2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Arborist / Tree Surgeon License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Provides tree care services. Licensed in some states and cities.

What the Montana data shows for Arborist / Tree Surgeons

Montana sets the entry bar for arborist / tree surgeons at board-approved training and a passing score on a state-approved exam. The credential is administered under Montana's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Training/Certification".

The initial price tag is $50 every 3 years. Montana doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Montana handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Ease Score

A+
Licensing Ease Score
90/100
Arborist / Tree Surgeon · Montana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training A+
None required
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$50
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden N/A
N/A
Renewal fee annualized over the renewal cycle
Continuing Education N/A
N/A
Continuing-education hours annualized over the renewal cycle
Experience Required N/A
N/A
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Training/Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Not Required
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Arborist / Tree Surgeon in Montana?
Montana requires, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $50.
How do I get certified as an Arborist / Tree Surgeon in Montana?
Certification as an arborist / tree surgeon in Montana means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Montana licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Arborist / Tree Surgeon license to Montana from another state?
Montana doesn't publish a standing reciprocity policy for arborist / tree surgeons; each out-of-state application is reviewed on its own merits. Some professions fall under interstate compacts that ease portability regardless. The Montana licensing board can confirm what applies to your case.
Does Montana require a background check for Arborist / Tree Surgeon licensing?
No statewide background-check mandate applies to arborist / tree surgeon licensing in Montana at this time - individual employers may still run their own screening.

What to do with this arborist / tree surgeon license

Arborist / Tree Surgeon in Montana is one requirement row in an arborist / tree surgeon-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.