MA Arborists Association - Preparing for the MCA Exam

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Preparation is key for success on the MCA Exam. If you're considering taking the exam, do the following:

1. Order the online MCA Study Guide. In addition, you may consider purchasing the optional print version (details below).

2. Order (or borrow) Best Management Practice manuals.

3. Purchase the MCA Overview Webinars (optional) - see ordering information below.

4. When you're ready.... register for the next MCA Exam.

Details below!

The MCA Study Guide 3.0 serves as a primer for MCA exam candidates, as well as a comprehensive resource for tree care professionals. The study guide was developed by the MCA examining committee, compromised of leading arborists from across the state, along with a team of experts from the University of Massachusetts including Mike Davidsohn, Dr. Dennis Ryan and Dr. Brian Kane.

Members must log in to receive the member price.

PURCHASE OF THE ONLINE STUDY GUIDE IS REQUIRED to sit for the MCA Exam.

If you would like a bound copy of the Study Guide Chapters, this is an OPTIONAL purchase. The bound book does not contain the ID images which are necessary for test preparation. We offer the bound chapters as a convenience for exam candidates but it does not replace purchase of the online material.

You will not receive immediate online access. Please allow 1-2 business days for access to the locked online pages.

Additional resources are required for full test preparation. See below for ordering instructions. These manuals may be purchased or borrowed, and shared among colleagues.

MCA Study Guide (online) - required for exam
$195.00

$95.00 - Member price
MCA Study Guide bound book - optional purchase
$79.00

$49.00 - Member price

Beyond material found in the MCA Study Guide 3.0, the exam will test on information found in specific Best Management Practice (BMP) manuals. BMP manuals serve as a companion to the ANSI Standards and provide the most comprehensive information on currently accepted arboricultural practices. These manuals may be shared in companies with multiple people studying for the exam.

These materials are NOT SUPPLEMENTAL - they are required study materials. 50% of the MCA exam is derived from the material in these BMPs. Please make sure that you have studied both the MCA Study Guide and the BMPs! The caveat here is that the MAA office cannot police whether or not you have obtained these manuals - so it is the responsibility of the MCA candidate to obtain these materials, whether by purchasing or borrowing.

These publications are sold through both TCIA and ISA. MAA has partnered with TCIA to obtain a 10% discount for MCA candidates. ISA members may find that their member discounts make ISA pricing is more favorable.

To order from TCIA, you must call their distribution center.
800-733-2622
Tell them that you are buying materials for the MCA Certification.
A 10% discount applies to members and non-members of TCIA.

PRUNING

3rd Edition, Best Management Practices: Pruning manual (2019)
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA: 3rd Edition Best Management Practices Pruning manual

TREE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Tree Support Systems 3rd Edition (2014) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA (as a combo pack): Combo pack of ANSI Part 3 Tree Support System Standard and BMP

TREE INSTALLATION & CARE

Tree Planting 2nd Edition (2014) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA (as a combo pack): ANSI Part 6 Tree Planting Standard and BMP

TREE RISK MANAGEMENT

Tree Risk Assessment 2nd edition (2017) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA (as a combo pack): Combo pack of ANSI Part 9 Tree Risk Assessment Standard and BMP

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management 2nd edition (2016) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA (as a combo pack): Combo pack of ANSI Part 10 Integrated Pest Management Standard and BMP

CONSIDER ADDING THE MCA OVERVIEW TO YOUR STUDY MATERIALS

If you have:
... thought about taking the MCA exam, but weren’t sure what to expect
... wondered about the fundamentals of the exam and how to best prepare
... heard tall tales from others about the exam and want to get the facts
... taken the exam before and need to fine tune your study skills

This is the course for you!

Two on-demand webinars take you through the Study Guide and BMP chapters, with emphasis on the key facts and skills to study. 95% of participants felt this course helped them in the exam preparation.

Led by former MCA Committee member Russell Holman, MCA.