Overview
The Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation program has been preparing students for rewarding careers in the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation for over 50 years. The program is designed to give students a broad range of applied skills, experiences, and knowledge.
A significant amount of learning is done in the field where students learn to identify, inventory, and monitor BC’s fish and wildlife species, the habitats they use, and the natural areas set aside for conservation and recreation. Upon completion of the FWR program, graduates will be ready to work in the dynamic and diverse field of resource management.
Recent Program Updates
In recent years, the FWR program has undergone significant updates to modernize it and ensure it aligns with industry expectations for the knowledge and field skills graduates leave the program with. The program also continues to evolve to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing are included, meaningfully discussed, and respected throughout the program. The program has been carefully designed to ensure that courses in each term provide the building blocks of practical, applied, and theoretical knowledge needed for the following term. This culminates in Term 4, where FWR students apply the knowledge obtained over their diploma in multiple capstone-style courses that emphasize interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches in the environmental field.
Changes to courses and content have emphasized the delivery of applied field skills, supported by theoretical knowledge, making our graduates not only employable but also sought after in the workplace. Two field schools in the second year of the program that focus on hands-on, land-based learning give our graduates a distinct advantage when applying for jobs, not only because of the skills obtained but also because of professional certifications gained following completion of FWR.
The updated FWR program has been accredited by the College of Applied Biologists for the Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) designation, and there are several pathways students can take following graduation from FWR to obtain further education that allows them to pursue a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) designation. We have multiple Transfer Agreements in place with other institutions across the country that recognize the value of FWR graduates and are excited to offer further education opportunities.
Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation
The FWR program provides students with relevant and practical hands-on learning through field labs and classroom experiences. Learning outcomes are aligned with current needs of government, the conservation and stewardship community and private industry. Faculty liaisons and partnerships with industry, and input from the FWR Program Advisory Committee, ensure that learning outcomes reflect the needs for managing natural renewable resources in urban, rural, and wild land environments.
In Year One (first and second terms), the program provides students with a solid academic foundation and basic field skills for careers in resource management and stewardship. The overall objective of course content and assignments in the first year is to create an understanding of the ecosystems in BC, renewable resource assessment, management, and inventory methods and standards.
This sets the foundation for Year Two (third and fourth terms) where students focus primarily on fish, wildlife, natural landscapes and parks and outdoor recreation management. During this second year, students receive 90+ hours in the field with both field schools in addition to several other full day or overnight field sessions that occur in other course through the year.
A significant part of the second year is centered on a year-long applied research project. The project is completed/conducted in groups of four and is normally undertaken for an external client (e.g., government agency, NGO). Students also spend a significant portion of time in the field collecting data over the course of two terms to complete their project.
Upon completion of the diploma, graduates receive a Diploma of Technology and when combined with work experience, can apply for a professional designation as a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) with the BC College of Applied Biology. To learn more about professional designations for careers related to the FWR Diploma, please visit the Professional Accreditation page. Graduates interested in continuing their education can pursue degrees at post-secondary institutions across BC and Canada. To learn more, visit the Transfer Agreements page for a current list of degrees and institutions that offer agreements to our graduates.
Our graduates have an excellent reputation and pursue a broad range of work and career opportunities with private consulting firms, municipal, regional, provincial and federal government departments and agencies, non-government agencies and First Nation communities.
Important Note: If you plan to apply or have been accepted to FWR, please check with the program before obtaining a certification that may be part of or offered through the program.
Testimonials
“The FWR program and outstanding faculty at BCIT provide an incredible pathway for anyone passionate about this field to gain essential skills. I have noticed a clear difference in the quality of education and experiences I’ve received compared to students from other institutions during my summer work terms. I feel equally matched working alongside the late undergraduate and graduate students during fieldwork. They also made me realize how fortunate I was to study at BCIT. When sharing my experiences—such as becoming electrofishing certified, using telemetry to track White Sturgeon, digging soil pits, or cruising timber stands—there is a consensus on how great an opportunity we had in FWR.”
Braeden Hallam – 2025 FWR Grad
“The BCIT Fish, Wildlife and recreation program not only prepared me for the job market, but it also provided me a skill set that emphasized my passions within a unique learning experience highlighted with hands on training and industry lead training. The practiced skills and in the field learning I received through the FWR program continue to be used in my career today – providing a foundation that I constantly to build on. I can’t say enough about the Faculty at BCIT and their engaged teaching style which provided support and real-world expertise. BCIT’s FWR program was a highlight for my post-secondary education with lifelong friendships, practical learning, and exceptional experiences!”
