Certified Forester Program

The mission of the Certified Forester® program is to serve as the competency and credentialing standard for foresters; recognize a forester's education, professional experience, and commitment to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge; promote continuing education in forestry and associated disciplines; and increase public awareness of the forestry professional.

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) established the national Certified Forester credential in 1994 to address the inconsistent state-by-state approach to forester credentialing through licensing and registration. The Certified Forester/Forest Certification Auditor specialized credential focuses on auditing for forest certification. The Candidate Certified Forester inspires every forestry graduate and those returning to the profession to earn a credential while gaining the experience needed to earn the CF credential.

SAF does not express an opinion on the competence of or warrant the job performance of CFs. Rather, certification constitutes recognition by SAF that, to its best knowledge, a CF meets and adheres to certain minimum academic preparation, professional experience, continuing education, and professional standards. Applicants since 2003 have also passed a competency examination. 

Recertification Requirements

Prior to recertification, a Certified Forester must complete 60 CFE credit hours.

Individuals with a recertification date BEFORE February 1, 2011:

- Cat 1-CF and/or Cat 1-FCA - 30 CFE credit hours, minimum

- Category 2 - Not to exceed 30 CFE credit hours

- Category 3 - Not to exceed 25 CFE credit hours

Individuals with a recertification date AFTER February 1, 2011:

- Cat 1-CF - 40 CFE credit hours, minimum

- Cat 1-FCA - Not to exceed 20 CFE credit hours

- Category 2 - Not to exceed 20 CFE credit hours

- Category 3 - Not to exceed 20 CFE credit hours