Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ) Training Now Available

If you want introductory training in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal, register now to attend our TPAQ training. This event will utilize both instructor-led discussions and case scenarios to illustrate concepts allowing participants to become familiar with the relevant methods and techniques used to approach plant appraisals and the ability to make reasoned judgement about the value of trees and landscape plants.

Exam Eligibility Documentation needs to be sent via email to Bonnie Burnick at info@ky-isa.org.

Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, you will:

Understand basic appraisal concepts.
Define the tree and plant appraisal process.
Understand tree and plant appraisal, approaches, methods, and techniques.
Apply tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques.
Present assignment results.

Eligibility
Anyone is eligible to attend a TPAQ training course. However, to be eligible to take the exam and earn the TPAQ certificate, applicants must:

Provide a signature page with application agreeing to follow the ASCA Standards of Professional Practice when conducting their work in the appraisal of plant or tree assignments Click Here to agree , AND
Provide evidence of a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in horticulture or arboriculture by the submittal of a curriculum vitae or resume AND
Provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- Possess a four-year degree
OR
- Hold one of the following positions or credentials:

a. International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)

b. State-registered or state-licensed landscape architect

c. Member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF)

d. Registered Consulting Arborist® (RCA)

What if I’m not eligible for the exam now, but I am later?

Candidates who are not currently eligible to take the exam may pay the registration fees and attend the educational training sessions, but they may not sit for the open-book exam.
If you are not eligible to sit for the exam at the time of attending the training, you will have 12 months from the date of the training to complete the eligibility requirements (as listed above) to take the exam and receive the TPAQ certificate. If you took a TPAQ training course and are now eligible to take the exam, please contact asca@asca-consultants.org.

Workshop Materials:

You will be provided with a physical copy of the ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification Workbook, as well as all necessary testing materials (Scantron, #2 pencils, exam).

In addition to the provided materials you are also required to bring the following:

Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition - physical copy only, a digital copy of the 10th Edition is NOT permitted.
Hard hat
High visibility clothing (i.e. - vest)
Scientific calculator (cell phone calculators are acceptable)

Additional resources, encouraged but not required:

Register Now !

You are strongly encouraged to have read the entire manual prior to the first day of class!

Hosted by: Dr. Bill Fountain & Bonnie Burnick, KAA Executive Director

Dr. Bill Fountain, professor emeritus, worked for the University of Kentucky in the Department of Horticulture. He is an instructor for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA KY399B), ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA #594), and Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification instructor. Bill is the author of numerous publications relating to arboriculture and landscape management and is a frequent lecturer in Asia. He has served on the ISA Board of Directors and numerous ISA committees. He serves on the Kentucky Arborists’ Association Board of Directors and is KAA representative to CoR.

**Deadline for registration and cancellation is , April 24 , 2026. There will be no course refunds issued after the registration deadline.

(*KAA observes the right to cancel TPAQ Course due to low attendance and reschedule participants if necessary)

TPAQ Agenda*

What is needed for the class: 10th ed., Second Printing or Revised of the "Guide for Plant Appraisal" and a smart phone with a mathematical calculator app installed or scientific calculator.

Day 1: Educational Session (8:00am – 5:00pm)

Registration at 7:45 am*

Course Opening

Day 2: Educational Session & Exam (8:00am – 5:00pm)

Written exam Performance-based exam

*Times are subject to change

This course carries 14 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=4, P=4, M=6).

Registration includes:

Lunches and breaks are included both days.

Come prepared for the weather-of-the-day.

What are the Benefits of Becoming Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified?

Increased credibility. Having the TPAQ designation boosts your credibility. It demonstrates that you understand and can apply the approaches, methods, and techniques of appraisal into your work product.
Standing out. Including information about your TPAQ credential on your website, on business cards, and in promotional materials will help you stand out from your competition.

Fees:

Qualified ASCA member - $1200.00

Qualified non-member - $1500.00

Maintaining Your Credential:

The TPAQ credential is valid for five years from the date it is earned. To maintain the credential, TPAQ holders must retake the TPAQ course and pass the exam every five years, or when the Guide for Plant Appraisals updated--whichever comes first.

Please contact Bonnie Burnick, KAA Executive Director for any questions at info@ky-isa.org.

Accommodations:

Availability for overnight accommodations:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Shelbyville, KY 40065

For Reservations, click "Webpage or call Front desk: 1-502-405-9978