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
$89.00

$59.00 - 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.

To order from TCIA, call their distribution center: 800-733-2622.
Use links below to order online from ISA.

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: https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/135

TREE INSTALLATION & CARE

Tree Planting 2nd Edition (2014) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA: https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/104

TREE RISK MANAGEMENT

Tree Risk Assessment - Best Management Practice manual 2nd edition (2017) OR 3rd edition (2025)
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA: https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/324/cid/56/

* for the purposes of the April 2026 exam, either the 2nd or 3rd edition may be used for preparation.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management 2nd edition (2016) - Best Management Practice manual
Available from TCIA by phone.
Also available from ISA: https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/79

CONSIDER ADDING THE MCA OVERVIEW TO YOUR STUDY MATERIALS

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.

Note: Access to these webinars remains available until one passes the MCA exam. Once the exam is passed, access to the webinars is removed.