Continuing Education Credit Program
Continuing Forestry Education Credits
Continuing Forestry Education is a basis for competent forestry practice. Those successful in growing and developing knowledge will also reflect that knowledge in practice. The CIF’s National CFE Program is voluntary and participation is open to Institute members and non- members. Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) is important for all foresters and forest practitioners.
Benefits Of Continuing Forestry Education
- Maintain currency of knowledge
- Advance knowledge and skills
- Encourage learning of new techniques
- Encourage broadening of knowledge in related areas
- Increase awareness of new developments and current issues
- Assist members in reviewing their knowledge of current literature and keep abreast new opportunities to upgrade knowledge
- Stimulate individual self-assessment by providing standards for achievement
- Give recognition to those who have successfully completed continuing education programs
Obtaining The CFE Certificate Of Accomplishment
- Complete 150 contact hours of continuing forestry education and professional development during a three-year period
- Distribute the hours appropriately within accepted categories of participation
- Maintain a “Personal Activity Form” as work is completed
- Enter hours in “Requested” column for each category
- Upon completion of the requirements, fill out and submit the “Application for CFE Certificate” to the local CIF/IFC or RPF CFE contact person, who will verify the hours assigned
- Application must be accompanied by the “Personal Activity Form” supporting documents for Category 1, and proper remittance (contact your local CIF/IFC section)
Category 1
- Sixty hours MINIMUM
Organized course work or activities in forestry or forestry related subject matters such as silviculture, mensuration, forest pest management, habitat management, urban forestry, or forest policy. Included are seminars, short courses, and workshops conducted or sponsored by public or private organizations, as well as technical sessions of Institute or conferences. Also included is organized course work or activities not specifically related to forestry but which are professionally enriching or directly benefit the individual in his or her present position. Examples include Institute or other professional meetings, course work in computer science, managerial skills, public speaking and other. Completing the quiz in L’AUBELLE provides two hours of credit per quiz. Credit accrues at the rate of one hour for each hour of actual contact. Unless otherwise warranted, three hours of tour or field session equal one contact hour. The CFE application must be accompanied by a course outline or program agenda for activities not previously approved by Institute or a Professional Association.
Category 2
- Ninety Hours MAXIMUM
Attendance at business meetings of related organization such as Institute or Professional Associations. Provincial Forestry Associations, Conservation Associations or Forestry oriented trade Association. Credits granted at the rate of one hour for two hours of attendance. Technical Sessions of these organizations would qualify in Category 1. Reading of Publications or viewing Audio Visual Presentations on Technical Forestry subjects also qualifies in Category 2.
Category 3
- Sixty Hours MAXIMUM
The development, preparation, and presentation of course work or activities such as described in Category 1 that require effort beyond the general scope of the individual’s normal duties or job description. Credit accrues at the rate of two contact hours for each hour of presentation.
The preparation, writing and publication of forestry or forestry-related subject matter. This work must require effort beyond the general scope of the individual’s normal duties or job description. Credit for publications is given at the rate of 15 hours for each publication requiring technical review or 5 hours for an article or substantial nature appearing in a magazine, newspaper or similar publication.
Holding an elected or appointed office or an active committee assignment in the Institute or allied professional organizations. Involvement in appointed offices or active committee assignments in Category 3 yields Credit of 5 hours per year for holding office or chairing an assignment or 2 hours per year for active committee membership.
*Note: The three-year period for completion the requirements may begin and end at any time, but applications must be submitted within 90 days of completion (For the phase- in period, CFE Activity over the last three years can be used towards gaining a Certificate). All 150 contact hours may be obtained in Category 1, but participants are encouraged to distribute their activities. No credit will be given for course work taken or presented as part of a formal degree program which is for membership in the association (CIF/IFC or RPF). However, credit for graduate or post-graduate studies are recognized.
