Study of Registration Practices of the
ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL FORESTERS ASSOCIATION, 2007
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. BACKGROUND OF THE REGULATORY BODY
- 3. REGISTRATION PRACTICES
- a. Registration Requirements and Application Process
- b. Documentation Required from Internationally Trained Individuals
- c. Credential Assessment (Third Party and/or Internal)
- d. Academic/Program Requirements
- e. Work Experience Requirements
- f. Examinations
- g. Language Requirements
- h. Fees
- i. Third Parties
- j. Typical Length of the Registration Process
- k. Accredited Programs
- l. Internal Review/Appeal Process
- 4. BRIDGING PROGRAMS
- 5. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS
- 6. APPLICANTS’ INTERACTIONS WITH REGULATORY BODY
- 7. CHANGES SINCE THE 2005 SURVEY
- 8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND STATISTICS
- 9. SOURCES
ISBN 978-1-4249-6496-3 [HTML English version]
1. INTRODUCTION
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) undertook a study of registration practices of Ontario's regulated professions during the fall and winter of 2007–2008. The purpose of the study was to understand each regulated profession's 2007 registration practices and to establish baseline data and information to enable the OFC to measure progress as it fulfills its mandate under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006.
This report reflects the registration practices of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, as of December 31, 2007. Information in this report was gathered from:
face-to-face meetings with registration staff of the regulatory body
additional documentation provided by the regulatory body
relevant websites
career maps for the profession posted on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration's website (where applicable).
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association also provided registration information and statistics for 2005, 2006 and 2007 through a standard spreadsheet designed by the OFC.
An analysis and summary of the findings for all of the regulated professions is contained in the OFC's Ontario’s Regulated Professions: Report on the 2007 Study of Registration Practices.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE REGULATORY BODY
a. Legislation
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) governs its members in accordance with the Ontario Professional Foresters Act, 2000.
b. Protected Titles
The OPFA protects and regulates the title “registered professional forester” (RPF).
c. Definition of the Profession
Professional forestry is a “right to practice” profession: only certified members of the profession may legally practice. The practice of professional forestry is the provision of services related to the development, management, conservation, and sustainability of forests and urban forests where those services require knowledge, training and experience equivalent to that required to become a member of the profession. This practice includes (but is not limited to):
The designing, specifying or approving of silviculture[1] prescriptions and treatments, including timber harvesting
The appraisal, evaluation and certification of forests and urban forests
The auditing of forest management practices
The assessment of impacts from planned activities on forests and urban forests
The classification, inventory and mapping of forests and urban forests
The planning and locating of forest transportation systems, including forest roads.
In Ontario, the law establishing professional forestry as a “right to practice” profession specifically includes urban forestry; that is, the practices above on tree-dominated vegetation and related features found within an urban area, including woodlots, plantations, shade trees, fields in various stages of succession, and wetland and riverbank areas.
The vast majority of the forest in Ontario, and in Canada, is owned by the Crown (the provincial government on behalf of the citizens). The laws and policies governing forests and forestry vary significantly between provinces. Forest conditions (soils, climate, etc.) also vary. While much science is transferable, knowledge of local administration is crucial.
Traditional professional forestry careers include forest management and planning for the production of timber, pulp and paper and other wood products, and overseeing timber harvesting and planting and seeding operations. Increasingly, professional forestry careers are focused on the following:
Developing, supporting and enhancing:
other values such as aesthetics, wildlife and recreation
water regimes
other products that may grow in forests
Reclaiming lands that have previously been deforested.
In the course of their work, foresters must consider wildlife, fires, insect and disease reduction, aesthetics, recreation, water protection and the environment.
d. Labour Market/Economic Trends
Currently, about 700 professional foresters are practising in Ontario. Most are employed by private companies or the province. With the downturn in the pulp and paper and softwood lumber industry in Ontario in recent years, the labour market has become more saturated. However, some foresters are employed in other private industry, governments at other levels or environmental organizations. A number of professional foresters are consultants to industry, governments or private landowners, either as members of small firms or as self-employed practitioners. A few own and/or run forest-related firms (providing tree nursery or other services) or work in other areas such as education, research or investment.
