Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Important: Apply to ISA before registering  with Arb Aus

If you are already TRAQ qualified, you do not need to re-apply to ISA — go straight to Step 2.

Step 1: Apply to ISA for TRAQ approval

To assist with your ISA application, please use the following resources:

➡️ Watch the ISA application video instruction here

➡️ Download ISA TRAQ application step-by-step guide here

➡️ To login to the ISA portal and apply – click here.

➡️ View the ISA TRAQ Program Guide here

The ISA TRAQ Program Guide outlines eligible qualifications for TRAQ approval and provides information on how to submit an eligibility equivalency request if your qualification is not listed.

Please note that an ISA application fee is required to complete the ISA application and is payable directly to ISA by credit card. Current listed fees are USD $50 for non-ISA members and USD $40 for ISA members. Please check the ISA website for current fees before applying.

If you are unsure whether your credential meets ISA’s eligibility criteria, please contact ISA directly at isa@isa-arbor.com before applying.

If you require assistance from Arb Aus, please contact the TRAQ team at traq@trees.org.au.

Step 2: Forward your ISA approval to Arb Aus

Once the ISA has approved your application, please forward your ISA approval email to:

traq@trees.org.au

Arb Aus will then provide the next steps to register in an available TRAQ course.

If you have already submitted an Expression of Interest, we will confirm your preferred course and send you a payment link.

If you have not submitted an Expression of Interest, we will send you a course registration link.

Important: Submitting an Expression of Interest is not the same as registering for a TRAQ course. Your place is not confirmed until you have forwarded your ISA approval email and completed the Arb Aus registration and payment process.

Submit an Expression of Interest

Upcoming TRAQ course dates are listed below so participants can plan ahead.

Applicants can submit an Expression of Interest to help Arb Aus understand demand for TRAQ courses, plan future locations and dates, and support participants through the ISA approval process.

Submitting an EOI does not reserve or confirm a place in a course. However, the information you provide may be used to assist with your course registration once ISA approval has been received.

2026 TRAQ Course Dates

• Melbourne — Burnley University: 6–8 October 2026

• Perth: 14–16 October 2026

• Sydney: 10–12 November 2026

• Adelaide: 18–20 November 2026

• Canberra TBC

➡️ Register your Expression of Interest here.

This price list details the cost for 2026 TRAQ courses in an in-person classroom setting.
TRAQ course fees are the same price for all locations. The prices below are for 2026.

Fees are subject to change

FULL COURSE (2.5 days)

$1,830 non member
$1,739 ISA member (5% discount)
$1,647 Arb Aus member (10% discount)

Prices are GST exclusive

Want to become a member of Arb Aus? Your membership entitles you to immediate discounts. Contact the Arb Aust Team now.

Registration can be paid by purchase order or credit card. Full payment is required at least 6 weeks before the course start date.

Cancellations made 6 weeks before the course start date will incur an AUD $80 administration fee. Cancellations made within 6 weeks of the start date are non-refundable and non-transferable.

All attendees must have ISA-approved Education Equivalency documentation before registering (see registration and enrolment instructions). Applications not approved by the registration deadline will not be accepted.

A minimum number of attendees is required for the course to run. If this is not met by the registration deadline, Arb Australia reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the course. In this case, a full refund will be provided.

Please note all TRAQ courses are subject to ISA approval.

Travel and accommodation arrangements
Participants are encouraged not to book non-refundable travel, accommodation or other related arrangements until the course has been formally confirmed by Arboriculture Australia. While every effort is made to proceed with scheduled courses, courses remain subject to minimum participant numbers and other operational requirements.

Checking course status before booking travel
Participants who are considering travel or accommodation arrangements are welcome to contact Arboriculture Australia before making bookings to check the current status of a course, including registration numbers and the likelihood of the course proceeding.

Is submitting an EOI the same as registering for a course?

No. An Expression of Interest lets Arb Aus know you are interested in attending a TRAQ course. It does not reserve or confirm a place. However, the information you provide will be used for your registration so you will not need to enter the information twice.

To enrol in a TRAQ course, you must first apply to ISA and receive approval for the ISA TRAQ Program. Once approved, forward your ISA approval email to traq@trees.org.au. If you have submitted an EOI we will send you a link to make payment. If you have not submitted an EOI we will send you a course registration link.

Why does Arb Aus collect EOIs?

The EOI process helps Arb Aus understand demand for TRAQ courses, plan future locations and dates, and support participants to complete the ISA approval process early.

