If you are an internationally trained individual or have graduated from a degree or diploma program in Canada that is not accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board (CFAB), then you will need to follow the process outlined below to apply. If you are unsure if your program was/is accredited by the CFAB, you can find more information and a list of accredited programs here. Applicants must be able to legally work in Canada and plan to work in professional forestry in Ontario.

Get in touch!

If you have not already, please contact the OPFA Assistant Registration Manager at office@opfa.ca to discuss your eligibility to apply and membership options. To enable us to provide the most appropriate information, please do the following:

• Complete this Pre-Screening Tool, and attach the pdf results to your email
• Attach a copy of your CV or resume (relevant experience should be in YYYY/MM/DD format)

Beginning the process: applying for Provisional Membership

If you are eligible to apply and wish to proceed, the first step will be to apply to become a Provisional Member (R.P.F. in Training). All new applicants start as Provisional Members, regardless of their level of education or experience. To apply for Provisional Membership you will need to:

1. Submit a completed Provisional Membership Application Form
2. Provide a line numbered CV or resume (work experience in YYYY/MM/DD format) if you have not already done so.
3. Complete the online Professionalism and Ethics Evaluation* (contact office@opfa.ca for access)
4. Pay the Application Fee – can be paid using the following methods:
   • e-transfer to opfa@opfa.ca (please provide your name and type of fee in the message section)
   • call the office to pay by Visa or Mastercard
   • mail a cheque or money order payable to Ontario Professional Foresters Association to the OPFA office
   • Pay the fee online in the Special Payments section.

*The results of the Professionalism and Ethics Evaluation do not affect your application; they are simply used to determine whether you currently meet the Professionalism and Ethics Standard or will be required to complete the Bridge Training module as one of the requirements for Associate or Full Membership. Please contact OPFA staff for access to the online evaluation. Applicants who submit their application for Provisional Membership by June 20th are not required to complete this evaluation to apply for Provisional Membership, but will be required to do so at a later date or complete the Professionalism and Ethics Bridge Training module. 

When received, this application material will be considered by the Registration Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting. You can find a list of upcoming Registration Committee meeting dates and the deadline to submit materials for them here. You will receive formal written notification within 2 weeks of the meeting date.

Deciding whether to work towards Associate Membership or Full Membership

The Registration Manager will discuss with you whether you wish to aim for Associate Membership (Associate R.P.F.) or Full Membership (R.P.F.). You can find a summary of membership categories here. Step-by-step guides and the forms needed for both application processes can be found by following the links at the bottom of this page.

If you are working towards your R.P.F. designation for a specific job or employer, it is important to find out what their designation requirements are. Associate Members (Associate R.P.F.s) are able to apply to adjust their scope of practice, or work towards and apply for Full Membership (R.P.F.) in the future.

Have questions? Please contact the Assistant Registration Manager at office@opfa.ca for assistance.