There is a significant level of labour mobility of foresters across Canada. The various provincial regulators recognize each other’s membership processes, facilitating transfers from one province to another and requiring only an exam to confirm necessary local knowledge.
e. New Developments Within the Profession
The forestry-related industries have undergone major changes in recent years, with large mills shutting down, causing the loss of approximately 10,000 jobs. As a result, many RPFs have opened their own small-to-medium-sized businesses. The nature of the work has also moved more towards contracted labour. The loss of relevant jobs in commercial “fibre” forestry and its oversight has been somewhat offset by increasing work in non-commercial forestry activities and in non-timber commercial businesses.
f. Staffing
The OPFA staff consists of five part-time people, two of whom are involved in the registration process. However, as many as 80 member volunteers make it possible to carry out the work of the OPFA.
3. REGISTRATION PRACTICES
a. Registration Requirements and Application Process
i. Basic Registration Requirements
All applicants must begin the registration process by sending in a completed OPFA application form (or by using the OPFA’s online application process) and submitting the $200 application fee.
The following documentation is required for all applicants seeking registration with the OPFA:
Certified copies of university transcripts sent directly from the graduating institution, and thorough course descriptions if the applicant is not from an accredited program (these should be in English or translated into English)
A résumé
A detailed description of relevant professional forestry work experience
Two (or more) sponsor forms filled in and submitted directly by two (or more) sponsors, who must have been RPFs in good standing with the OPFA for at least two years, and who are familiar with the professional work of the applicant. (The Registration Committee may accept the recommendation of sponsors from a professional foresters association in another jurisdiction, in which the applicant practised relevant professional forestry.)
In order to become RPFs with the OPFA, applicants must meet the following registration requirements:
A four-year science-based degree from an accredited university program, or an equivalent satisfactory to the Registration Committee
At least 18 months of professional forestry work experience in Ontario after graduation, or an equivalent satisfactory to the Registration Committee
Successful passing of an Ontario Forest Policy and Administration Exam — unless the applicant is a graduate of a program that includes such material or (with the prior approval of the Registration Committee) the applicant can show other proof of such knowledge
Payment of the registration fee (due upon acceptance, pro-rated for the part of the fiscal year remaining when the applicant is accepted).
Applicants who are required to write any OPFA challenge exams may begin the examination process once their educational credentials have been assessed and they have been granted provisional membership in the OPFA. (There is a nominal fee for provisional membership, which is necessary in order to write the challenge exams.) Applicants may choose when to write these exams. Normally, it is expected that individuals will hold provisional membership for only five years and will have successfully written all required challenge exams in that time. The Registrar may grant extensions for satisfactory cause.
ii. Out-of-Province RPFs Seeking Registration in Ontario
Where an applicant for membership with the OPFA is already a registered professional forester in good standing with another Canadian provincial forestry association, the only requirements for membership in the OPFA are:
A letter from the Registrar of that association confirming that the applicant is an RPF in good standing
Successfully passing the Ontario Forest Policy and Administration Exam (to be written within a six-month grace period).
iii. Out-of-Province RPFs Seeking Temporary Status
Registered professional foresters from other jurisdictions who in the course of their employment are required to practise professional forestry in Ontario will require a practice permit issued by the OPFA. This permit will be in the form of a letter from the Registrar providing the authority for the forester to work in Ontario for the duration of the contract. Permits will be issued for three-month increments, with a fee of $105 per increment. Practice permits may be issued for a maximum period of one year, beyond which full membership in the OPFA is required.
iv. Applicants for Associate Membership
The OPFA will accept applications for associate membership from candidates whose academic standing is not accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board (CFAB) or equivalent, but who have achieved and can provide proof of professional-level competence in some aspect(s) of professional forestry.
Associate members are certified to practise in Ontario within a restricted scope of practice reflecting their demonstrated competence. That scope is defined functionally and geographically for each associate member. Within associate members’ limited scope, the OPFA views them as having the same authority as an RPF. However, associate members do not have the right to use the title “registered professional forester.”
Associate membership in the OPFA is unique to this province and is not recognized by professional forestry associations in other provinces.
It is normally expected that an applicant for associate membership will have needed at least 10 years of work experience to develop competence within the relevant area of practice. Four sponsors are required, at least two being RPFs in good standing
Applicants for associate membership may be required to pass examinations in specific subject areas as determined by the Registration Committee.
