CNMI ARBORIST CERTIFICATION EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Updated 2025-2026
EXAM OVERVIEW
This guide provides comprehensive practice questions for the CNMI Arborist
Certification Exam, covering essential topics including tree biology and physiology (25-
30%), pruning and maintenance (20-25%), safety practices (15-20%), diagnosis and
treatment (15-20%), soil and water management (10-15%), and professional standards
(5-10%).
SECTION 1: TREE BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY
Question 1
What is the primary function of the cambium layer in trees?
• A) Water storage
• B) Production of new xylem and phloem cells
• C) Photosynthesis
• D) Leaf support
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The cambium is a layer of meristematic cells located between the phloem
and the xylem. It is responsible for secondary growth, producing new xylem cells to the
inside and new phloem cells to the outside, which results in trunk thickening .
Question 2
The process of ________ combines carbon dioxide and water in a reaction driven by light
to produce sugars and oxygen.
• A) Transpiration
• B) Photosynthesis
• C) Respiration
• D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Photosynthesis is the process by which leaves (the "food factories of trees")
convert light energy into chemical energy, producing sugars and releasing oxygen as a
byproduct .
Question 3
The green color of leaves is created by the presence of ________, which is necessary for
photosynthesis.
• A) Xylem
• B) Chlorophyll
• C) Stomata
, • D) Cambium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves that captures light energy for
photosynthesis. Without chlorophyll, photosynthesis cannot occur .
Question 4
Water and dissolved essential minerals are transported within the tree in the ________.
• A) Phloem
• B) Xylem
• C) Cambium
• D) Bark
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Xylem tissue transports water and minerals from the roots upward to the
leaves. Phloem transports carbohydrates (sugars) from the leaves to other parts of the
tree .
Question 5
The ________ is the loss of water vapor from the leaves.
• A) Photosynthesis
• B) Respiration
• C) Transpiration
, • D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is lost from leaves through
the stomata. This process helps regulate temperature and drives water movement
through the tree .
Question 6
What is the primary function of tree roots? (Select all that apply)
• A) Photosynthesis
• B) Anchorage of the tree
• C) Absorption of water and nutrients
• D) Production of flowers
Correct Answer: B and C
Rationale: The root system has four primary functions: absorption of water and
minerals, conduction of these materials, anchorage of the tree in the soil, and storage of
carbohydrates .
Question 7
What does CODIT stand for?
• A) Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees
• B) Conservation Of Decay In Timber
QUESTIONS Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Updated 2025-2026
EXAM OVERVIEW
This guide provides comprehensive practice questions for the CNMI Arborist
Certification Exam, covering essential topics including tree biology and physiology (25-
30%), pruning and maintenance (20-25%), safety practices (15-20%), diagnosis and
treatment (15-20%), soil and water management (10-15%), and professional standards
(5-10%).
SECTION 1: TREE BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY
Question 1
What is the primary function of the cambium layer in trees?
• A) Water storage
• B) Production of new xylem and phloem cells
• C) Photosynthesis
• D) Leaf support
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The cambium is a layer of meristematic cells located between the phloem
and the xylem. It is responsible for secondary growth, producing new xylem cells to the
inside and new phloem cells to the outside, which results in trunk thickening .
Question 2
The process of ________ combines carbon dioxide and water in a reaction driven by light
to produce sugars and oxygen.
• A) Transpiration
• B) Photosynthesis
• C) Respiration
• D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Photosynthesis is the process by which leaves (the "food factories of trees")
convert light energy into chemical energy, producing sugars and releasing oxygen as a
byproduct .
Question 3
The green color of leaves is created by the presence of ________, which is necessary for
photosynthesis.
• A) Xylem
• B) Chlorophyll
• C) Stomata
, • D) Cambium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves that captures light energy for
photosynthesis. Without chlorophyll, photosynthesis cannot occur .
Question 4
Water and dissolved essential minerals are transported within the tree in the ________.
• A) Phloem
• B) Xylem
• C) Cambium
• D) Bark
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Xylem tissue transports water and minerals from the roots upward to the
leaves. Phloem transports carbohydrates (sugars) from the leaves to other parts of the
tree .
Question 5
The ________ is the loss of water vapor from the leaves.
• A) Photosynthesis
• B) Respiration
• C) Transpiration
, • D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is lost from leaves through
the stomata. This process helps regulate temperature and drives water movement
through the tree .
Question 6
What is the primary function of tree roots? (Select all that apply)
• A) Photosynthesis
• B) Anchorage of the tree
• C) Absorption of water and nutrients
• D) Production of flowers
Correct Answer: B and C
Rationale: The root system has four primary functions: absorption of water and
minerals, conduction of these materials, anchorage of the tree in the soil, and storage of
carbohydrates .
Question 7
What does CODIT stand for?
• A) Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees
• B) Conservation Of Decay In Timber
