What are the Different Forest Professionals?

There are two main types of forest professionals with full practice rights: Registered Professional Foresters (RPF) and Registered Forest Technologists (RFT). There are also several categories of associate registrants with varying or limited practice rights.

An RPF commonly holds a four-year post-secondary degree and is involved in all aspects of managing the forest and how it will be used and cared for.

Practising RPFs are responsible for looking after the forests, forest lands, and forest resources of BC, along with other forest professionals. They are entitled to engage in the full range of practice of professional forestry, to the extent consistent with their education, training, and experience.

An RFT commonly holds a two-year post-secondary diploma in forestry or natural resource management.

The functions and responsibilities of a practising RFT are more operational and specialized to on-the-ground fieldwork. RFTs are mainly involved in technical forest management activities, such as forest measurements, silviculture, forest operations, and forest protection, and are employed in a wide variety of positions, with an emphasis on the stand level, forest practices, practical skills, and operating within established guidelines.

Natural Resource Professionals

Natural Resource Professionals (NRP) registrants and may only engage in limited aspects of professional forestry that have been approved by the FPBC Board. They generally have a conservation or environmental science background.

Affiliated Forest Professionals

AFP–Academic/Research is available for individuals who teach subjects in the field of forest management and natural science at a post-secondary level, and/or undertake research relating to forest management and natural sciences as it relates to activities within the regulated practice defined in the Forest Professionals Regulation.

AFP-Limited Licence is available for individuals who work in forestry related fields who are at risk of infringing upon reserved practice of professional forestry. Limited licences permit registered forest technologists and subclasses of associate registrant to practise in specific aspects of reserved professional forestry practice.

Accredited Timber Cruisers or Evaluators

Accredited Timber Cruisers (ATC) or Evaluators (ATE) may only engage in forestry activities related to the areas of timber inventory, timber valuation, appraisal, and timber supply.

Silvicultural Accredited Surveyors

Silvicultural Accredited Surveyors (SAS) are generally involved in forestry activities related to silviculture surveys.

Limited Licence

Individuals who don’t have the educational requirements to become registered professionals but are deemed qualified to practise in a very limited area of professional forestry may apply for a Limited Licence.

Foresters in Training

The Forester in Training (FIT) designation leads to practising RPF status. FIT registrants have completed a post-secondary degree from an accredited forestry program and are working through the FPBC articling process.

Allied Science Foresters-in-Training

The Allied Science Forester in Training (ASFIT) designation also leads to practising RPF status. ASFIT registrants have completed a post-secondary degree in forestry or a related field and are working through the FPBC articling process.

Trainee Forest Technologist

The Trainee Forest Technologist (TFT) designation leads to practising RFT status. TFT registrants have completed a recognized forest technology diploma and are working through the FPBC articling process.

Allied Science Trainee Forest Technologist

The Allied Science Trainee Forest Technologist (ASTFT) designation also leads to practising RFT status. ASTFT registrants have a technology diploma in forest technology or an allied discipline and are working through the FPBC articling process.