Some individuals who are not qualified to become RPFs have successfully applied for associate status, allowing them to work as professionals while writing a series of challenge exams to become RPFs.
b. Documentation Required from Internationally Trained Individuals
i. Standard documentation
Internationally trained applicants must arrange to have their degrees assessed for equivalency with Canadian universities. For this credential assessment, the OPFA refers applicants to Comparative Education Services (CES) at the University of Toronto. This assessment relates to the stature of the degree and not to the content.
Like domestic applicants who are not graduates of accredited programs, internationally trained applicants must submit a full course-by-course description of their course of study so the OPFA can measure their education against the core subject areas required to practice forestry in Ontario. The applicant is responsible for any translation costs.
ii. Options For Applicants with Unavailable/Destroyed Documents
For those internationally trained applicants who are truly unable to submit all required supporting documentation, the OPFA’s registration requirements allow for alternative methods for applicants to demonstrate their competency and knowledge, such as OPFA’s challenge exams.
The OPFA Registration Committee and staff are willing to work with candidates to help them meet the requirements.
c. Credential Assessment (Third Party and/or Internal)
The OPFA will perform a course-by-course assessment of the education credentials of all applicants from non-accredited universities, to measure their academic background against the core subject areas required to practise forestry in Ontario.
Internationally trained applicants must also have their degrees assessed for equivalency with Canadian universities. For this credential assessment, the OPFA refers applicants to CES. The OPFA also accepts World Education Services (WES) assessments.
d. Academic/Program Requirements
The following subject areas, at the level equivalent to a four-year science-based degree, are required by the OPFA as minimum academic requirements for full membership:
Dendrology
Forest Ecology
Silvics
Forest Pathology
Forest Entomology
Forest Fire Ecology and Management
Forest Hydrology
Forest Measuring, Monitoring and Forecasting
Forest Operations
Wood Science and Utilization
Forest Soils
Silviculture
Tree Morphology and Physiology
Forest Economics and Finance
Forest Management
Forest Policy and Administration in Ontario
University programs accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board cover the full scope of these subject areas.
Applicants whose degrees are from non-accredited programs may still meet the minimum academic requirements through a series of challenge exams.
e. Work Experience Requirements
All applicants require forestry work experience in Ontario, as discussed in the following three sub-sections. Professional forestry work experience from outside of Ontario is acceptable if the OPFA considers the experience to be relevant to the practice of forestry in Ontario.
Up to one third of an applicant’s post-university studies may count towards his or her professional work experience.
i. Graduates from Accredited Programs
Applicants for registration with the OPFA who are graduates of an accredited forestry program must have at least 18 months of post-graduation professional forestry work experience in Ontario, within the five years preceding the application for registration, in work directly related to one or more of the core subject areas listed in section 3.d.
ii. Graduates from Non-Accredited Programs
Graduates from non-accredited university programs or foreign universities must have at least three years of post-graduation professional forestry work experience in Ontario, within the five years preceding the application for registration, in work directly related to one or more of the core subject areas listed in section 3.d.
iii. Applicants Without Full University Education
Applicants who lack full university education will be considered for associate registration if they have at least five years of professional forestry work experience in Ontario, within the five years preceding the application for registration, in work directly related to one or more of the core subject areas listed in section 3.d. (However, it is normally expected that applicants for associate membership will have needed at least 10 years of work experience to develop competence within their relevant area of practice.)
f. Examinations
i. Requirements for Examinations
Applicants from non-accredited universities do not necessarily have to write OPFA challenge exams in all of the subject areas listed in Section 3.d. The OPFA conducts a full academic and OPFA core-subject assessment of each applicant’s credentials. If these assessments recognize a deficiency in one or more specific subject areas — particularly for subject areas 1–14 — then the OPFA requires the applicant to write one or more challenge exams.
If applicants are deficient in subject area 15 (Forest Management), they will be assigned a major research paper instead of an examination.
All applicants who did not graduate from Lakehead University’s Forestry Program — currently Ontario’s only accredited forestry program — will be required to cover subject area 16 (Forest Policy and Administration in Ontario) through the means prescribed by the OPFA. This usually requires taking an oral or written exam. However, occasionally, with the prior approval of the Registration Committee and the examiner, applicants needing to satisfy subject area 16 may be allowed to prepare a major broad policy paper rather than take a written or oral exam.
ii. Methodology and Format
The OPFA challenge exams are set by university professors who are experts in their field or subject. Each professor is entitled to set the exam in any format he or she sees fit. In most cases the exam is a set of three to five questions to be answered in essay form. Exams are generally three hours long, but may be anywhere from two to four hours long.
