Education · 1 of 5

The path

Accredited degree, then a supervised articling period, then registration.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Biology, chemistry, math and geography. Any outdoor or chainsaw experience helps you land the first summer job.

2. 2

   Accredited forestry degree

   4 years

   A four-year forestry degree from a recognized Canadian faculty. Programs include field schools and summer camps.

3. 3

   Summer field jobs

   Every summer

   Cruising timber, tree planting, silviculture surveys. Employers hire graduates who already know the bush.

4. 4

   Articling as a forester in training

   About 2 years

   Paid work under a sponsoring registered forester, plus education modules, a practice diary and competency assessments.

5. 5

   Registration

   After articling

   Pass the registration requirements of your province's regulator and become a Registered Professional Forester.