Registered Biologist

The Registered Biologist membership category is a transitional category for applicants who do not meet the academic requirements for Professional Biologist and who do not have six years of experience required under equivalency for P. Biol., yet wish to be a non-regulated member of the ASPB. Members admitted to this category are expected to either take the required number of courses to meet 15 biology courses, or ensure they are attaining work experience that will meet the course to work equivalency requirements in the Equivalency section above.

Members can remain in this category only until they have reached the required six years of work experience for Equivalency.

Academic

A R. Biol. must have an undergraduate degree (40 courses or 120 course credits), 25 sciences, and must have 12 – 14 biology courses, 4 at the senior level.

An applicant should arrange for university transcripts and proof of degree to be sent directly from the university to the ASPB office. For applicants who have completed post secondary education outside Canada, they must submit a third party evaluation of their academics, such as IQAS.

Experience

The experience requirements for a R. Biol. are the same for a P. Biol. A R. Biol. must have three or more years of practice in biology earned after graduation (i.e., after academic requirements have been met). Usually it is expected that the experience must have been obtained not more than ten years prior to the application.

Applicants will be required to complete an application form to demonstrate their experience in the practice of biology.

The practice of biology is defined as:

  • Inventorying, surveying, sampling, interpreting, reporting, evaluating and advising on activities related to biological sciences.
  • Preparing, administering and implementing plans or programs for managing biological resources,
  • Conducting research activities related to biological sciences, and
  • Teaching biological sciences at a university, college or technical institute.

Experience in biology may also be evidenced by

  1. Preparing, administering and implementing policies, plans or programs for managing biological resources,
  2. Assessing compliance with Acts, regulations, directives, standards and guidelines related to biological sciences and environmental support systems, and
  3. The conservation, decommissioning, reclamation, remediation and improvement of the environment.

Applicants are welcome to identify other areas of biological experience not included above in their applications.

Good Character and Reputation

An applicant should provide the names of three referees who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s professional experience as a biologist and their character and reputation. At least one referee should be a P. Biol. If a P. Biol. is not available, a professional from another recognized professional organization will be acceptable. Preferred referees include the applicant’s current employer, previous employer or supervisor. Only two letters of reference will be accepted from a current employer.

Apply

Before applying under this category, please read the FAQ PAGE, where you will also find a "Quick Start Information Sheet" with screen shots of the application process.

Apply to become a Registered Biologist here.