There is neither a higher authority nor a more objective voice in the arboricultural profession than a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) on matters involving the legal, environmental and aesthetic considerations of trees and plants. Those who earn the RCA designation are routinely called upon for expert testimony, damage assessment and appraisal, municipal and commercial landscape planning and development, tree preservation, hazard assessment, and other situations requiring expert knowledge and experience in the arboricultural industry.

Registered Consulting Arborists must meet stringent requirements for technical education and experience, successfully complete the requirements of ASCA's rigorous Consulting Academy program, and produce a series of consulting reports that meet strict professional review standards.

The Consulting Academy's curriculum follows a case study format and is taught by a nationally recognized faculty. Its courses investigate four key areas of consultation skills: technical writing and report presentation; training as an expert witness; consulting ethics; and practice management.

To view the application for becoming an RCA, please click here.