MCA UPDATE
March 2022
Save the Date
MCA Exam Dates
April 7 & 8 , 2022
( a few seats remaining !)
Hello MCAs and MAA members ,
The MCA Committee met in January to reflect and plan for the upcoming year . We continue to look for ways to strengthen the program and are excited to host the April examination .
Managing the MCA program during the pandemic led to some positive changes . We ’ ve been administering the exam in small groups over two days at the MAA offices in Medfield . This creates a more relaxed atmosphere for our candidates and allows flexibility between morning and afternoon testing . Candidates now receive their all their test materials , including a binder of ID images , right at their seat which helps reduce disruptions during exam . We ’ ve even modified the answer sheet which has reduced the time required to score each exam . These changes have allowed candidates to learn their results quickly , usually within 2-3 days of the exam .
Moving recertification online was also accelerated by the pandemic . We are pleased that even our most technology-reluctant MCAs are successfully navigating the online CEU tally system . As we go to press , with a week until the February 15th deadline , we have collected 80 % of the recertification forms — outstanding ! If you haven ’ t submitted your form yet , the time is now : massarbor . org / MCA _ recertification .
The MCA credential signifies the highest standard in arboriculture training and preparedness . As such , we are looking at ways to support all member companies in training and testing for the MCA credential at their company . If you ’ re a member of MAA and have not obtained your MCA , then I encourage you to make the commitment to yourself , your profession , and career by taking the time to prepare and sit for the exam . If you are a MCA , encourage those you work with to invest in themselves and do the work to obtain the credential . If you have been considering earning your MCA , exam dates are scheduled for April and October 2022 .
We look forward to seeing many MCAs at Arbor- EXPO and volunteering for Arbor Day of Service . Best wishes for an excellent spring season !
Keith Bernard , MCA MCA Committee Chairperson
October 6 & 7 , 2022
Choose from one of four available sessions .
MCA Exam Preparation
If you ’ re prepping for the MCA exam , make sure you ’ ve got all the study materials :
And don ’ t forget to study these manuals :*
◆ Best Management Practices : Pruning Manual ( 3rd Ed ., © 2019 )
◆ Best Management Practices : Tree Support Systems ( 3rd Ed ., © 2014 )
◆ Best Management Practices : Tree
Planting ( 2nd Ed ., © 2014 )
◆ Tree Risk Assessment ( 2nd Ed ., © 2017 )
◆ Integrated Pest Management ( 2nd Ed ., © 2016 )
MCA Study Guide 3.0 required purchase , available at MassArbor . org
* Available from TCIA or ISA . ( Call TCIA for a 10 % discount & tell them you ’ re studying for the MCA exam !)
MCA Overview webinar available now !
Part 1 : Science | Part 2 : Techniques
Choose one or both of these 1.5 hour webinars covering the key points to study . Led by Russell Holman , MCA .
Register at MassArbor . org !
6 MAA NEWS SPRING 2022