Continuing Education

Knowledge obtained by individuals during their formal forestry education provides the foundation for a lifelong process of knowledge and learning. With the rapid development of technology and the ongoing growth of the science of forestry, it is essential for foresters to keep their knowledge current. Continuing education helps in meeting this need.

Authorization

Section 89B-11(b) of the authorizing legislation states The Board shall require registered foresters to attend continuing education courses approved by the Board, not to exceed 12 hours per year as a condition of renewal.

Requirements

Administrative Rules adopted by the Board and approved by the legislature state:

  •  All registered foresters shall attend continuing education courses annually to maintain their registration. Ten CFE (Continuing Forestry Education) credits approved by the Society of American Foresters are required each year, except as outlined in this Rule. CFE's must be SAF category 1, 2, or 3, with at least six being from category 1.
  •  Registered foresters shall verify CFE compliance to the Board with each annual renewal.
  • Those registered foresters who provide information to the Board that verifies that they are retired from a career in forestry may qualify to continue their registration by earning a minimum of three category 1, 2, or 3 CFE's annually.
  • The Board shall approve hardship cases, such as military deployment, extended illness or other circumstances that prevent the Registered Forester from obtaining the required CFE's upon request.

Annual Renewals

A Continuing Forestry Education Personal Activity Record must be submitted with annual renewal of forester registration. Also, copies of the Category 1 CFE Contact Notices for each course must be submitted with the renewal. A Personal Activity Record will be mailed with each renewal notice, or one can be downloaded from this web site.

Guidelines for Granting Waivers for Continuing Education Requirements - Approved 12/13/2011

The NC Board of Registration for Foresters has the authority, under NC Administrative Code, to waive continuing education requirements in certain circumstances.

The Board shall waive the annual continuing education requirements for hardship cases, such as military deployment, extended illness or other circumstances that prevent the Registered Forester from obtaining the required CFE's [21 NCAC 20 .0123]. All requests must be in writing and addressed to the Board. The RF must describe the reason(s) for not obtaining the required educational credits. When reviewing requests not related to military deployment or extended illness, the Board will base its decision on the circumstances that "prevent" the RF from obtaining the required educational credits.

 

 

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