SAF Certification Program Handbook

SAF Certification
Program Handbook
Procedures, policies, and guidelines for all credentials
within the SAF certification programs
Society of American Foresters
2121 K Street NW, Suite 315
[Link]
(866) 897–8720

Approved by the Certification Review Board

January 2008
October 10, 2008
March 29, 2010
December 1, 2014
Revised November 30, 2021
Revised December 4, 2023
Revised April 24, 2024
Revised December 19, 2024

Copyright © 2008 Society of American Foresters

On the cover:
Top: Trees in the Chicago region currently store about 16.9 million tons of carbon
and remove about 677,000 tons of carbon and 18,080 tons of air pollution per
year. Chicago’s regional forest is estimated to reduce annual residential energy
costs by $44.0 million per year. USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres.

Bottom: An aerial view of forest in central Maine. Photo by Joel Prince for the
National Association of State Foresters.
Standards of Professional Practice
Every certified professional or applicant for the Certified Forester (CF) or Candidate Certified
Forester (CCF) or the Certified Urban and Community Forester (CUCF) or the Candidate Certi-
fied Urban and Community Forester (CCUCF) or the Certified Forestry Technician (CFT) or the
Candidate Certified Forestry Technician (CCFT) credential agrees to:
1. Follow all applicable regulations governing environmental quality and management of
forest resources;
2. Follow all applicable state and local legislation regarding registration and licensing
requirements;
3. Inform prospective clients or employers of the importance of conserving forest
resources;
4. Maintain environmental quality in management recommendations to prospective clients
or employers;
5. Refrain from misrepresenting or pursuing business or management practices that are
detrimental to the goals of prospective clients or employers;
6. Refrain from providing professional opinions or recommendations for areas of expertise
in which the individual is not qualified and agrees to refer clients or employers to quali-fi
fied professionals when such expertise is lacking;
7. Use only truthful and clear statements in any advertising or statement of qualifications;
8. Refrain from misrepresenting certification, or one’s individual certification status,
including the misuse of application status, trademark, certificate, or other related
credentials;
9. Refrain from any misrepresentation on an application; willful submission of incorrect
information in recertification; or failure to include relevant information in any commu-
nication to the Certification Review Board (CRB); and to
10. Meet all requirements to maintain certification.
11. Anyone who has taken the practice exam or certification exam for any SAF
certification, or who has assisted in the development of any exam in any capacity or role
will not participate in any capacity or manner in the development or instruction of a
review course, preparatory course, book, article, video, podcast or tutorial for that exam
for up to two years after participation or sitting for the exam or practice exam.

Further, every applicant agrees that violation of the standards listed above may be a basis for
adverse action, including denial or revocation of certification or recertification in accordance
with the Administrative Rules of the Certification Review Board, and that:
• Certification may be suspended, and may be revoked pending review by the CRB, following
final action resulting in revocation or suspension of an individual’s state forestry registra-
tion or licensing credential, or related professional credential or professional membership;
• A conviction of, plea of guilty to, or plea of nolo contendere to a felony related to forestry
practices or to public health or welfare or a misdemeanor that relates directly to forestry
practices may be grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of certification; and that
 • The individual shall report any revocation, suspension, conviction, or plea as described
above to SAF within thirty (30) days of the final action. An individual convicted of such a
felony or misdemeanor may be ineligible to apply for certification or recertification for a
period of three (3) years from the exhaustion of appeals, probation, parole, or final release
from confinement (if any), whichever is later.

The Council of the Society of American Foresters adopted the Standards of Professional Practice in
1994. Modified by the Certification Review Board in April 2003, September 2005, March 2010, Novem-
ber 2023, and October 2024.