Gillian Steele, Acting Community Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada – 2022 FWR Grad
“Studying Fish, Wildlife and Recreation at BCIT was one of the best decisions I ever made. The small class sizes, hands on nature of the courses, and exceptional faculty made for an outstanding educational experience. This program gave me the skills, experience, and connections I needed to launch myself into a career in fisheries.”
Tyler Thibault, Community Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada – 2017 FWR Grad
“Going back to school in my late 20’s and studying FWR was the best career move I have ever made. I was not engaged in typical post-secondary settings, so to learn about fish ecology while standing in a river, park management while in provincial parks, and wildlife habitat while in a forest was a huge reason, I was so motivated to do well. Beyond the amazing field trips and meeting amazing industry professionals, I also had the chance to develop critical reading, technical writing, and engaging presenting skills from a very passionate and knowledgeable faculty. Without a doubt, I would not have the amazing career and life I have now if I had not gone through the FWR program.”
Tyler Farley, Municipal Park Manager – 2015 FWR Grad
“Not only did BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation program open my mind up to the many exciting career paths that I could take, it also led to unique experiences, lasting friendships, and valuable skills that I use every day. I can draw a direct link between where I currently am in my career and the skills and connections that I gained from BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program.”
Kristi Owen, PhD candidate at the University of New Brunswick and Acadia University, looking at how wetland birds use human-created landscapes – 2013 FWR Grad
Entrance Requirements
This is a physically demanding program that involves long days outside with at times strenuous activity. Success in the FWR program will require the ability to participate fully in these activities.
Please note that your application is specific and limited to the FWR program. There are many options for continuing your education upon graduation, and applications or expressions of interest in these opportunities must be submitted independently of the FWR program.
While the FWR diploma can prepare you for a career in certain areas of enforcement, if you are interested in becoming a BC Conservation Officer, there may be other programs better suited to this career path.
Application processing
Applications are accepted:
- October 1st* to January 30th*
- February 1st* to May 1st*
The program area will accept students after each deadline date. Applicants not accepted after the January deadline will be considered at the May deadline if space remains.
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
*or next business day
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. Successful applicants exceeded entrance requirements. They also showed a strong understanding of the field and careers opportunities. Many noted paid or volunteer experience in their cover letter.
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Related experience and/or volunteer experience*
- Additional post-secondary academic courses*
*Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Biology: one of the following:
- Life Sciences 11 (67%) or
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Life Sciences 11 is strongly preferred due to the coverage of topics of Ecology, Taxonomy, Evolution, Plant Biology, and Animal Biology.
- Science: one of the following with minimum high school grade 11 (60%):
- Chemistry (preferred) or
- Physics (preferred) or
- Earth Sciences or
- Environmental Science
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 3.0601)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
BCIT accepts complete applications starting:
- February 1st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* for level 3 (September start)
*or next business day
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed (or are registered in) all level 1 courses (applicants to level 2 or 3) and all level 2 courses (applicants to level 3 only) or equivalents*
- Official transcripts of previous education**
- Resume
*Detailed course outlines/syllabi may be required.
**Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course(s), please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December or May to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
If you have already completed a course either at another institution or through part-time studies at BCIT, you must apply for course credit/exemption as soon as you have been accepted to the program. You should attend classes until you receive formal written notice that you have been granted course credit. Please note that this will not reduce your tuition fees.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Year 1: $800–$1000; Year 2: $200–$400
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program Matrix for Graduates of 2026 – Note that there have been some minor changes made to the program and that the course schedule for Graduates of 2026 is different than course schedule below. 2026 Graduate Program is available here [PDF].
