Information for Applicants

Any person who is eligible to be a Voting Member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia may apply for registration as a Registered Professional Forester. Registrants are entitled to use the designation Registered Professional Forester and the post-nominal ‘RPF’. Non-members may apply providing they pay the full Application Fee.

The Registered Professional Forester scheme allows applicants to define and nominate the area/s of skills/expertise in which they seek recognition. Registrants each receive a Certificate detailing the areas of recognition. The basic requirement for RPF approval are:

1. Eligibility for membership of the IFA at Voting Member level;
2. Agreement to abide by IFA Code of Ethics;
3. Have 5 years relevant professional experience which includes at least 2 years relevant experience in Australia;
4. Provide details sufficiently substantiating recognition at one of the following recognised categories:
    • General Practicing Forester
    • General Practicing Forester with recognised skills
    • Specialist;
5. Undertake (after approval) to complete at least 30 hours Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually and
6. Have cover for Professional Indemnity Insurance or where relevant, a statement of cover or indemnity by employer. (required only if employed and practicing in external consultancy).

Please download the RPF kit:

• Complete kit in one zipped file (171 KB)

Individual files

• RPF01(18-06-04) - Information about the Scheme
• RPF02(18-06-04) - Information for Applicants
• RPF05(01-07-05) - Application Form (for online or offline completion and submission)
• RPF06(01-07-04) - Annual Return – CPD & Insurance  (for online or offline completion and submission)
• RPF20(14-10-04) - Renewal of Registration (for online completion and submission)