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Table of Contents
Introduction 7
Certifications Objectives 7
Candidate Certified Forester® / Certified Forester® 9
Education Requirement 9
Experience Requirement for CCF 12
Experience Requirement for CF 12
Experience Credit for Advanced Education 14
Application Process and Timeline 14

Candidate Certified Urban and Community Forester /

Certified Urban and Community Forester 16
Eligibility Requirements 16
Eligibility Pathways 17
Experience Credit for Advanced Education 18
Application Process and Timeline 18

Candidate Certified Forestry Technician™/

Certified Forestry Technician™ 20
Eligibility Requirements 20
Eligibility Pathways 20
Experience Credit for Advanced Education 21
Application Process and Timeline 21

Certified Forester®, Urban and Community Forester, and

Certified Forestry Technician Certification Exams 23
Exam Window and Extensions 23
Format and Content 23
Passing Score 24
Special Examination Accommodations 24
Examination Site Requirements 24
Remote Proctored Examination 25
Examination Results 25
Reexamination 25
Rescheduling and Cancellations 26
SAF Test Security and Confidentiality Policy 26

Recertification Requirements 27
Overview 27
Continuing Forestry Education Specifics 27
CFE Categories 27
 University Courses 33
Definition of Credit Hours 33
Submitting CFE Credits 33
Audits 34
Individual Appeals of Approved Credit Hours 34
International Society of Arboriculture Continuing Education Units 35
NWCG Programs 35
State Boards of Licensure 35
Military Duty 35
Carryover of CFE Credit 35
Commitment to Standards of Professional Practice 35

Certification Fees 36
Refunds 36
Grace Period and Extensions 36
Reinstatement 36

Certification Procedures 37
Certification Review Board 37
Society of American Foresters 37
Release of Information 37
Use of Registered Marks 37
Denial, Revocation, or Suspension of Certification 38
Application Appeals Procedures and Waiver 38

Appendix A: Certified Forester® Exam Domains and Knowledge Areas 39

Appendix B: Certified Urban & Community Forester™ Exam Domains

and Knowledge Areas 44

Appendix C: Certified Forestry Technician Exam Domains and

Knowledge Areas 51

Appendix D: Mentorship Documentation 56

Introduction
Professional standards are developed for those whose activities influence the well-being of the
general public. Providing consistent, national credentials in forestry is a service offered by the
Society of American Foresters (SAF), a nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. SAF
advocates wise stewardship in forest resources management to the public, practicing foresters
and natural resource managers, and the forestry profession.
SAF established the national Certified Forester (CF) credential in 1994. Initially, the CF assessed
academic preparation, professional experience, adherence to the Standards of Professional Prac-
tice, and commitment to continuing education. In 2003, a competency examination was added to
assess an applicant’s forestry knowledge, skills, and abilities (see Appendix A). The program was
expanded to include an examination for a Certified Forester and/or Forest Certification Auditor
(CF/FCA) in 2003, along with the Candidate Certified Forester (CCF) credential in 2005. The CF/
FCA certification was sunset in 2013 by the Certification Review Board.
In 2013, SAF partnered with the California Urban Forests Council to develop a new Certified
Urban and Community Forester program. Certified Urban and Community Forester candidates are
required to adhere to the Standards of Professional Practice and pass a competency examination
in order to earn the designation of Certified Urban and Community Forester (CUCF).
In 2024, SAF embarked on the development of a new certification for forestry technicians.
These forestry technicians may work under the supervision and direction of a Certified Forester
or Registered Forester and play an integral part in the management plan of forests. Many of the
exam domains are similar to that of the Certified Forester exam but the material isn’t quite as
advanced as that of the Certified Forester exam. While many may choose to hold both designa-
tions to show not only the role of higher-level leadership role but also the ability to perform field
operations, the Certified Forestry Technician (CFT and Candidate Certified Forestry Technician
certification (CCFT) are meant to serve those who may not meet the eligibility requirements of
the Certified Forester program.

