Membership Criteria
Membership Criteria
The basis for membership as a Professional Agrologist is a 4 year Bachelors degree that includes:
- 15 courses in Agrology (as defined in the Agrologist Act, 2003 - see below)
- 11 courses at the 300 or 400 level, of which 8 must be related to Agrology
- Desirable academic elements include: statistics, calculus, research methods, critical thinking, communication, basic knowledge of Agrology.
"agrology" means using agricultural and natural sciences and agricultural and resource economics, including collecting or analyzing data or carrying out research or assessments, to design, evaluate, advise on, direct or otherwise provide professional support to
(a) the cultivation, production, improvement, processing or marketing of aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals, or
(b) the classification, management, use, conservation, protection, restoration, reclamation or enhancement of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems that are affected by, sustain, or have the potential to sustain the cultivation or production of aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals;
Applicants with degrees from outside Canada may be required to have their credentials evaluated by:
International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES)
3700 Willingdon Ave.
Burnaby BC
V5G 3H2
Phone: 1 (604) 432-8800
toll free 1-866-434-9197
Fax: 1 (604) 435-7033
e-mail: icesinfo@bcit.ca
website is at http://www.bcit.ca/ices/
Ask for the normal or basic assessment, as required by the BC Institute of Agrologists.
Note:
The Credentials Committee will only process applications when all documents have been received.
Official transcripts are required
Articling Agrologist Program
All applicants accepted for membership will be required to take part in the Articling Agrologist Program and be employed in the practice of agrology for a minimum of two years prior to achieving their P.Ag status. During this period they will be required to take part in a number of events and activities plus complete milestones prior to achieving their P.Ag status.
Applicants with extensive experience (6 years +) in Agrology after university graduation may request a reduction of the Articling term to one year from two. Such request may be made during the A.Ag term if the 6 years experience since graduation has been met. All activities required must still be completed. A complete review of the A.Ag program is included under the A.Ag Process on this site.
Transfer From Another Province
Effective April 1, 2009, consistent with the terms of the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and the British Columbia/Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), the BC Institute of Agrologists will accept as full members of the Institute those Professional Agrologists or Agronomes who are presently members in good standing within another province of Canada. This provision applies to both Professional Agrologists who are physically moving to BC and those who may wish to have dual membership in both BC and their home province.
Professional Agrologists wishing to take advantage of this provision should contact their current Institute and request that a copy of their file, along with confirmation that they are currently a member in good standing, be sent to BCIA. They should then download a copy of the application form from this website and submit it, along with a $75.00 processing fee and resume, to BCIA at the address on the form. Note that the information on the application is for building the data file for the member and that transcripts or application fees are not required. An invoice for prorated dues for the year will be sent once the member’s data file has been completed.
A certificate of membership will be provided to all new members. BCIA will provide a framed certificate and/or member’s stamp or seal at additional cost.
Articling Agrologists or Agrologists in Training may transfer membership to BC but may be required to complete their A.Ag requirements in BC to the satisfaction of the Council prior to attaining P.Ag status.
