Top 11 Forester Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for a forester in the job market. Having certifications demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties effectively. Certifications also show potential employers that the forester is dedicated to their profession and willing to invest time and money into becoming more knowledgeable about forestry. Additionally, certifications can be used to differentiate a forester from other applicants, as employers often prefer candidates with certifications over those without. Ultimately, having certifications can help a forester stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Foresters and explain how they can help advance a forester's career.

What are Forester Certifications?

Forester certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in the field of forestry. It is typically granted by state or national organizations after an individual has met certain educational and work experience requirements, and passed a comprehensive examination.

Forester certification provides many benefits to both individuals and employers. For individuals, it can provide recognition of their qualifications, while also helping them to advance their career. It can also help them gain access to additional resources that may be available only to certified foresters.

For employers, hiring certified foresters can provide the assurance that they are getting someone with the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. Certification also helps ensure that employees understand current techniques for managing forests responsibly and sustainably.

Overall, having more certified foresters in the workforce helps protect natural resources, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable forestry practices.

Pro Tip: When considering forester certification, make sure to research the specific requirements for the state or region you plan to work in. Different states may require different types of certifications and credentials. Additionally, some certifications may need to be renewed on a regular basis.

Related: What does a Forester do?

Top 11 Forester Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Foresters today.

1. Certified Forester (CF)

A Certified Forester (CF) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of forestry. The CF designation is awarded by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), which is the largest professional organization for foresters in the United States.

In order to become certified, an individual must meet certain requirements, including completing a minimum of three years of full-time employment as a professional forester, passing an examination administered by SAF, and meeting educational and experience requirements. The exam consists of both written and oral components, and covers topics such as forest ecology, silviculture, forest management, forest economics, and more.

The process typically takes between one to two years to complete. During this time, applicants are expected to complete all required coursework and exams as well as any additional training or experience needed to meet certification requirements.

The cost for becoming a Certified Forester varies depending on the state or region in which you are applying for certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$1,000 or more depending on the specific requirements for your area.

2. Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)

A Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) is a professional designation given to wildlife biologists who have completed the necessary education and experience requirements set forth by The Wildlife Society. This certification is an indication of a wildlife biologist’s commitment to their profession, as well as their dedication to the conservation of wildlife and its habitats.

To become a CWB, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least three years of full-time professional experience in the field of wildlife biology. In addition, applicants must pass the Certified Wildlife Biologist Examination administered by The Wildlife Society.

The application process for becoming a CWB can take up to six months or more and requires submission of all required materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents. Once approved, applicants must pay a one-time fee of $100 for certification. After that, they are required to renew their certification every three years by paying an annual renewal fee of $50.

Overall, becoming a CWB is an important step in any wildlife biologist’s career path and demonstrates their commitment to excellence in their profession.

3. Certified Arborist (CA)

A Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional designation from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in arboriculture. An arborist is someone who specializes in the care, maintenance, and management of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.

To become a Certified Arborist, applicants must pass an ISA-administered certification exam. The exam consists of two parts: a general knowledge section and a practical skills section. The general knowledge section covers topics such as tree biology, pruning techniques, pest management, soil science, and tree identification. The practical skills section tests the applicant's ability to identify trees, diagnose problems with trees, and safely perform tree pruning operations.

The exam typically takes around four hours to complete and costs $250 for members of the ISA or $400 for non-members. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least three years of full-time experience in arboriculture or related fields before they can receive their certification.

Once certified, arborists must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. These courses cover topics such as tree health care, safety practices for working with trees, urban forestry best practices, and more.

4. Certified Tree Risk Assessor (CTRA)

Certified Tree Risk Assessors (CTRAs) are professionals who have been trained to assess the risk of trees. They use a combination of visual inspection techniques, data analysis, and specialized software to evaluate the risk posed by trees in urban and rural areas.

The training for becoming a CTRA takes about two weeks. It is offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The course covers topics such as tree biology, tree identification, tree structure and function, hazard assessment and management, and safety considerations. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam to become certified.

To become a CTRA, you must be at least 18 years old and have either a college degree in arboriculture or three years of experience in arboriculture-related work. You must also complete an application form and pay the certification fee which is currently $225 USD.