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1155 | Professional Communications and Practices for Resource Management | 3.0 | |
| MATH 1455 | Technical Mathematics for Natural Resources | 3.0 | |
| RENR 1105 | Natural Resource Measurements | 4.0 | |
| RENR 1125 | Plant Identification and Perspectives | 4.0 | |
| RENR 1300 | Field Navigation | 4.0 | |
| RENR 1310 | Introduction to Earth Science and Hydrology | 3.0 | |
| RENR 1320 | Identifying and Describing Soils | 3.0 | |
| Level 2 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| CHEM 1150 | Environmental Chemistry | 4.0 | |
| RENR 2111 | Digital Field Data Collection for Natural Resources | 4.0 | |
| RENR 2240 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3.0 | |
| RENR 2310 | GIS for Natural Resource Applications | 4.0 | |
| RENR 2320 | Wildlife Ecology and Physiology | 4.0 | |
| RENR 2330 | Fish Ecology and Physiology | 4.0 | |
| RENR 2340 | Habitat Assessment | 5.0 | |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| COMM 2155 | Technical Writing and Communication | 3.0 | |
| MATH 2453 | Statistics for Natural Resources | 4.0 | |
| RENR 3230 | Field Project in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation 1 | 7.0 | |
| RENR 3300 | Terrestrial Field School | 3.0 | |
| RENR 3310 | Parks, Protected Areas, and Recreation | 4.0 | |
| RENR 3320 | Wildlife Management and Stewardship | 4.0 | |
| RENR 3330 | Freshwater Fisheries Management and Stewardship | 4.0 | |
| RENR 3340 | Indigenous Perspectives and Land Stewardship | 4.0 | |
| Level 4 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| RENR 3350 | Environmental Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| RENR 3360 | Statistical and Spatial Analysis of Biological Data | 4.0 | |
| RENR 4230 | Field Project in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation 2 | 8.0 | |
| RENR 4300 | Aquatic Field School | 3.0 | |
| RENR 4310 | Integrated Ecosystem Mgmt | 4.0 | |
| RENR 4320 | Trail Design and Management | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 112.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
- The Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program is a two-year, full-time day school program offered in a hybrid format for certain courses.
- Lectures and labs are offered in a variety of delivery methods, including on campus, online, and in the field, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 14:30.
- Academic Year 1 consists of levels 1 and 2. Academic Year 2 consists of levels 3 and 4.
- Each academic year has two terms. The fall term is 15 weeks long and the winter term is 16 weeks long (spring break excluded). Levels 1 and 3 are from September to December. Levels 2 and 4 are from January to May.
- The second year of the program includes two field schools, one at the beginning of the fall term (September) and the other at the end of the winter term (April/May). Field schools are held at sites outside the lower mainland and involve a per field school fee.
- Part-time entry into the program is not an option.
Program length
Two years, full-time.
Accreditation
The BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program curriculum is accredited at the technologist level and meets the academic requirements to allow graduates to register as Registered Biology Technologists (RB Tech) with the British Columbia College of Applied Biology (CAB). To learn more, visit the Professional Accreditation page.
Program delivery
Blended: This program will be delivered on campus, online, and in the field.Graduating & Jobs
Your skills have widened, and your experience has grown. As a graduate, you are ready to work in this dynamic and diverse industry.
Graduates of the program are eligible to register for the professional designation of a Registered Biology Technologist or RB Tech with the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia.
Job Opportunities
The job opportunities for graduates in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation are in both government agencies (local, regional, provincial, and federal) and in the private sector, primarily with environmental consultants.
Recent employers of FWR graduates include:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
- Metro Vancouver
- BC Ministry of Environment and Parks
- BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
- Environment Canada
- BC Ministry of Forests
- Local government
- Consulting firms
- Indigenous groups and organizations
- Non-government and not-for-profit organizations
- Parks Canada
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2020-2022 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Laurie Stott, DiplT BA MET
Program Head
604-451-6860
Giti Abouhamzeh
Program Assistant
778-331-1392
Alex Tait
Faculty
Bridget McClarty, BSc (Hons), BEd, MEd
Faculty
Dave Critchley, BSc, MSc, BASc, RPBio, P. Biol, FRCGS
Faculty
Jason Pon, DipIT, BSF, RPF
Faculty
Julia Alards-Tomalin, DiplT, BTech, MEd
Faculty
Kim Ives, MSc, RPBio
Faculty
Steve Bonetti, BSc Ecological Restoration, BSc Geographical BioGeoSciences, RPBio
Faculty
Advisory committee
- A. D’Amato van den Hout, Seven Generations Indigenous Business Consulting
- J. Emery, The Nature Trust of British Columbia
- J. Sarchuk, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
- J. Herbert, City of Surrey
- R. Lyth, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- N. Benedictus, Stantec Environmental Engineering Consulting
- T. Farley, Village of Cumberland
Transfer Agreements
External Institutions
Graduates of the FWR program are eligible for several block and course transfers to partner programs and institutions. Note that each institution and degree program listed below have specific requirements for entry. Applications for entry must be submitted to the institute of the transfer, and acceptance is made by the receiving institute. All agreements listed here are based on current program courses and do not apply to graduates of program prior to 2025.
