Following approval by the Credentials Committee, the new articling registrant will receive a letter from the Registrar that states:
- Seek out a mentor immediately upon notification and submit the signed mentoring agreement within two (2) months. Need assistance to find a mentor? Check the Mentor Directory! The link is found only within the BCIA account under 'Mentoring'.
NOTE: Articling registrants who have NOT submitted their signed mentoring agreement within two months since their notice of acceptance into BCIA will have their articling term held in abeyance (put on hold) until the mentoring agreement is received. This, in effect, will extend the articling term to however long the signed mentoring agreement is outstanding.
- Articling designation
- Minimum length of the articling term; the term starts when employed in the practice of agrology
- Requirements for completion of the Articling Program to advance to full professional status
- The expectation of completing the Articling Program within a maximum of three years (1 or 2 year articling term is assigned); an articling extension fee is applied after three years
Articling Program Elements
Articling registrants must ensure that all relevant activities listed below are entered as they occur under the Articling Program section of their BCIA profile.
Introduction to Agrology and Orientation to BCIA Courses (This should be completed first)
Complete the two online courses Introduction to Agrology & Orientation to BCIA, in which the profession of agrology and the functions of BCIA are explained. (Note: You must log in as a Registrant to view these webinars)
After completion, the articling registrant must make two separate declarations in their PD Report (after log-in; for a total of 2.5 PDH).
Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Attending your Branch AGM is an opportunity to learn how each of the Branches function and to voice your thoughts and ideas. Volunteer opportunities to serve on the Branch Executive are available, by which one may enhance themselves as a professional. All registrants are entitled to vote during Branch business meetings.
Articling Introduction at a Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Provide a brief verbal report at a Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) to introduce yourself: include your name, academic background, the field of specialization, and current employment, and acknowledge your mentor. This typically is 2-3 minutes in length at the Branch AGM.
Branch Professional Development Event
Branch activities are held throughout the year in various locations around the province. These events provide opportunities to volunteer, network with other registrants, gain professional development (PD) hours and reinforce connections with BCIA.
Volunteer (2 Options) or Attend a Branch Executive Meeting (select one)
- Volunteer at a Branch/BCIA event (contact your Articling Coordinator)
- Attend a Branch Executive Meeting, in-person or online (contact your Articling Coordinator)
- Serve (volunteer) on any professional group
Provincial Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The virtual provincial AGM is held each Spring. An opportunity to network with registrants of the Institute from across the province and to see the workings of your Institute at the provincial level. Reports and submitted resolutions are discussed. Registrants in good standing are entitled to vote.
BCIA Ethics for Professionals Workshop
Complete the BCIA Ethics for Professionals Workshop. Case studies will be used to examine different types of ethical situations that Agrologists may encounter.
After completion, the articling Registrant must create a declaration in their PD Report (after log-in; enter 8 PDH).
Indigenous Peoples' Cultural Awareness Training
Complete Indigenous Peoples Cultural Awareness Training, or its equivalent, in which cultural awareness and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are discussed.
After completion, the articling registrant must create a declaration in their PD Report (after log-in; enter a minimum of 6 PD hours)
Professional Negligence and Regulatory Offences Webinar
Complete the online webinar Professional Liability presentation, Module #1: Professional Negligence and Regulatory Offences.
After completion, the articling registrant must create a declaration in their PD Report (after log-in; 1.5 PD hours)
Record Professional Development Activities
All PD activities must be reported in the BCIA profile after log-in in before the payment of annual fees. The Professional Development requirements ensure registrants acquire and maintain the necessary knowledge and skills to be current in their scope of practice. View the Professional Development Guidelines for more information.
Registrants are required to maintain their competency by reporting a minimum of 30 hours of professional development annually and 125 hours of professional development over a 3-year period, or an average of 42 hours per year. If accepted mid-year, the PD hours are pro-rated, with the required minimums being waived for the first year only.
PD hours must be submitted using the online tracker no later than January 15 of each year.
Meet With Your Mentor Frequently
Meet with your mentor in a face-to-face meeting or virtually at least twice each year. Mentorship is a key aspect of the Articling Program and is beneficial for both parties. The mentor is to encourage the completion of the Articling Program promptly. Download the Mentor/Mentee Talking Points guide to help facilitate discussions.
Work in Agrology for The Articling Term
Articling Registrants must have full-time employment in agrology for the equivalent of their articling term.
An extension fee of $60 is applied to the articling annual fee to an equal full status annual fee if the Registrant articles for more than three (3) years.
