Certified Community Forester™

A Certified Community Forest™ has achieved a significant milestone for itself, and an arborist is needed that shares the vision and is qualified to implement the strategies set forth for its success.

A Certified Community Forester™ oversees the hands-on caretaking of a community forest, and actively implements Community Forestry principles throughout the properties he or she stewards.

Get Certified!

1. Submit the application fee


  • Review your qualifications
  • Register for class
  • Get comfortable!

2. Complete the course


  • About 3.5 hours to complete
  • 12 online content modules
  • 8 post-module quizzes--no final exam

3. Provide documentation


  • Proof of job experience and (choose one):
  • Diploma or transcript
  • License or certification

Investment Cost:

Certified Community Forester $199 annually 

Requires 5 Community Forests Council continuing education units per year to maintain certification.

Qualifications:

Option 1:

Education and Experience

  • University degree or certificate in the fields of:
    • Forestry
    • Arboriculture
    • Horticulture
    • Environmental Science
    • Botany
    • Plant & Soil Science
    • Agriculture

AND

  • Two years of experience managing tree populations and direct responsibility for:
    • Strategizing Pruning intervals
    • Replacement of non-viable species
    • Protection of native species
    • Tree Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

Alternative educational options:

Option 2:

  • A professional license or designation that verifies the individual has a technical understanding of tree biology or directly related environmental systems

AND

  • Two years of experience managing tree populations and direct responsibility for:
    • Strategizing Pruning intervals
    • Replacement of non-viable species
    • Protection of native species
    • Tree Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

Option 3:

  • Five years of experience in the field of forest research, forest management, tree care, or other closely related fields, and direct responsibility for:
    • Strategizing Pruning intervals
    • Replacement of non-viable species
    • Protection of native species
    • Tree Health Care & Integrated Pest Management