What is the College of Applied Biologists?
The College of Applied Biologists is the regulator in British Columbia of Applied Biology Professionals (ABPs) working with natural resources. Read more about how the College protects the public interest here.
What is reserved title?
Reserved title means that only a registrant of the College of Applied Biologists is legally allowed to use the following titles in British Columbia (BC):
- Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio, R.P.Bio.) or Professional Biologist
- Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech or R.B.Tech.)
- Applied Biology Technician (ABT or A.B.T.)
- Biologist in Training (BIT or B.I.T.)
- Registered Biology Technologist in Training (Trainee RBTech or Trainee R.B.Tech.)
- Applied Biology Technician in Training (Trainee ABT)
- Applied Biology-Limited Licensee (AB-LL)
What is the purpose of the College of Applied Biologists?
The College’s mandate is to uphold and protect the public interest, uphold the principles of stewardship of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and biological resources, and ensure the integrity, objectivity and expertise of its registrants. Read more about how the College protects the public interest here.
How does the College of Applied Biologists protect the public interest?
The College protects the public interest in a variety of ways including setting high standards for entrance to the College, performing audits and practice reviews, and operating complaints and investigations. Read more about how the College protects the public interest here.
How are natural resource professionals regulated in British Columbia?
There are six natural resource professional regulatory bodies specific to their field of practice such as applied biology, forestry, agrology, engineering, geoscience, applied science and architecture in BC. In fall 2020, these professions had their separate statutes harmonized under the Professional Governance Act (PGA).
Who are the natural resource professional regulatory bodies in BC?
The natural resource professional regulatory bodies in BC are:
- College of Applied Biologists
- Forestry Professionals of BC
- Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
- BC Institute of Agrology
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
- Architectural Institute of BC
What is a registrant?
A registrant is an individual who is registered with one of the six natural resource professional regulatory bodies under the Professional Governance Act in BC. The College of Applied Biologists is a regulatory body, and therefore has registrants, not members.
What are the employment opportunities as an applied biology professional in natural resources in BC?
Applied biology professionals in natural resources have several employment opportunities in BC. They work in a number of sectors that include government (federal, First Nations, provincial, municipal), environmental, industry, consulting and non-profit. Many employers require applied biology professionals to be registered with the College of Applied Biologists. Moreover, under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) applied biology professionals in BC have reserved practice, meaning some areas of practice require an individual to be a registrant of the College or to be working under the supervision of a registrant of a College. Read more about reserved practice here.
What does an applied biology professional registrant of the College of Applied Biologists do?
An ABP registrant of the College of Applied Biology practices within the five applied biological sciences, botany, zoology, ecology, biochemistry or microbiology, and applies their knowledge to the management, use, conservation, protection, restoration, or enhancement of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, biological resources within these ecosystems, or influences the practice/profession of applied biology. Read more about the applied biology areas of practice here.
What are the standards for applicants to the College of Applied Biologists?
Applicants to the College must meet the requirements laid out in the Credentialing Standard in order to have their application approved. There are additional requirements in order to register, including completion of the mandatory training.
What are the standards for registrants of the College of Applied Biologists?
Registrants are required to maintain compliance with the College’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program, and mandatory Audit and Practice Review Programs. Read more about registrant practice requirements here.
What if I am currently a member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB)?
A Labour Mobility Agreement (LMA) is in place between the College of Applied Biology and the ASPB to comply with the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA). The LMA and NWPTA allows all professional biologists in good standing from Alberta to apply for registration in the College of Applied Biologists and all Registered Professional Biologists from BC are able to apply for membership in ASPB without going through the normal application process and vice versa. Read more about transferring a registration here.
What if I am a Chartered Biologist with the Royal Society of Biologists (RSB)?
There is a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the College of Applied Biologists and the Royal Society of Biology (UK). This agreement allows Chartered Biologist (CBiol) with the RSB to become a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology and vice versa. Read more about transferring a registration here.