Can I choose a course when submitting my EOI?

Yes. The EOI form allows you to nominate the TRAQ course or courses you are interested in attending. This helps Arb Aus understand likely demand. However, selecting a course in the EOI does not confirm your place.

What happens after I receive ISA approval?

Forward your ISA approval email to traq@trees.org.au. Arb Aus will review the details and will send you the next steps to enrol into a TRAQ course.

I am already TRAQ qualified or previously held TRAQ. What should I do?

Please email traq@trees.org.au with a copy of your current or most recent TRAQ certificate. Arb Aus will review your details and confirm the next steps.

What if my qualification is not listed by ISA?

If your qualification is not listed, you may need to submit an eligibility equivalency request through ISA. The ISA step-by-step guide explains that applicants can select Submit Another Credential and provide supporting information, including the credential name, organisation, website, earned date, proof of credential and proof of content.

Please allow additional time if your application requires this review.

The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is owned and developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

The program expands your fundamental knowledge of tree risk assessment by learning a standardised, systematic process for assessing tree risk. You will be able to provide information to decision makers and tree owners to foster informed decisions that promote the safety of people and property, and enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity. You will learn strategies to systematically identify and assess tree risk.

This internationally recognised qualification course comprises of a two-day education course followed by a ½ day assessment (2.5 days in total) 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 you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

Tree Biology and Mechanics:

Participants will learn how to assess wood structure, decay, 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 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 Categorisation

After learning the tree and target factors that must be assessed, participants will combine likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, consequences of failure to derive risk rating. This rating helps the assessor communicate tree risk to clients and risk managers and allows comparison 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.

The qualification consists of a two-day educational course followed by a half-day assessment that includes both a written and a field component. You must attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification.

When applying to participate in a TRAQ event, applicants must agree to the terms, conditions, and policies outlined in the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Application Guide.

All course registrants will receive a copy of the Tree Risk Assessment Manual and a course workbook. These are provided in hard copy to all in-person registrants, and in soft copy for any online refresher course attendees.

To be eligible to register for the course and take the exam, you must have earned one of the following credentials:

• Certificate III Arboriculture

• ISA Certified Arborist® or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®

• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified

• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university

• A national certification or certificate in arboriculture (see a complete list in the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Application Guide)

• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status

• Licensing or Certification from an approved state/province program (see a complete list in the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Application Guide)

• SAF Certified Forester

The TRAQ credential is an internationally recognised qualification that is valid for seven (7) years from the date it is earned.

Maintaining this qualification does not require CEUs; however, ISA certification holders will be offered 14.5 CEUs for attending the course.

BEN KENYON

Ben has over 20 years experience in the arboricultural industry in both the field and consultancy and is an expert in all aspects of tree management.

As the Principal Consulting Arborist at Homewood Consulting, Ben has a strong practical focus and is passionate about training & public consultation.

Given his practical background he has extensive experience in the preparation of arborist reports, tree management plans and tree retention assessments for planning and development.

He has extensive skills in database development & design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which are predominantly used to manage large volumes of asset data such as complete city tree inventories or asset surveys.

Prior to establishing Homewood Consulting, Ben worked for over 15 years as a field Arborist for a number of organisations.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture

Associate Diploma of Applied Science Horticulture (Arboriculture)

Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) Registered User 919

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Favourite Trees

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) – coz it's not Australian if you don’t like Red Gums

Flindersia australis (Australian Teak) It has really cool looking fruit capsules, the kids and I love watching them open and have done some time lapse photography on them

Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum) After returning from travelling overseas for 2 years (as a young adult), this tree became one of my favourites, it typifies ‘the smell of the bush’.

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MARK ROBERTS

Mark Roberts is an arborist with over 25 years of experience. He has worked in all facets of the arboriculture industry, from dragging brush through the streets of London to being the President of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Mark is an accredited member of the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists (IACA), he holds qualifications from Otago University, Massey University and The Otago Polytechnic. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) trainer.

He has been awarded life membership to the New Zealand Arboricultural Association and the International Society of Arboriculture for his services and contributions the arboriculture industry.

In 2015 Mark was awarded the Ronald Flook Award by the New Zealand Arboricultural Association. The Ronald Flook Award is given to recognise exceptional management of trees, whether functional or aesthetic in any stage of development. It is the highest recognition award that the New Zealand Arboricultural Association has.