Information you need to know to work as a Forest Tecchnologist

Who is the licensing body responsible for Forest Technologist’s in Alberta?

In Alberta, you must be registered with the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists (CAPFT) to use the protected titles reserved for regulated members: Registered Professional Forest Technologist (RPFT), Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) or Forest Technologist-In-Training (FTT). Registration is mandatory if you intend to practice forestry on public lands.

What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Forest Technologists?

Internationally educated Forest Technologists coming to Alberta are encouraged to contact and apply directly to the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP). The application is completed online.

Internationally educated Forest Technologists must:

1. If currently employed in the practice of forestry, determine whether your employment falls under the Scope of Practice as defined by the Regulated Forestry Profession Act. You can also view the Registration Standards and Practices manual for additional information.
2. View the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP) Application Guide.
3. Register your profile and complete the AAFMP's online questionnaire by clicking on the Apply for Registration button to determine which register you are eligible to apply for.
   NOTE: You must contact the Registrar at the AAFMP prior to submitting your pre-credential assessment application in order to receive a copy of the FT matrix.
4. Have your academic credentials assessed by one of the AAFMP recognized evaluation service providers.
   NOTE: If documents are not in English, certified translations must be provided. The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta and Immigrant Services Calgary provide translation services.
5. Apply for Pre-Credential Assessment. Internationally educated Forest Technologists must register for pre-credential assessment where education, work experience, and other factors will be assessed.
6. Applicants with education or work experience discrepancies will receive guidance about competency gap-filling or supplemental activities. If discrepancies exist, upgrading will be necessary prior to being registration eligible. 
7. The AAFMP will guide you in completing any applicable articling/mentoring periods, and experience requirements leading to registration as an FT.
8. Write the Professional Exam to ensure familiarity with Federal and Provincial legislation.

NOTE: All applicants must be a Canadian citizen or be legally entitled to work in Canada.

NOTE: Associate membership is not a regulated membership. Regulated membership can be obtained, by way of completing any training requirements identified by the academic assessment.

For complete information on registering to become a Registered Forest Technologist in Alberta, visit the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists website.

What are the educational requirements for Forest Technologists in Alberta?

In order to become a Forest Technologist, a Forest Technologist Diploma is required. In Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton offers a two-year Forest Technology diploma program.

What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?

There are no formal English requirements for Forest Technologists; however, Forest Technologists must have a high level of English in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Forest Technologists?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professional fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Business for more information.

What information resources are available for Forest Technologists?

• College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists (CAPFT)
• Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP)
• Canadian Forests
• Canadian Institute of Forestry

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit the:

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) / Forest Technologist
• Opportunity Alberta
• Occupations in Alberta
• Certification/Accreditation/Licensing/Registration Process
• Registration Standards and Practices manual