Anyone who wants to practise professional forestry in British Columbia must be a member of the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP).

Under the Foresters Act, it is the ABCFP's responsibility to uphold the public interest respecting the practice of professional forestry by ensuring the competence, independence, professional conduct and integrity of our members. We have established standards of education and qualifications to make sure members are qualified and remain up-to-date on changes in their field.

The Foresters Act and the association bylaws (including codes of conduct and standards of practice) govern our members. We take great care to ensure that BC’s forests are in good hands and that our members act in the best interest of the people of British Columbia.

The Foresters Act defines six classes of membership. Three are practising classes and three are not.

Practice of Professional Forestry
What is the practice of professional forestry? You can find the definition in the Foresters Act. [more]

Practising Membership Classes
Registered members, special permit holders and enrolled members are entitled to practise according to the terms and conditions of each particular class and category of membership.

Registered Members [more]
Registered Professional Forester (RPF): can engage in full range of professional forestry practice.
Registered Forest Technologist (RFT): can engage in aspects of professional forestry practice.

Special Permit Holders [more]
Visiting Professional Forester: can engage in limited aspects of practice as set out in their permit.

Limited Licence to Practise: can engage in limited aspects of practice as set out in their permit.

Transferring Forest Professional: can engage in limited aspects of practice as set out in their permit.
Note: If you are an Registered Professional Forester or Forest Technologist from another Canadian jurisdiction and are covered by provisions of the Trade Investment Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) or Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), you can apply for recognition as Registered Professional Foresters or Forest Technologist in BC and be entitled to full practice rights in BC. Visit the Transferring page for more information.
Transferring

Associate Members [more]

Enrolled Members [more]
Forester-in-Training (FIT): can only practice under supervision of an RPF
Forestry Pupil (FP): can only practice under supervision of an RPF
Trainee Forest Technologist (TFT): can only practice under supervision of an RPF or RFT

Non-practising Membership Classes
These two classes of membership do not enjoy practice rights.

Retired Registered Members [more]
Retired Member
Life Member

Honorary Members [more]

Additional Resources
Foresters Act
ABCFP Bylaws
Policies & Guidelines
Complaints
Foresters Act Enforcement