Each professor prepares a reading list of materials suitable for his or her exam. The reading list is provided to the applicant, who then has six months to study. The applicant must make arrangements to take the exam within six months of receiving the reading list.
The applicant (with the help of OPFA staff or a mentor) is responsible for finding a current RPF or employment supervisor to invigilate (oversee) the exam. The applicant and the invigilator arrange a date, time and place for the applicant to take the exam. An electronic version of the exam is e-mailed to the invigilator the day before the agreed date.
The invigilator sends completed exams to the OPFA office, which then forwards the exams to the professor for marking. An applicant must achieve at least 60 per cent in each subject area in which he or she is examined.
After receiving a passing mark, the applicant is said to have fulfilled the requirements of that subject.
An applicant who does not pass an exam may retake it within six months. However, the professor will set a different exam.
g. Language Requirements
The OPFA does not currently have specific language requirements for registration. However, applicants will need a certain proficiency in English to pass the challenge exams. It is also worth noting that adequate language skills and relevant vocabulary are critical in obtaining employment, particularly in times of job shortage.
Recently, the professional forestry associations have discussed setting language requirements.
h. Fees
|
Application fee |
$200 |
|
Challenge examination fee (per exam written) |
$75 |
|
Provisional membership (one-time fee) |
$25 |
|
RPF membership dues (annual) |
$450 |
|
Associate membership (annual) |
$450 |
i. Third Parties
| Name of Third Party | Relationship to Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
|
Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board |
Reviews and accredits forestry programs. (This board is made up of the provincial regulatory bodies.) |
|
Comparative Education Services (CES) (University of Toronto) |
Assesses the degrees of internationally trained applicants. |
|
World Education Services (WES) |
Assesses the degrees of internationally trained applicants. |
j. Typical Length of the Registration Process
The length of the registration process depends on how many of the academic requirements an applicant has to fulfill. An applicant who begins as a student may take as long as five years. However, an individual from an accredited forestry program who has met all the academic requirements will only need to complete his or her 18-month work experience requirements before being eligible for registration.
The Registration Committee meets approximately once every two months, and its members are provided with applicants’ packages of materials about 10 days before a meeting. Decisions are usually communicated within three weeks (allowing for approval of minutes and any actions requested of staff, such as clarification of sponsor comments).
If an applicant’s file has been dormant for more than 18 months, the OPFA may close his or her file. However, before doing this, the OPFA will try to contact the applicant to confirm his or her intention to graduate.
k. Accredited Programs
The following four-year baccalaureate programs in forestry have been accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board.
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay
Forestry
University of Alberta, Edmonton
Forestry
Forest Business Management
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Forest Operations
Forest Resources Management
Université Laval, Quebec City
Forest Environment and Forest Resources Management
University of Moncton, Moncton
Forest Sciences
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
Forest Ecosystem Management
Forest Engineering Program (RPF Option)
University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George
Ecosystem Science and Management Program (Forestry Major)
l. Internal Review/Appeal Process
The OPFA Registration Committee has seldom refused an applicant, preferring to defer a formal decision while encouraging and helping the applicant to meet any missing requirements.
i. Reconsideration by Registration Committee
If the Registration Committee refuses to issue a certificate of registration, an applicant may request a reconsideration of the decision. The request for a reconsideration must be:
Made in writing.
Received by the Registrar within 60 days after the refusal notice is sent to the applicant. The committee may extend the time for making a request where there are reasonable grounds for granting an extension.
Accompanied by the fee prescribed by the OPFA bylaws.
The request for a reconsideration may be accompanied by written submissions.
The applicant who requests a reconsideration is given an opportunity to examine and make written submissions on any documents that the committee intends to consider during the process.
Before making a decision, the committee is not required to hold a hearing or provide the applicant with an opportunity to make oral or further written submissions.
After considering the request, the submissions and any document that the committee considers relevant, the committee may direct the Registrar to do one or more of the following:
To issue a certificate of registration.
To issue a certificate of registration if the applicant fulfills requirements specified in the bylaws for the issuance of the certificate (that is, giving conditional approval).
To issue a certificate of registration subject to specified terms, conditions or limitations (a limited licence — probably an associate membership).
To not issue a certificate of registration.
