TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)

What is CTSP?

TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program is the only safety credentialing program in the industry and is designed to address several of the safety challenges that tree care companies face.

More than a straightforward “safety trainer” credentialing program, CTSP teaches safety professionals strategies and tactics for changing the very culture of their organization. A CTSP acts as a safety “coach,” working to develop and nurture a culture of safety.  The program provides the CTSP with a well-rounded education in safety concepts, plus the tools to effectively communicate these concepts.

Why CTSP?

A CTSP does more than simply educate his/her team in safe work practices.
As a safety “coach,” a CTSP works to develop and nurture a safe work environment in four key areas:

  • Leadership
  • Hazard Identification
  • Incident Control and Prevention
  • Adult Learning

The program provides the CTSP with a well-rounded education in safety concepts, plus the tools to efectively communicate these ideas on the jobsite

THE CTSP Process

  1. Enroll
    Complete and mail the enrollment application on this page to TCIA
  2. Study
    Once enrolled, you will receive the CTSP Study Guide with Critical Thinking Exercises. These must be completed and submitted to TCIA. They will be reviewed, but not graded.
  3. Attend
    Sign up for and attend an Advanced Safety/Behavioral Workshop, which will cover teaching safety concepts, plus help you develop a coaching style based on your own company’s specific needs. Multiple workshops are held throughout the year and in locations nationwide.
  4. Exam
    After completing the one-day workshop, you must pass the CTSP exam. The exam is taken on the morning following the workshop. You have up to 18 months from when you enroll to fulll all program requirements.

More information about becoming a CTSP >​

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CTSP program, a candidate must have:

  • 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 months’ technical field experience in arboriculture 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 at least six months’ technical eld experience

The ideal CTSP also shares some of the attributes of a coach:

  • Good communication skills
  • Strong instructional skills
  • Model behavior that leads to a safer environment

CTSP Program Benefits

For Employers:

  • Prevent work-related accidents and injuries, as well as the costs associated with them.
  • Increase production and reduce time lost to employee injuries and accidents.
  • Be perceived favorably by insurers and regulatory entities for taking proactive safety measures.
    Your company could be saving money on business insurance. TCIA has endorsed the ArborMax® insurance program to give our members a full service, commercial insurance program.
    TCIA Accreditation and CTSP can also make your company eligible to apply for Workers’ Compensation coverage. ​​
  • Improve employee retention and morale. Plus, make recruitment easier by promoting your safe work environment and commitment to employee well-being.
  • Provide key employees with a path to career growth, increasing their value to you and their own job satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Market your safety commitment to potential and current customers.

For the CTSP:

  • Utilize CTSP forums to network with a nationwide community of safety professionals
  • Develop your career by gaining a new credential and taking on added responsibility.
  • Gain the satisfaction of knowing you are instrumental in creating (or changing) your organization’s safety culture.

Read testimonials >​

Tree Care Industry Accident Survey

The 2008-2009 Tree Care Industry Accident Survey compiled data from more than 300 companies and over 5.2 million work hours.

Results: Accredited companies with a CTSP experience recordable accidents’ (requiring medical attention) and lost workday accidents half as frequently as non-member, non-accredited companies without a CTSP. This means fewer accidents, injuries, less lost time, and reduced costs – period.

Have a question about TCIA’s CTSP program? Consult our FAQ’s first.

If your question hasn’t been addressed, please contact Peter Gerstenberger (Sr. Advisor for Safety, Standards & Compliance) or Irina Kochurov (Credentialing Administrator).