The FWR program is accredited by the BC College of Applied Biologists (CAB) and graduates of the program can apply for professional designation as a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech). Note that there are several pathways for designation with CAB and other regulatory bodies in Canada and graduates from the FWR program in conjunction with the degree programs listed below may be eligible, with work experience, for professional designations beyond those listed here. Please visit our Professional Accreditation page and review requirements for the professional organization and designation that you wish to pursue for more information.
| Block Transfer is when a group of courses, often in the form of a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, are recognized for transfer credit. Block transfers are agreements between institutions and usually occur between highly related programs. A block transfer is different than the single credit or ‘course to course’ transfers where students can gain credit for courses completed in another program or at a different institution than the one to which they are applying. Check out the BC Transfer Guide to learn more about single credit or block transfers. |
Pending agreements will be posted as complete as they become available. Please follow the links below for specific details on each transfer agreement and degree program, or reach out to fwr@bcit.ca if you have any specific questions about the listed transfer agreements.
University of Northern British Columbia (Course Transfer)
Graduates of the FWR diploma program can apply for course transfer to UNBC to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries or a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Science and Practice with a major in Landscape Conservation and Management. The minimum grade point average (GPA) for entry into post-secondary programs at UNBC is the equivalent of UNBC 2.00 or C (63%) calculated on most recent 30 credit hours of university level course work. Click on the transfer agreements below to view the transfer agreement and credit summary by course. Course transfer agreement by course is also available on the BC Transfer Guide.
| BSc Wildlife and Fisheries (Transfer Agreement) [PDF] |
| BSc Conservation Science & Practice with a major in Landscape Conservation & Management degree (Transfer Agreement) [PDF] |
The BSc Wildlife and Fisheries is an accredited program with the College of Applied Biologists – graduates are eligible for Registered Professional Biologist Designation. Graduates are also eligible for certification from the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society of North America.
University of Alberta (Block Transfer)
Graduates of the FWR diploma program are eligible for entry into the BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences with a major in Conservation Biology. Entry requires a minimum “C-” grade in all courses completed as part of the FWR diploma. For a summary of the agreement, view the PDF provided below or visit the University of Alberta College Block Transfer page and click on the Transfer Agreement from BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program to University of Alberta for Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
| BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences (Transfer Agreement) [PDF] |
Graduates of the BSc ENCS are eligible for a Professional Biologist designation with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists and certification with American Fisheries Society certification.
Lakehead University (Block Transfer)
Graduates from the FWR diploma program are eligible for admission to the Wildlife Conservation and Management specialization, or any three specializations of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (HBScEM) degree program in the Faculty of Natural Resources at Lakehead University. Entry requires a minimum 70% average (GPA = 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale, 70% grade).
For additional details about this opportunity, please contact fwr@bcit.ca.
| BSc Environmental Management (Transfer Agreement) [PDF] |
University of Fraser Valley (Block Transfer)
Graduates from the FWR diploma program are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Environmental Studies or the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Natural Sciences). Entry to all listed programs requires a minimum CGPA of 60% on all attempted courses.
For additional details about this opportunity, please contact fwr@bcit.ca.
| Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Bachelor for Environmental Studies (Natural Sciences) (Transfer Agreement) [PDF] |
Royal Roads University (Block Transfer)
Graduates from the FWR diploma program are eligible for transfer to the degree programs below in the Royal Roads School of Environment and Sustainability (Transfer Agreement). Entry to all listed programs requires a minimum “B” (3.00/4.33) GPA in completion of FWR Diploma. Both BSc degrees are eligible for an Environmental Professional (EP) designation from EcoCanada.
Transfer Agreement Summary [PDF]
| BSc in Environmental Science | Approved for block transfer with the addition of one university level chemistry course |
| BSc in Environmental Practice | No additional requirements |
| BA in Environmental Practice | No additional requirements |
University of New Brunswick (Block Transfer)
Graduates of the FWR diploma program are eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management with three options for a major and the Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Entry to all listed programs requires an overall average of 70% or higher and a minimum grade of 60% in each course for which students seek transfer credit. Please review the agreement and articulation by program pathway (summary documents available below) for more details or contact fwr@bcit.ca if you have any questions.
