TPAQ® Training Workshop and Certificate Exam
Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
TPAQ® Training
Become trained through an introductory course in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques - register now to attend ASCA TPAQ® training. This event will utilize both instructor-led discussions and case scenarios to illustrate concepts.
Upon completion, you will be able to:
• Understand basic appraisal concepts.
• Define the tree and plant appraisal process.
• Understand tree and plant appraisal, approaches, methods, and techniques.
• Apply tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques.
• Present assignment results.
Exam 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:
1. 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 (on registration form).
AND
2. 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
3. Provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- Possess a four-year degree OR
- Hold one of the following positions or credentials:
a. Registered Consulting Arborist®
b. International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)
c. State-registered or state-licensed landscape architect
d. Member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF)
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.
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 you are not eligible to sit for the exam at the time of attending the training, you will have 12 months from the date of the training to complete the eligibility requirements (as listed above) to take the exam and receive the TPAQ certificate. If you took a TPAQ training course and are now eligible to take the exam, please contact asca@asca-consultants.org.
CLICK HERE for more information about the TPAQ program.
CLICK HERE for more information about the TPAQ curriculum.
Instructor:
Christian Hughes, RCA #493
Brookwood Tree Consulting, Inc.
As a Principal Arborist, Chris brings Brookwood Tree Consulting's vision to bear and serves as a full-time consulting arborist. His knowledge and experience is recognized as a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and registered Consulting Arborist® through the American Society of Consulting Arborists® (ASCA). Chris combines a love for trees with almost 20 years experience studying and working with trees in the urban centers of the Southeast and in world renowned gardens across the United States and Europe.
Chris has developed tree management plans for residential homeowners, commercial developers, cities, parks, schools, and hospital and university campuses that actively utilize all concepts of tree appraisal and valuation. This diverse and unique background has provided the opportunity to engage hands on with tens of thousands of trees.
Registration
Registration rates are set by the American Society of Consulting Arborists® (ASCA).
Only 20 seats available! A wait list will be available when all spots are filled and if there is enough demand we will open more seats.
Registration includes TPAQ Workbook, ASCA-approved instructor/instruction, breakfast and lunch both days, and exam fees.
Materials
Participants are responsible for supplying their own travel, lodging, and the following:
- Required Text: Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition (Print Version Only)
- PPE REQUIRED!
• Hard Hat
• High visibility clothing (i.e. - vest)
NOTE! Attendees will NOT be able to participate in the outdoor component wihtout a hard had and high visibility vest. If you do not participate in 100% of the course, you CANNOT sit for the exam.
- Calculator (cell phone calculators are acceptable)
- Sharpened #2 Pencils (the exam is in Scantron format)
Additional Resources, not required but highly recommended:
- A Consultant's Guide to Writing Effective Reports
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Standards 1-4
- ANSI Z60.1 American Standards for Nursery Stock
Please note - digital versions of any of the above materials are NOT permitted.
Cancellations:
All cancellations must be received in writing. All cancellations received in writing prior to February 26, 2026 will be refunded with a 25% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after February 26, 2026.
CEUs:
The TPAQ® course has been pre-approved by ISA for 14 CEUs.
Location:
JC Raulston Arboretum - 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Fees
| Non-Member Early Fee Amount: | $1,500.00 |
| Non-Member Late Fee Amount: | $1,500.00 |
| Member Early Fee Amount: | $1,200.00 |
| Member Late Fee Amount: | $1,200.00 |
REGISTER
