What is a Forest Professional?

There are two main types of forest professionals in BC – Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) and Registered Forest Technologists (RFTs). RPFs are involved in managing the forest and planning how it will be used and cared for. RFTs have a narrower scope of practice and are involved in many technical forestry activities such forest health, forest engineering, silviculture, and more.

Both RPFs and RFTs have post-secondary education (at least an undergraduate degree for RPFs and at least a college diploma for RFTs) and have completed a rigorous articling process, normally lasting two years. All forest professionals must adhere to the ABCFP’s Bylaws and Standards of Professional Practice as well as all relevant legislation. Both RPFs and RFTs work for government, academia, industry, First Nations, and consulting businesses of all sizes.

This printable infographic explains the two main types of registered forest professionals, the types of work they commonly do, and the educational requirements to become a forest professional.

Download the What is a Forest Professional infographic:

What does a forest professional do?

Why hire a forest professional?

Under BC law, only registered forest professionals can practice forestry in BC.

But there are other benefits for employers in hiring registered forest professionals or registered forest technologists including reduced risk and liability and public trust.

This fact sheet shows the benefits of hiring registered forest professionals.