CTSP Eligibility Requirements:

• Three years technical field experience in tree care with at least one year of assumed responsibility for safety (i.e., crew leader, trainer, safety committee member, emergency responder, certified CPR/first aid provider, etc.), or...
• Six month’s technical field experience and one year in a professional safety position, or...
• Two or four year degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Ornamental/Environmental Horticulture, Natural Resources, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety or other related field with an internship that provided technical field experience.

The Enrollment Process

Earning the the CTSP credential involves four steps:

1. Fill out a CTSP Enrollment Form

Complete CTSP enrollment online via our secure site, or fill out the enrollment form and return to TCIA (fax or mail) with your enrollment fee. TCIA will review the application and if approved, you will have 18 months in which to complete the remaining CTSP requirements and certification process.

2. Use the CTSP Core Competencies Study Guide

After your application is approved, you will receive the CTSP Core Competencies Study Guide.  The un-graded, “Critical Thinking” and other exercises in this manual are designed to be completed via correspondence. They are designed to build your skills and knowledge of Safety Management, and they bring almost immediate benefit to your company’s safety program.

3. Attend the CTSP Advanced Safety/Behavioral Training Workshop

After satisfactorily completing the Exercises in the Study Guide, enrollees will attend a 2-day Advanced Safety/Behavioral Workshop and Certification Exam. In the Workshop, candidates will review safety management systems concepts and receive professional instruction in teaching safety concepts to adults and in developing a coaching style based on their own company's needs. Role-playing, group exercises and skills demonstrations will be used to instruct and evaluate participants. You must attend a CTSP Workshop in order to sit for the CTSP Exam. Multiple workshops are held throughout the year and in locations nationwide. Click here to find a workshop in your area.

4. Maintain standing through recertification

Recertification is achieved by accruing 30 CEU points (one per hour) every three years. CEU’s will be available through numerous ways including but not limited to:

• Workshop/seminar attendance in a safety-related subject at TCI EXPO and other green industry shows
• Conducting and teaching workshops/seminars in tree care safety for the green industry, industry manufacturers, public sector, schools and consumer groups
• Writing topical articles in industry publications
• Proof of implementation/management of a company safety program
• Safety program consultations with other businesses or organizations
• Approved continuing education credits in a related field (college level adult learning/community college).

See our Recertification page for current CEU-earning opportunities nationwide.