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Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ)
August 31, 2026 8:00 AM to September 01, 2026 5:00 PM
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Carla Madison Rec Center
2401 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
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Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ®) Training Now Available
August 31 - September 2
Carla Madison Rec Center, 2401 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
If you want introductory training in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal, register now to attend our TPAQ training. This event will utilize both instructor-led discussions and case scenarios to illustrate concepts allowing participants to become familiar with the relevant methods and techniques used to approach plant appraisals and the ability to make reasoned judgement about the value of trees and landscape plants.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will:
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Understand basic appraisal concepts.
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Define the tree and plant appraisal process.
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Understand tree and plant appraisal, approaches, methods, and techniques.
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Apply tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques.
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Present assignment results.
Eligibility
Anyone is eligible to attend a TPAQ training course. However, to be eligible to take the exam and earn the TPAQ certificate, applicants must:
- Provide a signature page with application agreeing to follow the ASCA Standards of Professional Practice when conducting their work in the appraisal of plant or tree assignments.
AND - Provide evidence of a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in horticulture or arboriculture by the submittal of a curriculum vitae or resume.
AND - Provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- Possess a four-year degree
OR
- Hold one of the following positions or credentials:
- Registered Consulting Arborist®
- International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)
- State-registered or state-licensed landscape architect
- Member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF)
If a participant is eligible to take the exam at the time they attend the course, they must take the exam in person, on-site, at the end of the course that they are attending.
Attendees must attend the TPAQ course in its entirety outside of brief, reasonable absences (i.e., restroom break, water refill) to be eligible to sit for the exam.
What if I’m not eligible for the exam now, but I am later?
Candidates who are not currently eligible to take the exam may pay the registration fees and attend the educational training sessions, but they may not sit for the open-book exam.
If a participant is not eligible at the time of the course but becomes eligible within one year, they may take the exam online only (via the Society’s current virtual process) and must pay a $100 exam fee.
What if I don't pass?
Each TPAQ student must attend all education sessions and then successfully pass a 60-question exam with an 80% or above to receive the TPAQ certificate. If you do not pass the exam, you will receive one additional attempt. The cost to re-test is $150 and must be completed using an online platform within one year of the initial test date.
Workshop Materials
You will be provided with a physical copy of the ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification Workbook, as well as all necessary testing materials (Scantron, #2 pencils, exam).
In addition to the provided materials, you are also required to bring the following:
- Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition - physical copy only, a digital copy of the 10th Edition is NOT permitted.
- Hard hat
- High visibility clothing (i.e., vest)
- Scientific calculator (cell phone calculators are acceptable)
Additional resources, encouraged but not required:
- A Consultant's Guide to Writing Effective Reports
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Chapters 1-4
- ANSI Z60.1 American Standards for Nursery Stock
Tickets
$1,200.00 Qualified ASCA Member
$1,500.00 Qualified Non-Member of ASCA
