The Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ) is a voluntary credential that standardizes how pruning prescriptions are written and executed. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. This qualification course teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience. To earn the qualification, participants must successfully complete a comprehensive written exam and a performance-based assessment.
There are two (2) training tracks offered:
Day 1 – Producers – ISA certification and New Jersey licensing are not required to take this course. Producers are finished with the training at the end of day one and each receives a certificate of completion. There is no exam.
Day 1, 2, and 3 – Prescribers – Must be a ISA Certified Arborist or hold a current NJ LTCO or NJ LTE license.
The second and third days of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple-choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam will earn the PPQ credential.
All PRESCRIBER registrations will be reviewed to verify the prerequisite. Before the event, registrants will be emailed a link to the PPQ Manual . A hard copy of the manual will be given during check-in at the event.
Our PPQ qualification program will be held at a location TBD on the Rutgers University Campus in New Brunswick, NJ. On July 14-15, the training will run from 8:00am-5pm. A continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided on these days. The exam will be held Thursday, July 16 and the day consists of an indoor/outdoor review and a multiple-choice exam. The exam is the culmination of this qualification course. Please note that successful completion of this course and your exam will result in a PPQ qualification with a seven-year duration.
Please note that non-NJ Chapter members will be charged an additional $45. Registration will close on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Thank you for your interest in this important qualification, we hope to see you in October.
Registrants may cancel for a full refund minus any credit or service fees paid by the chapter (or use it as a full registration for the next chapter PPQ event) prior to the course materials being sent. Registrants who are unable to attend once the course materials are sent may transfer their registration to our next NJAISA chapter PPQ event minus a $200 cancellation fee or forfeit their registration. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to njarboristsisa@gmail.com.
Date: July 14-16, 2026
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Instructors: Ed Gilman, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida and Lindsey Purcell, Consulting Arborist, LP Consulting Group, LP
Price:
Producers - $230 for applicants who are NJ Chapter members and will be at the time of the course and $275 for non-chapter members
Prescribers - $850 for applicants who are NJ Chapter members and will be at the time of the course and $895 for non-chapter members
Please confirm that you have an active membership with the NJ Chapter prior to selecting a registration option below. If you need assistance in confirming your NJ Chapter membership status, please email njarboristsisa@gmail.com or call 856-343-7571.
CEUs:
Producer - ISA - 7 CEU’s, BCMA (P), NJBTE LTCO/LTE - 7 CEU’s
Prescriber - ISA - 15.5 CEU’s, BCMA - 15.5 (P) CEU’s, NJBTE LTCO/LTE - 15.5 CEU’s
MORE ABOUT PPQ
The Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ) is a voluntary credential that standardizes how pruning prescriptions are written and executed. This new pruning paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. This qualification course teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience. To earn the qualification, participants must successfully complete a comprehensive written exam and a performance-based assessment. To maintain the qualification, current credential holders must retake the PPQ course every seven years.
Why should I get this qualification?
Improves professionalism for new and seasoned arborists.
Establishes a standardized, accountable, objectives-based pruning process.
Teaches an approach that increases life expectancy and clearance and reduces the likelihood of failure.
Improves your ability to explain to tree owners, contractors, and crew why and how to prune.
Who should get this qualification?
Arborists who prune trees or prescribe pruning, or people who prepare and manage pruning contracts.
There are two types of attendees for this training: Producers and Prescribers
A production arborist (Producer) working in trees, or anyone, seeking an organized process of evaluating tree owner and arborist conditions of concern, and an approach to pruning designed to solve these concerns.
A pruning prescriber(Prescriber) is a certified arborist who typically specifies work to be completed on trees in the urban forest.
Training tracks are offered:
Day 1 – Producers – ISA certification is not a prerequisite. Producers are finished with the training at the end of day one, and each receives a certificate of completion. There is no exam.
Day 1, 2, and 3 – Prescribers – Must be a ISA Certified Arborist, NJ LTCO or NJ LTE.
The second and third days of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple-choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam will earn the PPQ credential.
Manual: Producers and prescribers each receive a digital version of the manual prior to the course as well as a hard copy of both the Pruning Prescription Manual and Workbook on Day 1 of the course.
Eligibility
Eligibility for Prescribers can be met by having earned one of the following credentials or designations:
ISA Certified Arborist®
Current NJ LTCO (Licensed Tree Care Operator) or NJ LTE (Licensed Tree Expert) license
Course and Assessment
The full program consists of a two-day educational course followed by a half-day of assessments that include both written and performance-based components. Eligible candidates must attend the course and successfully complete both assessments in order to receive this qualification.