Question 1

Why should I become a registrant of the College?

John · Accepted Answer

At this time the College of Applied Biology is a right to title organization with regulated practice. The Applied Biologists Regulation maintains exclusive use of title for registrants in good standing with the College of Applied Biology. These include:

(Registered) Professional Biologist
Biologist in Training
Registered Biology Technologist
Registered Biology Technologist in Training
Applied Biology Technician
Applied Biology Technician in Training

No individual may present themselves with any of these titles without being in contravention of the Professional Governance Act. In this way, the College upholds the public interest by setting entrance standards and accountabilities for practitioners using these titles.

Over the past few years, the College has been working diligently to secure reserved practice – or practice rights – into regulation. We have consistently maintained that, to achieve the primary objective of the PGA of protecting the public interest, all applied biology practitioners must be qualified, competent and accountable through reserved practice. Should reserved practice be added to the Applied Biologists Regulation, any practitioner of applied biology would need to be registered with the College in order to continue practicing.

Question 2

Why are there different membership categories?

John · Accepted Answer

The College has seven different categories of membership; Register Professional Biologist (RPBio), Registered Biology Technician (RBTech), Applied Biology Technician (ABT), Biologists in Training, Trainee (RBTech), Trainee (ABT), and Student. Students, Trainees, and Biologists in Training are categories that lead to becoming either an RPBio, RBTech, or ABT, and provide for membership in and support of the College while satisfying the academic and work requirements for membership as an RPBio, RBTech, or ABT.

Question 3

Can I apply before completing the required education?

John · Accepted Answer

No. To apply for all registrant categories (minus the Student Biologist) an applicant must have completed the required education and have proof of education completed (e.g., degree, diploma has been conferred and states so on official transcripts) before applying. There are other streams of entry for the RBTech and ABT designations that include various education requirements and do not require a diploma, certificate or course work. These are detailed in the Credentialing Standard. There is also a Student Biologist category.

Question 4

How does this affect First Nation organizations and Biologists?

Mark Jones · Accepted Answer

Registration with the College is not meant to compete with traditional ecological knowledge and expertise held by Indigenous people – but to compliment that knowledge. CAB welcomes the opportunity to work with First Nations and others to identify areas of collaboration and possible training opportunities.

Question 5

What work is being done to ensure that universities around the province are letting their students know that if they want to practice biology professionally they will need to complete the required courses?

Mark Jones · Accepted Answer

The College has an accreditation program that reviews the courses in program areas and provides accreditation for those programs that meet the academic entrance requirements. As well, the Registrar regularly makes presentations to undergraduate students at universities to review the academic requirements for entry. Many universities have made changes to their programing that align with the College's entrance requirements. However some institutions are still working on programing changes to ensure alignment with the Credentialing Standard.

Question 6

Can I substitute work experience if I am missing a certain course requirement?

Mark Jones · Accepted Answer

Work experience is not accepted as a substitute for required courses.

Question 7

What does the College need from me in order for me to apply for membership?

Mark Jones · Accepted Answer

To apply for membership in the College please go to the Membership Categories page. This page on the College’s website provides you with detailed information regarding the submission of an application. If you have questions that are not answered in this section please email adminassist@cab-bc.org for further information.

Question 8

Can someone look at my application to do a pre-assessment so I don’t have to pay a fee?

Mark Jones · Accepted Answer

The College does not have the resources to complete pre-assessments of applications. The College has developed an Academic Self-Assessment Tool to assist potential applicants in determining which category to apply for registration. Meeting all the requirements outlined in this tool will not guarantee certification. Assessment by the Credentials Committee will still be required.

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