicating tree risk to clients, both in written and verbal reports. Participants will also learn about the key components that should be included in a report after completing a tree risk assessment.

TENTATIVE AGENDA
Day 1: Educational Session (8:00am – 5:00pm)
Course Opening
Module 1: Introduction to Tree Risk Assessment
Break
Module 2: Levels of Assessment
Module 3: Target Assessment
Lunch
Module 4: Site Assessment
Break
Module 5: Tree Biology and Mechanics (Outdoors)
Day 2: Educational Session (8:00am – 5:00pm)
Module 6: Tree Inspection and Assessment
Break
Module 7: Data Analysis and Risk Categorization (indoors)
Module 7: Field Activity (outdoors)
Lunch
Module 8: Mitigation
Module 9: Reporting
Break
Review and Exam Information
Day 3: Exam (8:00am – 11:30am) Written exam
Performance-based exam
*Schedule subject to adjustment

Included in your registration:
 –   course registration
 –   exam fee
 –   the TRAQ renewal manual (Access digitally)
 –   lunch, beverages and snacks for the day

Travel and lodging is on your own.

What is required to bring to the class:
 – your government issued photo ID
 – your hard hat and high visibility vest or shirt (required)
 – #2 pencils and your clipboard for taking notes and completing worksheets
 – rain gear, including a large ziplock bag (just in case!)
 – come prepared to spend part of the day outdoors
 – please dress for your comfort level indoors and outdoors; 
    we cannot always control the room temperature to suit everyone

Special Testing Accommodations Requests:
If you have an accommodation request, please complete the Special Accommodations Request Form and submit it with your application. You may find the form online at 
http://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Certification-Applications/TRAQ-App-Guide.pdf at the end of the TRAQ application guide. The process may take up to several months and may not allow enough time to attend this particular class.

READ REGISTRATION DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING

WAA will retain a $50 cancellation fee for all cancellations before the deadline. No refunds will be issued after the registration deadline of November 10th. Registrations cannot be transferred to another individual. For registration questions, please e-mail admin@waa-isa.org.