ISA Exam Day Checklist: What to Bring and How to Prepare
What to bring to Pearson VUE on ISA exam day, how to manage time across 200 questions, and test-day mental strategies from BCMA Chris Comer.
Chris ComerMarch 14, 2025
Chris Comer
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
Chris Comer is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and the founder of Joshua Tree Inc. (Florida License FL6714B). He has taught ISA exam prep to hundreds of arboriculture students through his YouTube channel and the Tree Nerd Academy platform. With 15+ years of field experience and direct teaching on every ISA exam domain, Chris created Tree Nerd Academy to give working arborists the most effective, accessible exam prep course available.
Articles by Chris Comer
Chris ComerMarch 14, 2025Tree Identification and Selection: How to Study Efficiently
Tree ID is 8% of the ISA exam. Use the MAD Horse mnemonic, leaf arrangement, genus-level identification, and right tree, right place to study efficiently.
Chris ComerMarch 10, 2025Tree Risk Management and Risk Assessment Basics
Tree Risk Management is 11% of the ISA exam: the hazard-vs-risk distinction, the 3 levels of assessment, mitigation options, and how TRAQ builds on ISA certification.
Chris ComerMarch 6, 2025Tree Protection During Construction: Study Guide
Tree Protection is 4% of the ISA exam, the smallest domain. Study critical root zone and protection zone concepts, fencing, and construction damage mitigation.
Chris ComerMarch 2, 2025Urban Forestry Fundamentals for the ISA Exam
Urban forestry covers 7% of the ISA exam. Study tree appraisal methods, CTLA guide, tree inventory, and urban tree selection concepts.
Chris ComerFebruary 26, 2025Diagnosis and Treatment: Pests, Diseases, and Disorders
ISA exam diagnosis questions test the reasoning process: biotic vs. abiotic causes, signs vs. symptoms, and IPM/PHC decision-making, not disease trivia.
Chris ComerFebruary 22, 2025Pruning Standards (ANSI A300) Explained for ISA Candidates
Pruning is 16% of the ISA exam, the largest domain. Learn ANSI A300 standards, crown cleaning/thinning/raising/reduction, and the three-cut technique.
Chris ComerFebruary 18, 2025Tree Biology and Physiology Cheat Sheet for ISA Candidates
Tree Biology is 10% of the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Master CODIT, xylem/phloem, reaction wood, and root anatomy with worked exam scenarios and a quick-reference cheat sheet.
Chris ComerFebruary 14, 2025Safe Work Practices and ANSI Z133: What the ISA Exam Tests
Safe Work Practices is 15% of the ISA exam. Learn ANSI Z133 rules for electrical hazards, chainsaw and chipper operation, and aerial rescue.
Chris ComerFebruary 10, 2025Installation and Establishment: ISA Exam Study Notes
Covers tree planting techniques, nursery stock types, root flare depth, and establishment best practices for the ISA arborist exam.
Chris ComerFebruary 6, 2025Soil Management for the ISA Exam: Key Concepts and Common Questions
Soil management is 12% of the ISA exam and one of the hardest domains for experienced arborists. Study texture vs. structure, pH, CEC, compaction, and how to read a soil test.
Chris ComerFebruary 2, 202512-Week ISA Exam Study Plan (With 8-Week and 4-Week Variations)
A week-by-week ISA Certified Arborist exam study plan for 12, 8, and 4-week timelines, with domain order by weight and how long prep actually takes.
Chris ComerJanuary 29, 2025