Once certified, CTRAs can provide assessments of trees on private property or public land that may pose a risk to people or property due to their size or condition. They can also provide recommendations for mitigating any risks identified during their assessments.

5. Certified Logging Professional (CLP)

Certified Logging Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of American Foresters. The CLP designation is for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in forest management, wood products, safety, and other related areas. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of expertise and professionalism in their field.

The CLP program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an exam. The self-study course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and covers topics such as forest ecology, silviculture, harvesting systems, timber measurements and inventorying, log scaling, logging operations safety, and more. After completing the self-study course, applicants must pass a multiple-choice exam with a score of 70% or higher to earn the CLP designation.

To get certified as a CLP, applicants must first register online at the Society of American Foresters website. Once registered they will receive access to the online self-study course material which they can complete at their own pace. Upon completion of the self-study course applicants are eligible to take the exam which is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers located across North America.

The cost for registering for the CLP program is $350 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee covers both the self-study course materials as well as one attempt at taking the exam. If an applicant fails their first attempt at taking the exam they may retake it for an additional fee of $100 USD plus applicable taxes and fees per attempt.

6. Registered Consulting Forester (RCF)

A Registered Consulting Forester (RCF) is a professional forester who provides expert consulting services to private landowners, government agencies, and other organizations. RCFs are licensed by the state in which they practice and must meet certain qualifications and standards in order to be registered.

In order to become an RCF, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field from an accredited university. In addition, applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in forestry or a related field. Depending on the state, applicants may also need to pass a written exam or complete continuing education courses.

The process of becoming an RCF can take several months. Applicants must submit their application materials to their state’s licensing board for review and approval. Once approved, the applicant will receive their registration number and be able to start practicing as an RCF.

The cost of becoming an RCF varies by state but typically includes application fees, exam fees, and any applicable continuing education costs.

7. Society of American Foresters Credentialed Forester (SAFCF)

The Society of American Foresters Credentialed Forester (SAFCF) is a professional certification program that recognizes foresters who have achieved a high level of professional competence in the field. This certification is awarded by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the oldest and largest forestry organization in the United States. The SAFCF credential demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that an individual has met rigorous standards for knowledge, experience, and ethics.

It typically takes two to three years to obtain the SAFCF credential. To become eligible for the SAFCF credential, an individual must meet certain education and experience requirements, including holding a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field from an accredited college or university; having at least five years of professional forestry experience; and passing a comprehensive exam administered by SAF.

To get started on obtaining the SAFCF credential, individuals must first join SAF as a Professional Member. Once they have joined SAF as a Professional Member, they can then apply for the SAFCF credential by submitting their application materials online. After submitting their application materials and meeting all eligibility requirements, individuals will be invited to take the comprehensive exam.

The cost of obtaining the SAFCF credential varies depending on whether or not an individual is already a member of SAF. For non-members of SAF, there is an initial fee of $150 plus an additional fee of $50 per year for each year that they are enrolled in the program. For members of SAF, there is no initial fee but they are required to pay $50 per year while enrolled in the program.

8. Qualified Prescribed Fire Manager (QPFM)

A Qualified Prescribed Fire Manager (QPFM) is an individual who has completed a prescribed fire training program and has been certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as having met the qualifications for managing prescribed fires. The QPFM designation is recognized as a professional qualification for those involved in the management of prescribed burning operations.

It typically takes around two years to become a QPFM, depending on the individual’s experience and background. The process involves completing a series of courses, which may include classroom instruction, field exercises, and hands-on experience. Upon completion of these courses, individuals must demonstrate their knowledge through written exams and practical evaluations.

The cost of becoming a QPFM varies depending on the course provider; however, it can range from $500-$2,000 or more. Additionally, some states may require additional certifications or licenses that could increase the cost of becoming a QPFM.

In order to become a QPFM, individuals must first complete an approved prescribed fire training program. These programs are offered by various organizations throughout the United States and can be found online or through local organizations such as state forestry departments or land management agencies. Once an individual completes an approved program they must then apply to take the certification exam administered by NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group). Upon successful completion of this exam they will receive their QPFM certification.

9. Certified Forest Management Planner (CFMP)

Certified Forest Management Planner (CFMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The CFMP credential is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in forest management planning. This credential is intended to enhance the credibility of those engaged in forest management planning.

