Credentials, Certifications & Professional Development

Safety is strengthened by knowledge, experience, and continued learning. Across Xylem Tree Experts, employees pursue industry-recognized licenses, certifications, and professional qualifications that build specialized knowledge and support their continued growth. These credentials span a range of disciplines and reflect Xylem’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce equipped to recognize hazards, make informed decisions, and support safe, high-quality work in the field.

Tim Haynes, XKIG's CDL Coordinator and a certified DMV CDL Examiner, conducts the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) classroom portion of the program and administers the official DMV CDL exam in Hamlet, North Carolina. After successfully completing the program, employees return to their home state to receive their new CDL.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Commercial driver’s licenses allow qualified employees to operate commercial vehicles used throughout our field operations. Xylem supports employees pursuing their CDL through an internal training program designed to make the process more accessible and efficient.

Tim Haynes, XKIG’s CDL Coordinator and a certified DMV CDL Examiner, conducts the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) classroom portion of the program and administers the official DMV CDL exam in Hamlet, North Carolina. After successfully completing the program, employees return to their home state to receive their new CDL. 

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Certifications

Professional credentials issued by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) recognize specialized knowledge and experience in tree care, utility vegetation management, urban forestry, and tree risk assessment. These certifications and qualifications support the development of skilled professionals who apply industry standards and informed decision-making to their work.

ISA Certified Arborist

ISA Certified Arborist®

ISA Certified Arborists are trained and knowledgeable across key areas of arboriculture and demonstrate a commitment to professional tree care. The credential requires candidates to meet eligibility requirements, pass a comprehensive examination, and adhere to ISA’s Code of Ethics.

ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist

ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist®

Designed for ISA Certified Arborists working in utility vegetation management, this specialized credential demonstrates knowledge in areas including electric utility pruning, integrated vegetation management, program management, electrical systems, customer relations, and storm response.

ISA Board Certified Master Arborist

ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®

The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist credential is the highest level of certification offered by ISA and recognizes arborists who have reached an advanced level of professional knowledge and experience. Candidates must meet extensive eligibility requirements and pass a scenario-based examination. Fewer than two percent of ISA Certified Arborists currently hold this credential.

ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional

ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional

The ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional credential recognizes professionals with knowledge of arboriculture in an urban forest context and the management of trees as community assets. Areas of knowledge include planning and policy, administration, risk management, communication, public relations, and arboricultural practices.

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification provides specialized training in a standardized and systematic process for evaluating tree risk. Qualified professionals learn to gather and assess information, identify potential risks, and make informed recommendations that support the safety of people and property while considering tree health and longevity.

Safety Leadership & Professional Certifications

Professional safety certifications help strengthen the knowledge and leadership skills needed to identify hazards, prevent incidents, and promote safe work practices. These credentials emphasize industry-specific safety expertise, effective communication, and the development of a strong safety culture across field operations.

TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)

TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)

The Certified Treecare Safety Professional credential focuses specifically on safety leadership within the tree care industry. CTSPs develop expertise in leadership, hazard identification, incident prevention, coaching, and safety culture to help crews work safely and effectively both on and off the job site.

Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP)

Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP)

The Certified Utility Safety Professional credential recognizes safety professionals working within utilities and related contracting environments. Developed by the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network, the certification demonstrates broad knowledge, skills, and abilities related to safety within the utility work environment.

Specialized Professional Qualifications

Specialized professional qualifications provide opportunities for employees to expand their technical knowledge beyond core operational disciplines. These programs develop expertise in areas such as tree and plant appraisal, supporting informed evaluations, professional judgment, and industry-recognized practices.

ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified (TPAQ)

The Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification provides specialized education in the theory and application of current tree, plant, and landscape appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques. The program helps qualified green-industry professionals develop their understanding of how appraisal assignments are structured and conducted.

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