EDUCATION & POLICY RESOURCES
Certifications
CERTIFIED URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTER CREDENTIAL
As the profession of urban forester becomes better defined, communities will look for professionals with demonstrated skills to meet the evolving needs of their urban forest. Public expectations for better urban forest management will drive demand for Certified Urban and Community Foresters™, just as it drove demand for the other credentials in our profession. Government organizations that strive to meet public demand may outsource work to professionals with credentials and skills until their in-house staff obtain them. Becoming a Certified Urban and Community ForestersTM will set you up for success whether you are in the public or private sector.
CERTIFIED FORESTER
The Society of American Foresters developed the national Certified Forester credential in 1994, to create a national standard for foresters. The program recognizes forest experience and continuing education and increased public awareness of the forestry profession. This certification is recognized by governmental officials, landowners and the forest industry.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL FORESTER
The California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license is a state license required when practicing forestry within the state of California. Under the Professional Foresters Law [PRC§752], most forest management activities require working with an RPF, especially if you want to develop a management plan or sell, barter, or trade timber resources from your property. Professional Foresters Registration is intended to protect the public interest through the regulation of those individuals who are licensed to practice the profession of forestry, and whose activities have an impact upon the ecology of forested landscapes and the quality of the forest environment. A license requires 7 years of combined educational and professional experience and passing an examination administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Board of Forestry.
