The BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) announced a new professional certification this spring, the Registered Technologist in Agrology (RTAg).
The new designation will align the profession of agrology with other applied science professionals that also have a technologist designation. The RTAg certification typically requires a two-year college or university education in a variety of approved programs, instead of the four-year university degree required for a Professional Agrologist (PAg).
The RTAg will work within a scope of practice defined by their education and experience. Several institutions offer approved diploma programs, including BCIT, College of New Caledonia, Douglas College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Okanagan College, Selkirk College, University of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island University. Programs include fish, wildlife, food technology, geomatics engineering technology, forestry, horticulture, water engineering and agricultural technology.
The designation allows for registration in a professional regulatory organization with the assurance of competency to the public, recognition of academic training, increased employment opportunities, insurance benefits and the eligibility to transfer to other provinces.
RTAg certification requires completion of an articling program and at least two years of relevant work experience after completion of the diploma or degree. To promote this new category, the BCIA will waive half of the application fee for all applicants until February 28, 2021.
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