NZ Arb Hosted
ISA TRAQ Courses
TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)
NZ Arb, in association with the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), presents the TRAQ training course.
About TRAQ
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.
About The Trainer
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.
Course Content
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.
Course 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 digital Tree Risk Assessment Manual.
Upcoming Courses
No events at the moment
About ISA TRAQ 3.0
ISA TRAQ 3.0 launced in November 2025. This new version came with refreshed training materials, updated assessments, and some big changes:
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No more renewals: Once TRAQ 3.0 launches, the separate “TRAQ Renewal” course won’t be offered.
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Extended credential: If you complete TRAQ 3.0, your qualification will be valid for 7 years (instead of the current 5 years).
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New application process: Enrolment now goes through ISA’s credentialing portal, and you’ll need to have an approved application before you can register.
How the new application process for ISA TRAQ 3.0 works
Before you can register for a TRAQ course, you’ll need to:
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Create or login to your ISA “MyISA” account.
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Go to the Credentialing Portal.
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Complete the TRAQ application by uploading proof of your recognised credential (or equivalent).
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Pay the TRAQ application fee and wait for approval.
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Once approved, you’ll see upcoming TRAQ offerings and can register directly with the host.
You can read the full ISA “How to Apply” guide here (Credentialing > TRAQ).
What this means for you
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If your TRAQ is still valid, you remain in good standing until your expiry date.
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Stay tuned for NZ Arb course dates — we’ll make sure you have plenty of notice.
2026 DATES/LOCATION
Wellington 21 - 23 July 2026
Auckland17 - 19 November 2026
PRICING (GST exclusive)
Non Member - $1350
ISA Member (5% discount) $1282.50
NZ Arb Member (10% discount) $1215
REGISTRATION