There are several routes of entry for becoming a registered member (Registered Professional Forester or Registered Forest Technologist), associate member or receiving special permits to practise professional forestry in BC.

Routes of Entry for Registered Professional Forester (RPF) Membership
Routes of Entry for Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) Membership
Route of Entry for Associate Membership
Routes of Entry for Special Practice Permits

All applicants must be Canadian citizens or otherwise legally eligible to accept work in Canada. For complete details, refer to the Registration Policy.
Registration Policy

Routes of Entry for RPF Membership
Before becoming registered as an RPF, you must first enrol as a Forester in Training (FIT) or Allied Science Forester in Training (ASFIT) and satisfy the requirements of your enrolment period. You can also gain RPF membership into the association as a Transferring Professional Forester if you are registered in another jurisdiction.
1. Enter as an FIT
2. Enter as a Transferring Forest Professional (RPF)

1. Enter as an FIT

Eligibility Requirements
Post-Secondary Education	Programs Recognized by the ABCFP You must have a bachelor of science in forestry or natural resource management specializing in forestry from a Canadian or international university recognized by the ABCFP. The association has a list of accredited Canadian university forestry programs that meet FIT eligibility requirements. Refer to the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board's website for program listings: Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board We also recognize a number of programs offered at international institutions. If your degree has been granted by an international institution, your credentials must be evaluated by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) to determine if they meet our academic requirements. For more information read: ABCFP Evaluation Requirements Other Programs Recognized by the ABCFP You may also be eligible to enrol as an FIT if you have a university degree (bachelor or graduate) in a related science such as geography or natural resource conservation. You may be required to complete additional requirements prior to writing the RPF registration exam. Contact the registration department for more information. [more]
No Prior Work Experience	You are not required to have any work experience at the time your application is submitted. Articling Period Once you become enrolled as an FIT, you must complete 24 months of acceptable post-enrolment work experience under the guidance and supervision of a sponsor and complete any outstanding course work. You are then required to write and pass the RPF registration exam.

Refer to the Registration Policy for complete details.
Registration Policy

To apply, visit the Admission Process and Application Forms pages of this website for more details.
Admission Process
Application Forms

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2. Transferring Forest Professional (RPF)

Eligibility Requirements
RPF in another Canadian Jurisdiction	If you are a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may qualify for recognition as a RPF in BC and be entitled to full practice rights in BC under the labour mobility provisions of AIT or TILMA. Visit the Transferring page of this website for more information: Transferring

To apply, visit the Application Forms page of the website.
Application Forms

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Routes of Entry for RFT Membership
Before becoming registered as a RFT you must first enrol as a Trainee Forest Technologist (TFT) or Transferring Forest Professional (if you are an RFT from Alberta).

1. Enter as a TFT
2. Enter as a Transferring Forest Professional (RFT)

Enter as a TFT

Eligibility Requirements
Post-Secondary Education	You must have a two-year forest technology diploma from an institute recognized by the ABCFP. Below is a current list of ABCFP recognized diploma programs that meet TFT eligibility requirements. British Columbia Institute of Technology - Renewable Resources Technology - Forest Ecosystems (2004*) College of New Caledonia - Forest Resource Technology (2004*) Nicola Valley Institute of Technology - Natural Resource Technology (2006*) Selkirk College- Forestry Technology (2003*) Vancouver Island University - Forest Resources Technology (2005*) *Note: Diplomas are recognized if completed in the year indicated or later. The programs listed above are currently accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Other Programs Recognized by the ABCFP You may also be eligible to enrol as an Allied Science TFT if you have an unrecognized technology diploma. You may be required to complete additional requirements prior to writing the RFT registration exam. Contact the registration department for more information. [more]
No Prior Work Experience	No work experience is required at the time your application is submitted. Articling Period Once enrolled as a TFT, you will be required to complete 24 months of acceptable post-enrolment work experience under the guidance and supervision of a sponsor. Registration Exam You must write and pass part A and part B of the RFT registration exam.

Refer to the Registration Policy for complete details.
Registration Policy

To apply, visit the Admission Process and Application Forms pages of this website for more details.
Admission Process
Application Forms

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2. Enter as a Transferring Forest Professional (RFT)

To apply, visit the Application Forms page of this website for more details.
Application Forms

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Route of Entry for Associate Membership

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Routes of Entry for Special Practice Permits
There are three types of special practice permit available that allow members to practice professional forestry in BC under certain terms and conditions (e.g. limited time frame).
1. Enter as a Limited License Holder
2. Enter as a Transferring Professional Forester (TPF)
3. Enter as a Visiting Professional Forester

1. Enter as a Limited License Holder

Eligibility Requirements
Post-secondary Education and training other than those required for forest professionals	This route of entry is designed for individuals who do not have training or post-secondary education required of forest professionals and would like to practice professional forestry with respect to a particular work or limited purpose. Visit the Special Permit page of this website for more information: Special Practice Permits

2. Enter as a Transferring Professional Forester (TPF)

Eligibility Requirements

RPF in another Canadian Jurisdiction

This route of entry is designed for professional foresters who are registered in other jurisdictions and who want to become registered in BC. Once enrolled as a Transferring Professional Forester (TPF), you may be eligible to practise forestry under certain terms and conditions. You will be required to write and pass the RPF registration exam to become registered as an RPF in BC. Visit the Special Permit page of this website for more information: Special Practice Permits

3. Enter as a Visiting Professional Forester

Eligibility Requirements
RPF in another Canadian jurisdiction	This route of entry is designed for professional foresters who are registered in another recognized jurisdiction and would like to work temporarily in BC on a specific job for less than one year. Visit the Special Permit page of this website for more information: Special Practice Permits

To apply, visit the Application Forms page of this website for more details.
Application Forms

Contact the registration department for more information. [more]

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