In 1940, the State of New Jersey authorized the creation of the Board of Tree Experts to develop a professional examination for individuals with arboriculture knowledge and background. The Board has been awarding the Certified Tree Expert (CTE) credential since that time and it was the only credential recognized by the State for those individuals working in the tree care industry. From 1940 to 2016, 640 individuals were certified as Tree Experts. This certification was voluntary, not mandatory and the Board had found that those individuals that take and pass the test were among the most knowledgeable and ethical arborists in the state. Because of the qualifications and integrity of Certified Tree Experts, it was unlawful to promote or advertise oneself as being certified if they did not hold the CTE credential.