Registration Application Information
New applicants for the Articling Agrologist (AAg) designation, who will become Professional Agrologists (PAgs), will be assessed on their Bachelor's degree and the contents of the courses.
- Eligibility for registration as an Articling Agrologist (AAg) requires a minimum of a four-year (120 credit) Bachelor degree from an accredited university, with a science focus. As part of this degree, a specific minimum number of courses are required, as set by BCIA's Council
New applicants for the Articling Technical Agrologist (ATAg) designation, who will become Technical Agrologists (TAgs), will be assessed on their diploma, applied degree or degree from an accredited educational institution, and contents of the courses.
- Eligibility for registration as an Articling Technical Agrologist (ATAg) requires a minimum of a two-year diploma, applied degree, or degree program, equivalent to a minimum of 60 credits, of which a specified minimum number of courses are required, as set by BCIA's Council.
New applicants for the Limited License Agrologist (LLAg) designation will be assessed on their work experience, with credit given for courses completed (if applicable) in lieu of work experience.
- Eligibility for registration as a Limited License Agrologist (LLAg) must have a minimum of five (5) years of full time equivalent experience within the regulated practice of agrology, of which:
a) a minimum of two (2) years must be within the scope of work to which the prospective Limited Licence will apply; and
b) at the discretion of the Registrar, up to one (1) year of accredited education in the practice of agrology may be counted toward the required five (5) years of experience.
Unregistered Practitioners of Agrology - BCIA Compliance Plan
How will BCIA bring individuals engaged in the regulated practice of agrology into compliance with the PGA?
BCIA has published a compliance plan intended to provide information on compliance and enforcement activities respecting protected titles and reserved practices, which will be consistently enforced after September 1, 2022. Read BCIA's 2022 Compliance Plan.
Admission Requirements for PAg Registration
Professional Agrologist (PAg) Registration Requirements
All provincial agrology regulators in Canada have agreed to a minimum entry-to-practice education standard for the Professional Agrologist designation. Using the standard as a guideline, BCIA adheres to the following requirements:
A minimum of a Bachelor's level degree (with a science focus) from a recognized university in which the course work must consist of the following:
- A minimum of 8 entry-level foundational knowledge courses, typically at the 100 or 200 level, in the subject matters listed on the Academic Worksheet;
- A minimum of 20 courses in agricultural or natural sciences or agricultural or resource economics that relate directly to agrology (as defined in the Agrologists Regulation);
- A minimum of 8 senior-level courses (within the 20-course requirement) in agricultural or natural sciences or agricultural or resource economics that relate directly to agrology (as defined in the Agrologists Regulation). Recognized senior-level courses are considered third-year and higher.
To learn more: Definitions Document and Approved Course Listings
Accepted applicants are granted Articling Agrologist (AAg) status and must complete the Articling Program.
PAgs and AAgs are required to declare their Practice Areas at the time of application and annually thereafter.
Ready to apply? See Steps to applying
15+ Years of Work Experience in Agrology? See below if you qualify for Expedited Admission Program.
Admission Requirements for TAg Registration
Technical Agrologist (TAg) Registration Requirements
A minimum of a diploma, applied degree, or degree with a science focus from an accredited post-secondary institution, in which the course work must include:
- A minimum of 12 courses in agricultural or natural sciences or agricultural or resource economics that relate directly to agrology (as defined in the Agrologists Regulation)
To learn more: Approved Diploma Programs List, TAg Scope of Practice, and TAg PowerPoint
When the applicant has graduated from a college diploma program that is not included in the list of approved diploma programs, the application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Registrar and the Credentials Committee for courses equivalent in number and context to that of an approved diploma program, as noted above.
Accepted applicants are granted Articling Technical Agrologists (ATAg) and must complete the Articling Program.
TAgs and ATAgs are required to declare their Practice Areas at the time of application and annually thereafter. Upon acceptance into BCIA, the Credentials Committee will ensure that the declared scopes of practice are aligned with the Registrant's education, training, and experience.
If the area(s) of practice differ from the education, two letters of recommendation are required to confirm competency in those areas of practice. If a Registrant wishes to change their scope of practice at a later date, a reference letter from a registered professional with direct knowledge of the Registrant's employment and work experience is required to confirm the competency of the new area of practice.
Ready to apply? See Steps to Applying
15+ Years of Work Experience in Agrology? See below if you qualify for Expedited Admission Program.
Admission Requirements for Expedited Registration
Expedited Admission Requirements
Professionals who meet the required educational criteria and work experience may be eligible for immediate full-status registration with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) under the Expedited Admission Program.
The program allows qualified individuals to expedite the required Articling Program term by waiving some elements of the formal program. Upon approval, the new Registrant will immediately receive their full status professional designation on the condition that they promptly complete their registration obligations.
Expedited Admission Eligibility
Professionals must meet the current required educational criteria for registration and possess a minimum of 15 years of agrology-related work experience after post-secondary graduation. The experience can be from the government, the private sector, or employment at a post-secondary educational institution.
Any deficiencies in meeting the current educational requirements, as determined by the Credentials Committee, may be addressed by additional educational requirements as set by that Committee. Should this occur, the applicant will receive written notification of the additional requirements from the Registrar.
It is expected that an eligible applicant is currently employed or has an offer of employment in an agrology-related field at the time of application.
Application Processing Timeline
Applications will be processed 6-8 weeks from when the Credentials Committee receives the complete application package for review.
Ready to apply? See steps to Applying
Admission Requirements for LLAg Registration
Limited License Agrologist (LLAg) Registration Requirements
BCIA has initiated the category of Limited License Agrologist, "LLAg," to increase regulatory oversight of the practice of agrology following its mandate to protect the public interest in British Columbia's environment and natural resources.
This registration category is for individuals who may not have the educational qualifications to become an agrology professional as a PAg or TAg but have gained several years of experience in a defined scope of agrology work and wish to take professional responsibility for that work. The Limited License is designed for those qualified to practice a limited scope of agrology at a professional level.
The five (5) years of work experience must be from an existing position(s) in the province of British Columbia. Previous work experience outside of BC will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition, education may be assessed to determine if a credit can be applied towards the required work experience.
The practice of the Limited Licensee is governed by the Professional Governance Act ("PGA") and Regulations, BCIA Bylaws, and the BCIA Code of Ethics.
Download the BCIA LLAg Application Guide and forms, available under the Public Resources Library
- Admission Request Form
- LLAg Admission Request Form
- Current resume with month/year - NEW
- Work History Form
- Reference 1 & 2 Forms
- Intended Practice Area Form