The committee gives its decision in writing, with reasons, and gives the applicant a copy.
ii. Appeal to Executive Committee
Any reconsidered decision made by the Registration Committee can be appealed to the Executive Committee for a final decision. With appropriate modifications, the process is the same as that for reconsideration.
iii. Composition of Committees
The Registration Committee is composed of a minimum of five and a maximum of 10 people. At least one is a member of the Foresters’ Council elected by the members of the OPFA, one is a member of the council appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, and the rest may be members of the OPFA who are not members of the council.
The Executive Committee is composed of the president, vice-president and immediate past president of the council, one elected member of council and one member of the council appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
4. BRIDGING PROGRAMS
The OPFA does not currently offer a formal bridging program. However, the OPFA’s practice of allowing applicants who are missing certain academic requirements to write challenge exams, and the use of associate memberships where appropriate, provide effective bridges into the profession.
5. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS
There is currently a mutual recognition agreement in place among all provinces, except for Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and the Territories, where there are no forestry associations.
6. APPLICANTS’ INTERACTIONS WITH REGULATORY BODY
a. Nature and Frequency of Communication
Applicants can contact the Registrar and staff as frequently as the need arises. This can be done in person or by phone, fax or e-mail.
b. Backlogs
There are currently no backlogs in the registration process.
c. Complaints Regarding the Registration Process
The OPFA has not received complaints regarding its registration process.
7. CHANGES SINCE THE 2005 SURVEY
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration conducted a survey in 2005 to collect information about occupational regulatory bodies in Ontario.
Since that time, the OPFA has created an Executive Committee to review appeals of Registration Committee decisions.
8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND STATISTICS
Definitions used in these tables:
Alternative class of licence: a class of licence that enables its holder to practise with limitations; additional registration requirements must be met in order to be fully licensed. Alternative classes of licence granted by the Ontario Professional Foresters Association are specified under the tables below.
Applicant: a person who has applied to start the process for entry to the profession.
Applicant actively pursuing licensing: an applicant who had some contact with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association within the year specified.
Inactive applicant: an applicant who had no contact with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association within the year specified.
Member: a full or associate member. Full members are able to use the protected title or professional designation “registered professional forester” (RPF). Associate members may not use the title.
| Language | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| French |
No |
No |
No |
| Other(s) |
|
|
|
| Applications received | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largest number |
Germany |
Pakistan |
India, Nepal, Romania |
| Second-largest number |
|
Tied1 |
|
| Third-largest number |
|
|
|
| Fourth-largest number |
|
|
|
| Fifth-largest number |
|
|
|
1 Tied among five countries.
| Number of staff | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Involved in registration process |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Involved in appeals process |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Members | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total members1 |
573 |
104 |
3 |
5 |
685 |
| Non-practising members2 |
143 |
39 |
3 |
8 |
193 |
1 Full and associate members. Associate members do not have the right to use the protected title.
2 Life members and inactive members. This does not include provisional, honorary, student, non-resident, or resigned members.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in forestry (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2005 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received |
45 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
53 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
54 |
10 |
1 |
7 |
72 |
| Inactive applicants |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who became members1 |
40 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
47 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence but were not issued a licence |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence2 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
1 Full and associate members.
2 Associate membership.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in forestry (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2006 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received |
29 |
14 |
0 |
7 |
50 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
38 |
17 |
1 |
15 |
71 |
| Inactive applicants |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who became members1 |
21 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence but were not issued a licence |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 Full and associate members.
2 Associate membership.
|
|
Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in forestry (before they were granted use of the protected title or professional designation in Ontario) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In 2007 (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) | Ontario | Other Canadian Provinces | USA | Other International | TOTAL |
| New applications received |
19 |
16 |
1 |
3 |
39 |
| Applicants actively pursuing licensing |
32 |
20 |
2 |
12 |
66 |
| Inactive applicants |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
| Applicants who met all requirements and were authorized to become members but did not become members |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who became members1 |
13 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
| Applicants who were authorized to receive an alternative class of licence but were not issued a licence |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Applicants who were issued an alternative class of licence2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 Full and associate members.
2 Associate membership.
9. SOURCES
Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board website. http://www.cfab.ca/. Last accessed: March 18, 2008.
Ontario Professional Foresters Association website. http://www.opfa.ca/. Last accessed: March 18, 2008.
Representatives of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association met with staff of the Office of the Fairness Commissioner on December 13, 2007, to provide further information for this study.