How to Become a Member and a R.P.F.
To obtain membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (O.P.F.A.) and become a Registered Professional Forester, a forester must meet specific educational and practical experience and sponsorship.
University Courses and degrees reflect knowledge and skill (competencies) at a point in time. Most people continue to build competency in some areas and lose competency in others. The OPFA Committee may require documentation for maintenance of knowledge and skill if significant time has elapsed or major changes have occurred in the subject area.
Regardless of courses, Ontario Forest Policy and Administration is a requirement for all applicants, other than recent HBScF Graduates of Lakehead University, where this forms part of the curriculum.
We recommend you contact the OPFA office to discuss the process before applying for membership.
See also the Application Forms, Sponsorship Form and Membership Standards.
The OPFA has eight categories of membership. These include:
Non-Resident Members; |
Life Members; |
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Student Members; |
Honourary Members; |
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Provisional Members; |
Inactive Members |
Additional details on the categories or in making application can be obtained by contacting the OPFA office. See the Rules & Regulations - Fee Schedule for full details of the Fees (pdf format).
Every person applying for a certificate of registration shall have reached the age of majority and shall be of good character and may be required to show proof of these qualifications when application is made. Registration may be subject to any terms, conditions or limitations as determined by the Registration Committee or by Council.
For information on Reading Materials and Examinations, contact the OPFA Office.
Full Membership - See Guidelines for Full (R.P.F.) Membership
To be considered for registration in this category, applicants shall satisfy the requirements.
Fees
For details on the Fees for Full Active Members; Life Members; Honorary Members; Non-Resident Members; Associate Members; Student Members and Provisional Members; and Inactive members as well as: Application Fee; Registration Fee; Examination Fee; Fees in Arrears; Non-Resident Membership; Reinstatement; Penalty/Late Fees see Rules & Regulations - Fee Schedule for full details (pdf format).
Member Categories
Full Active Members: An individual who has achieved the right to be known as a Registered Professional Forester, is qualified to engage in the practice of professional forestry and who is entitled to all of the privileges of membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.
Non-Resident Members: An individual who has achieved the right to be known as a Registered Professional Forester, is qualified to engage in the practice of professional forestry and who is entitled to all of the privileges of membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association and resides and works outside the province of Ontario.
Any Full Member who resides and works outside the province of Ontario may apply for registration as a Non-Resident Member. Membership in this category shall be terminated upon the member resuming his/her residence or employment in the province of Ontario, and he/she may be eligible for reinstatement as a Full Member.
Upon application for reinstatement, the applicant may be required to satisfy the Registration Committee as to his/her knowledge of Ontario forest policy.
Provisional Member: A individual who has applied for Full Membership and is in the process of acquiring the necessary competencies.
Any person requiring additional competencies to attain Full membership may apply for Provisional membership. This category of membership may be retained for a maximum of five years and shall be terminated by the end of the fiscal year during which the person becomes eligible for Full Membership.
Associate Member: -see Guidelines for Associate Membership
An individual who is qualified to engage in one or more specific aspects of the practice of professional forestry.
Any person who wishes to continue to engage in the practice of professional forestry as defined in the Act, but who does not meet the qualifications for registration as a Full Member, may apply for registration as an Associate Member pursuant to this By-law and in accordance with guidelines adopted by Council from time to time. The applicant must be of good character and repute and may be required to satisfy the Registration Committee as to his/her knowledge of forestry theory and forest policy which relates to his/her activities which fall within the definition of the practice of professional forestry, and as to his or her suitability to become a member of the Association and to engage in the practice of professional forestry. Applications must be accompanied by the recommendation of four sponsors, at least two of whom must be Registered Professional Foresters who are currently members in good standing of the Association.
Student Member: An individual enrolled as an undergraduate in any post secondary, forestry-related program.
Inactive Member: Any Full Member who ceases to practice professional forestry may apply for registration as an Inactive Member. The Registration Committee will consider such applications based on the circumstances of the situation and have the authority to set conditions of membership. Inactive registration shall be terminated if the member becomes active in professional forestry and is eligible for reinstatement as a Full Member. Amended AGM 2004
Life Members: An individual who has achieved the right to be known as a Registered Professional Forester, is retired from practicing professional forestry and who is entitled to all of the privileges of membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.
Honourary Members: An individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of forestry in Ontario and has been elected an Honourary member of the Association by a unanimous vote of Council.
There shall be no fee for Honorary Members. No more than one Honourary Member shall be elected in any given year and Honourary Members shall comprise no more than one percent of the total Association membership at any one time. Consideration of Honourary Membership shall be initiated by nomination in writing by at least six active Association members in good standing and all applications for Honourary Membership shall be approved by the Recognition and Awards Committee prior to Council election.
Honourary Members shall be exempt from the payment of membership dues and shall have the right to attend meetings, but not the right to vote.
