Tuesday, 9/16/2025 from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST (Speed Sessions - Slot 1)

Room: Exhibit Hall - Booth #157

Topic(s):
Accreditation, Career Development, Hiring, Workforce Development, 2025 Conference Theme: Build Together, Play Together

Description:
Navigating accreditation, certification, and certification programs can sometimes be difficult — such as the differences between these along with how some certifications and/or accredited programs may be used to access state licensing. An overview of the development of a comprehensive and defensible certification program will be discussed. While requirements for certification programs vary, the process for applying for and earning Society for American Foresters' Certified Urban and Community Forester will be summarized for context. Once a certification is earned, there are also maintenance requirements. Some of these will be explored, along with a review of how some certification programs like the one between International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Society for American Foresters (SAF) for earning Continuing Education Units. The possible benefits of certification for both employees and employers who support certified staff will be outlined.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be able to evaluate the differences between accredited, certificate and certification programs, along with providing examples of how some certification and accredited programs may be used to access state licensing.

2. Attendees will analzye the development of a comprehensive certification, with a dive into SAF's Certified Urban & Community Forester certification for context.

3. Attendees will be able to define the possible steps for applying for, earning and maintaining a certification.

Speaker(s):
Erin Turner