CTSP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CTSP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of a work positioning lanyard in tree climbing? → To secure the climber so both hands are free for work
2. According to OSHA, how often must employers review and update their emergency action plan (EAP)? → Whenever there is a change in the workplace
3. Immediately following a serious incident on a tree care site, what is the first and most critical priority for the responding CTSP or crew leader? → Secure the scene to prevent further injuries and preserve evidence.
4. What is the significance of the "likelihood of failure" in tree risk assessment? → It assesses the probability of a tree or its parts failing
5. When positioning a wood chipper in a work zone, what is the safest orientation of the discharge chute? → Away from workers, the public, and traffic — typically into a truck or away from the road
6. What is the greatest struck-by hazard during wood chipping operations? → High-velocity debris ejected from the chipper's discharge chute
7. When a worker contacts a tree that is simultaneously touching an energized overhead conductor, the primary injury mechanism is: → Electrocution via a conductive path through the tree and the worker's body to ground
8. Which of the following is a critical component of a tree risk assessment? → Evaluating the structural integrity of the tree
9. What is the purpose of a running bowline knot in tree rigging operations? → To create a noose that tightens around a limb for controlled lowering
10. When performing a tree risk assessment, for a significant risk to exist, there must be a tree with a defect and what other critical component? → A target.
11. What should ground workers do while a climber is making overhead cuts? → Position themselves in a safe zone outside the established drop zone
12. OSHA 1910.266 requires that a minimum of how many trained employees be present when chainsaw work is performed in a hazardous location? → Two — a worker and a trained observer/partner
13. Which ANSI/ISEA standard covers high-visibility safety apparel used in US roadway work zones? → ANSI/ISEA 107
14. What is the minimum number of full wraps typically required when tying a Prusik knot for climbing use? → 3 full wraps
15. A CTSP is leading a post-incident investigation. The primary goal of conducting a root cause analysis is to: → Identify underlying system or process failures to prevent recurrence.
16. What is the function of the face cut (notch) in directional tree felling? → To control the direction of fall by creating a hinge that guides the tree
17. During a job site hazard analysis before beginning work, which of the following is the MOST critical element to identify and communicate to the entire crew? → The designated drop zone and emergency escape routes.
18. What is the OSHA standard number that covers the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)? → 29 CFR 1910.132
19. At what point during a tree felling operation should the feller call out 'timber'? → As soon as the tree begins to move and fall
20. What is the minimum breaking strength (MBS) required for a primary climbing line used in tree care operations per ANSI Z133? → 5,000 lbs
21. What is the primary purpose of establishing a drop zone during tree removal operations? → To designate where cut pieces will fall and keep non-essential personnel clear
22. An effective safety training program for new arborists should be documented. This documentation primarily serves to: → Provide evidence of compliance with OSHA regulations and industry standards.
23. According to OSHA, what should be included in an emergency action plan (EAP) for tree care operations? → Detailed procedures for reporting emergencies
24. Rubber insulating PPE (gloves, blankets, sleeves) used near energized conductors must be: → Inspected before each use and tested at intervals specified by applicable standards
25. When rigging a limb for controlled lowering, what is the most critical factor to evaluate? → The estimated weight of the piece relative to the rigging system's working load limit
26. ANSI A300 Part 7 (Integrated Vegetation Management) is most relevant to electrical utility tree work because it: → Establishes best management practices for utility right-of-way vegetation management
27. When a tree crew works near energized power lines, who is the only party authorized to de-energize or guard lines according to OSHA 1910.333? → The qualified electric utility company
28. When a tree limb falls onto an energized power line, what is the FIRST action a ground worker should take? → Call 911 and warn bystanders to stay well back from the area
29. What does 'body-to-work' positioning describe in tree climbing practice? → Positioning so the work is between the climber and the attachment point
30. A 'qualified line-clearance arborist' is primarily distinguished from an unqualified worker by having: → Training allowing work within the limited approach boundary of energized conductors