BSc in Environmental Management (Transfer agreement summary) [PDF]
|
| BSc in Forestry (Transfer agreement summary) [PDF] |
BSc degrees are eligible for an Environmental Professional in Training (EPt) designation from EcoCanada.
Graduates of the FWR Diploma program can also continue their education at BCIT and are eligible for entry to the BSc in Ecological Restoration.
Professional Accreditation
Completion of the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Diploma program at BCIT meets the academic requirements to apply for registration as a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) or RBTech in Training with the College of Applied Biologists (CAB) in B.C. RBTech applicants must also meet additional entrance requirements set out in the CAB Credentialing Standard. Additional requirements include applied biology work experience, professional work products, professional practice competencies, and references. Students who continue their education at institutions listed under our Transfer Agreements page or at other post-secondary institutions may be eligible for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist or a Biologist in Training in BC. Please note that you do not necessarily need to obtain a degree from an accredited program to register for a professional designation.
Learn more about the CAB registration requirements
The BC College of Applied Biologists is the provincial, government-mandated regulatory body that sets and enforces professional standards for its members, including Registered Professional Biologists (RPBio) and Registered Biology Technologists (RBTech). The regulatory body was established under The College of Applied Biology Act in 2003, and the legislation created a new standard, with applied biologists achieving full professional status through self-governing legislation. In 2021, the College and its registrants came under the Professional Governance Act. Under this act, biologists must register and meet the professional, ethical, and competency standards of the College of Applied Biology to legally offer their services.
Learn more about the CAB registration requirements.
Outside of the BC, there are several other professional designations available in this field. With completion of a degree, students may be eligible for registration as a Professional Biologist through the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists. Registered biology professionals from another Canadian jurisdiction, specifically from the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, can apply for registration and reclassification in the reciprocal registrant category with CAB.
The Environmental Careers Organization of Canada or Eco Canada is a national organization that provides resources, services, training and a professional certification (EP) for individuals who work in environmental fields in Canada. The Environmental Professional certification (EP) is a nationally recognized designation for environmental practitioners designed to complement other professional designations in this field. It is an option for professional in the environmental field who are looking for a national recognition for their area of specialization. The FWR Diploma is also recognized by the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists. Graduates of the FWR Diploma program are eligible for entry into the Articling Technical Agrologist (ATAg) designation and must complete the Articling Program to be eligible for designation as a Technical Agrologist (TAgs). Graduates who continue on to achieve a degree post graduation from the FWR program would be eligible for entry into the Articling Agrologist (AAg) status and must complete the Articling Program to achieve a Professional Agrologist (PAg) designation.
The BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) was created in 1947, and it is the regulating body for agrologists in BC. As defined by the BCIA, agrology is “… a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the natural, economic, and social sciences related to environmental protection, horticulture, aquaculture, viticulture, rangelands, silviculture, agri-tech, and natural resources management, and other related areas”. Like CAB and the RPBio and RBTech designations, BCIA and PAg and TAg designations are governed and regulated under the BC Professional Governance Act.
There are also certifications specific to wildlife biologists that are administered by The Wildlife Society of North America. The Wildlife Society (TWS) oversees certification or professional designation as a Certified Wildlife Biologist® (CWB®), Associate Wildlife Biologist® (AWB®), and the designation of Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist (QAWB). The TWS has existed since 1937 and is an international non-profit scientific and educational organization with over 2000 members.
The American Fisheries Society (AFS) also offers a Professional Certification Program. Based on an evaluation of education and experience, successful applicants to the AFS program are awarded certification on a two-tiered system. Applications for professional certifications are evaluated four times a year, and applicants must be a current AFS member to be certified.
Contact Us
Please contact Program Advising if you have questions about:
- Application process
- Entrance requirements
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Program costs
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
program_advising@bcit.ca | 604-434-1610
Giti Abouhamzeh
Program Assistant
Tel:778-331-1392
Email: fwr@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
Before you fill out the form, check the information in all the pages for this program. We may have the answer you’re looking for.
Also, if you meet any of the following criteria, please check these places first:
- You are an international student.
- You are looking for financial aid.
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- I still have a question *Required
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