45:15C-17 Licensure required for tree expert, tree care operator.

7. a. No person shall present himself to the public as a licensed tree expert or use the designation "L.T.E.," without licensure by the board. A person shall not be eligible for licensure pursuant to this subsection until the final promulgation of initial regulations by the board to carry out the provisions of this act. A candidate for licensure shall:

(1) be at least 18 years of age;

(2) be of good moral character;

(3) (a) be a graduate from a four year college with a degree in forestry, arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, natural resources, or any other curriculum approved by the board; or

(b) have completed two years of college and passed courses approved by the board, and have been continuously employed in the practice of arboriculture for a period of at least three years preceding the date of his application for licensure; or

(c) be continuously employed in the practice of arboriculture for at least five years immediately preceding the date of application for licensure; and

(4) except as provided in subsection c. of this section, have passed an examination established or designated by the board.

b. No person shall present himself to the public as a licensed tree care operator or use the designation "L.T.C.O.," without licensure by the board. A person shall not be eligible for licensure pursuant to this subsection until the final promulgation of initial regulations by the board to carry out the provisions of this act. A candidate for licensure shall:

(1) be at least 18 years of age;

(2) be of good moral character;

(3) (a) be a graduate from a four year college with a degree in arboriculture or an equivalent major field of study, and have been continuously employed in the practice of arboriculture for a period of at least one year preceding the date of his application for licensure; or

(b) be a graduate from a two year college with a degree in arboriculture or an equivalent major field of study, and have been continuously employed in the practice of arboriculture for a period of at least two years preceding the date of his application for licensure; or

(c) be continuously employed in the practice of arboriculture for at least three years preceding the date of his application for licensure; and

(4) except as provided in subsection c. of this section, have passed an examination established by the board.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections a. and b., for 360 days after the date regulations are promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this act:

(1) any person of good moral character who has received certification as a tree expert pursuant to P.L.1940, c.100 (C.45:15C-1 et seq.) before the date of its repeal may, if in good standing with the board, acquire a license as a tree expert without sitting for an examination pursuant to subsection a. of this section pursuant to regulations established by the board; and

(2) any person of good moral character who has documented to the satisfaction of the board that he has been engaged in the practice of arboriculture for seven years preceding the effective date of this act may acquire a license as a tree care operator without sitting for an examination pursuant to subsection b. of this section, pursuant to regulations established by the board.

Licenses issued pursuant to this subsection shall be renewed biennially.

d. Persons licensed under this act shall receive a certificate evidencing their licensure.

e. Any person licensed as a tree care operator may subsequently apply for licensure as a tree expert upon meeting the qualifications for licensure.

L.2009, c.237, s.7.