The Association has nine membership categories and they are summarized below. It is important to note that NO member other than a member registered and in good standing as a FULL, ASSOCIATE or TEMPORARY Member may use the designation in any way that could lead a member of the public to believe that the person is QUALIFIED to engage in the practice of professional forestry in Ontario.

Full
An individual with Full Membership is allowed to freely practise professional forestry in Ontario in only those areas in which they are competent. Full Members may use the designations “Registered Professional Forester”, “R.P.F.”, “Professional Forester”, “P. For.”, or the equivalent in another language such as “F.P.I” or “Forestier Professionnel Inscrit” in French. Full Membership is transferable to other provinces in Canada.

Associate
An Associate Member may only practise in the area(s) of professional forestry and geographic area as defined in their Scope of Practice in the individual’s Certificate of Registration, and may only practise aspects of professional forestry in which they are competent. Associate Members may use the designation “Associate R.P.F.” or the equivalent in another language. Associate Membership is only valid within Ontario. Associate Members may apply for Full Membership at any point if they have completed the Credential Assessment Process (CAP) and successfully filled any identified competency gaps. A Category Change Fee and other application materials will be required.

Provisional
Is an individual working towards their Full or Associate membership status. They can maintain membership in this category for a maximum of six years. They are not allowed to practice professional forestry, except under the direct supervision of a Full or suitably qualified Associate member. Provisional members may use the designation “R.P.F. in Training” or the equivalent in another language.

Non-Resident
Is a member who resides outside the Province of Ontario and may use the designations “Registered Professional Forester”, “R.P.F.”, “Professional Forester”, “P. For.”, or the equivalent in another language. The individual is not allowed to practise forestry in Ontario unless they apply for and received a Temporary Permit from the Association or become a Full member.

Temporary
A practising R.P.F. (equivalent to a Full member) in good standing from another province, or an OPFA Non-Resident Member, who has applied for and received a temporary permit to practise specific aspects of forestry in Ontario for a limited period of time. Temporary members are entitled to use the designation “Temporary R.P.F.” or the equivalent in another language.

Student
A person enrolled as a student in any post-secondary, forestry-related program in Ontario, or a program accredited by OPFA on the recommendation of the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board, may apply for registration as a Student Member. They are not licensed to practise professional forestry.

Inactive
Individual was a Full or Associate member of the Association who ceases to practise all aspects professional forestry (applies to both paid and volunteer activities). An Inactive member may use the designations “Non-Practising Professional Forester”,  “R.P.F. (Non-Practising)”, “Associate R.P.F. (Non-Practising)” or the equivalent in another language. An Inactive member must apply and become a Full or Associate member if he/she wishes to return to the practice of forestry in Ontario.

Life
Individual was a Full, Inactive, Associate and/or Non-resident member of the Association for a minimum of 25 years, and who ceases to practise all aspects professional forestry (applies to both paid and volunteer activities). A Life member may use the designations “Retired Professional Forester”, “R.P.F. (Ret.)”, Professional Forester (Retired)”, “Associate R.P.F. (Ret.)” or the equivalent in another language. A Life member is not allowed to practise professional forestry in Ontario.

Honourary
Is a non-member of the Association who has made a significant contribution to forestry in Ontario, and who may use the designation “R.P.F. (Hon)” and is not allowed to practise professional forestry in the Province.