The CFMP program requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in forest management planning and an advanced degree in forestry or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam covering topics such as silviculture, economics, ecology, natural resource policy and law, and environmental protection.

The application process for the CFMP typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. The application fee is $150 for SAF members and $200 for non-members. Once approved, applicants must pay an additional fee of $100 for their certification card.

The CFMP certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

10. Registered Professional Forester in Training (RPFT)

A Registered Professional Forester in Training (RPFT) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed the requirements of the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF). The RPFT designation is an important step in becoming a Certified Professional Forester (CPF).

To become an RPFT, you must first complete a minimum of three years of post-secondary education in forestry or natural resources management. You must also demonstrate that you have acquired technical knowledge and experience related to forest management, conservation, and protection. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the RPFT designation from the CIF.

The application process involves submitting a portfolio that includes your educational transcripts, work experience, references, and other documents that demonstrate your qualifications. Upon successful review by the CIF’s Board of Examiners, you will be granted the RPFT designation.

The cost to apply for the RPFT designation varies depending on where you live and how many documents need to be submitted with your application. Generally speaking, it costs about $500 CAD to apply for the RPFT designation. Once approved, there are no additional fees associated with maintaining your RPFT status.

11. Qualified Industrial Firefighter (QIF).

Qualified Industrial Firefighter (QIF) is a certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to ensure that firefighters working in industrial settings have the necessary training and knowledge to safely and effectively respond to fires. The QIF program is designed to provide firefighters with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to hazardous materials incidents, confined space operations, fire suppression, and other industrial emergencies.

The QIF certification requires completion of two courses: NFPA 1081: Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1081: Industrial Fire Brigade Leader Professional Qualifications. Both courses are offered online or in-person at various locations across the United States. The total cost for both courses is approximately $1,000 USD.

The NFPA 1081 course is typically completed over a period of four days, while the NFPA 1081 course can take up to six days depending on the level of instruction required. Upon successful completion of both courses, participants will receive their QIF certification which is valid for three years from the date of issuance.

Do You Really Need a Forester Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you plan on doing with the land you own or are considering buying. If you are planning to use the land for recreational purposes, such as camping, fishing, hiking, or hunting, then a Forester Certificate may be beneficial. It can provide information about the health of a forest and help you make decisions about how to manage it responsibly.

If you plan to use your land for logging activities, then a Forester Certificate is essential. These certificates provide information about the size and species of trees in an area, as well as their age and health. This helps loggers determine which trees are safe to cut down and which should be left standing. The certificate also provides important information about how much timber can be harvested safely without damaging the ecosystem or wildlife habitat in the area.

In addition to providing important information for logging activities, a Forester Certificate can also serve as a source of protection if there is ever a dispute between landowners over who owns what part of a forested area. With this certificate in hand, both parties can identify their respective property boundaries more easily and quickly resolve any disputes that arise.

Finally, having a Forester Certificate may also make it easier for landowners to obtain financing for projects related to managing their woodlands. Banks and other lenders often require these certificates before they will lend money for projects like forestry management plans or replanting efforts.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Forester Certificate depends on your plans for your land and what activities you intend to pursue there. However, having one can certainly help protect your rights as an owner and ensure that any forestry-related activity is done responsibly and sustainably.

Related: Forester Resume Examples

FAQs About Forester Certifications

1. What are the different types of Forester Certifications?

Answer: There are two main types of Forester Certifications: Certified Forester (CF) and Registered Forester (RF). The CF certification is issued by the Society of American Foresters, while the RF certification is issued by state forestry agencies.

2. What are the requirements to become a Certified or Registered Forester?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the type of certification and location, but generally require a degree in forestry from an accredited college or university, as well as experience in forest management or forestry-related activities. In some cases, additional courses or certifications may be required.

3. How long does it take to become certified or registered?

Answer: Generally, it takes between 1-2 years to complete all of the requirements for either certification. However, this time frame can vary depending on your prior experience and background in forestry-related fields.

4. Is there an exam I need to pass to become certified or registered?

Answer: Yes, you must pass an examination administered by either the Society of American Foresters or your state’s forestry agency in order to become a Certified or Registered Forester.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a forester certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a forester certification varies depending on the type of certification and location; however, fees typically range from $100-$500 USD.