Arborist association to release study guide

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA) will release the newly updated Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) Study Guide version 2.0 at New England Grows, Feb. 1-3 in Boston.

The updated and improved MCA Study Guide CD serves as a primer for MCA exam candidates, as well as a comprehensive resource for tree care professionals. The new study guide was developed by the MCA examining committee, compromised of arborists from across the state, along with a team of experts from the University of Massachusetts, including Mike Davidsohn, Dennis Ryan and Bob Childs.
 
The new study guide features enhanced tutorials, improved tree identification, best practices, user-friendly navigation, as well as two new chapters: Wood Decay in Urban Trees by Chris Luley, Ph.D., and Plant Health Care & Integrated Pest Management by Bob Childs.
 
"This new study guide represents years of work on the part of many, dedicated volunteers," said MCA Committee Chairman Dennis Panu. "We are proud to have produced an effective study guide, as well as a useful arboriculture reference with practical information on topics ranging from tree biology and identification to current safety regulations.”
 
The MCA is a voluntary certification program initiated in 1957 by Massachusetts arborists. The MCA examination is designed to assess the fundamental knowledge and core competencies that all tree care professionals should possess, regardless of their area of practice. Currently, about 900 tree care professionals have earned the designation of Massachusetts Certified Arborists.
 
The MCA Examination is held twice a year in early April and October. It is typically held at 8:30 a.m. at the MHS Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, Mass. Registration is required at least two weeks prior to the examination. The first exam based on the material found in the new MCA Study Guide version 2.0 will be held on Friday, Oct. 5.
 
The MCA Study Guide CD version 2.0 is available for $95 to MAA members and $195 for non-members. Examination fees are $75 for MAA members and $150 for non-members. To obtain the Study Guide, register for the MCA exam, or for further information, visit the MAA website at www.MassArbor.org.