Professional Designations

The British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) is the self-governing regulator of registered agrologists in British Columbia. Having a Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Technical Agrologist (TAg) designation is a requirement for certain jobs in Agrology in BC and an asset on your resume for jobs where it is not a requirement. Having a student membership with the BCIA is free and can open doors to networking and job opportunities in the field.

To register as a PAg or TAg, applicants must meet academic requirements outlined in the respective Academic Worksheet, which is submitted as part of the application package. Applied Biology students interested in registering with the BCIA after graduation are encouraged to select their courses in accordance with the list of pre-approved UBC courses. Lists developed specifically for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (SAGE) students and Applied Animal Biology (AABI) students, aligned with degree requirements and Restricted Electives, can be found below:

BCIA Pre-Approved Courses for SAGE Students:

BCIA Pre-Approved Courses for AABI Students:

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Students are encouraged to check back regularly at the following link for the most recent and updated list of pre-approved courses: https://www.bcia.com/resources-publications/resources/public-resources/approved-course-listings. New registrants are granted Articling Agrologist (AAg) status and must complete the Articling Program.

See below for examples of Practice Areas where a PAg or TAg may be of benefit and/or required:

Read more: about BCIA and the profession of Agrology.

“Registrants of the College of Applied Biology (CoAB) are professionals who meet high standards for entry into the College and the right to the designation, RPBio, Registered Professional Biologist, RBTech, Registered Biology Technologist, RBTech or ABT,  Applied Biology Technician. They are the practitioners who take the theoretical knowledge of biology and apply it in a wide variety of fields to help us manage and protect our natural resources to the benefit of the public.” – CoAB

There are a variety of post-secondary programs you can enrol in to gain your status as an RPBio, RBTech, and ABT. You begin as an in training registrant prior to getting your certification. Students can also apply to be part of the College. Students are not registrants and are not regulated.

Read more: about CoAB, registering as a student, Applicant Self-Assessment Tool.