Registered Technologist in Biology

This membership category is non regulated until such time as the Professional Biologist Regulation is amended, or the incoming PGA allows for it. At that time, the R.T.Biol. may be regulated and have full title protection, sign-off by technologists and authentication privileges may be pursued at that time.

Academic

A Registered Technologist in Biology must have a two year diploma from a post secondary institution. The diploma must contain 60 course credits and at least eight biology/ecology courses, applied science courses, and at least one communications and one statistics course. 

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. More information is available on the FAQ for Applicants page located here.

A listing of college programs that have been reviewed can be found at the bottom of this page.

Experience

A R.T.Biol. must have two years of experience in the previous five years earned after graduation.

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 technologist 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.

Accredited Post Secondary Diploma Programs

The ASPB has accredited several post secondary programs for college graduates. This list includes:

NAIT

• Biological Sciences
• Renewable Resources
• Lab and Research

Lethbridge College

• Fish and Wildlife
• Renewable Resource Management

Lakeland College at Vermillion

• Environmental Sciences Diploma
• Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Major
• Conservation and Restoration Ecology (CARE)

This is not an exhaustive list - programs will be added once they have been reviewed.