Certifications Objectives
The Certified Forester credential promotes excellence in the stewardship of our nation’s forest
resources through enhanced professionalism in forestry. The program advances this through the
development, maintenance, promotion, and administration of an examination-based professional
forester certification that mandates professional development and commitment to standards of
professional practice.
The Candidate Certified Forester credential will inspire every forestry graduate and new pro-
fessional to consider becoming a CF and consequently be aware of the certification program and
its value to them and to society. The CCF credential will be upheld to the rigorous requirements
of the CF credential, including a collegiate education, continuing forestry education, and follow-
ing the Standards of Professional Practice.
The Certified Urban and Community Forester certification recognizes the unique challenges of
working in urban, community, and metropolitan forests. To name a few, the geography of an urban
and community forester may include anything from cityscapes, metropolitan parks, homeown-
ers’ associations, golf courses, resort and tourism areas, college campuses, utility infrastructures,
and state and local municipalities. The CUCF certification aims to encompass a holistic approach
to the canopy dynamics in working in geographies within more populated areas. With a changing
workforce, both the CUCF certification and the Candidate Certified Urban and Community For-
ester certification strive to allow opportunities to elevate the standards of professional practice
within this diverse industry.

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 The Candidate Certified Urban and Community Forester credential offers the opportunity for
those who have not yet gained the required number of years of work experience to continue to
grow their knowledge and skillset by measurable means while aspiring to earn the designation
of CUCF.
The Certified Forestry Technician certification continues the tradition of excellence visible
in SAF’s other certification programs. The CFT was developed for those working in forestry but
might not quite meet the eligibility requirements of a Certified or Candidate Certified Forester.
Often times the Forestry Technician may work under the direction and guidance of a CF or an RF.
They are an integral part of field operations in forestry and SAF recognizes that this workforce
was in need of a professional certification of their own to help highlight their accomplishments
and continued growth in the industry, along with adherence to standards of professional practice.
NOTE: Programs may supplement or complement state laws that certify, register, or license
foresters. However, the credentials within the program are not a substitute for such statutory
requirements. Certification applicants and certificant holders are still subject to state and local
forestry legislation. It is the responsibility of applicants and certificant holders to contact their
local government to ensure compliancy.

Photo by Preston Keres in New Mexico for the USDA Forest Service.

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Candidate Certified Forester® & Certified Forester®
The Candidate Certified Forester (CCF) credential serves as a pathway allowing individuals the
opportunity to earn the experience required to earn the Candidate Forester (CF) credential.

Eligibility Pathways

Pathway #1: An earned degree at the baccalaureate or master’s level

from an SAF-accredited degree program

Education Pathway #2: An earned degree at the baccalaureate, master’s, or doc-

Candidate Certified Forester

Requirement torate level in forestry or related natural resources. ​

Examples of related fields include: environmental studies, wildlife man-
agement, rangeland management, ecology, and others.

Applicants must have less than five years of qualifying professional

experience within the past 10 years in 2 of 4 experience areas:​
• Resource Assessment​
Experience
Requirement • Stakeholder Analysis and Relations​
• Management Planning​
• Execution of Management Plan

Pathway #1: An earned degree at the baccalaureate or master’s level

from an SAF-accredited degree program​

Education Pathway #2: An earned degree at the baccalaureate, master’s, or doc-

Requirement torate level in forestry or related natural resources. ​

Examples of related fields include: environmental studies, wildlife man-

Certified Forester

agement, rangeland management, ecology, and others.

Applicants must have five or more years of qualifying professional for-

estry experience within the past 10 years in 2 of 4 experience areas:​
• Resource Assessment​
• Stakeholder Analysis and Relations​
Experience
Requirement • Management Planning​
• Execution of Management Plan​
Time spent in pursuit of an advanced academic degree may be cred-
ited toward professional experience​.​

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR CCF & CF

Minimum education criteria can be met through one of two pathways (see chart above).
Regardless of the pathway, please note the following:
a. Submit on the application page or have your school submit a final transcript electroni-
cally to certifications@[Link]. If a digital copy of the transcript cannot be provided on

9
 the application page or via email, please contact certifications@safnet. org for informa-
tion on submitting a hard copy. Every applicant must submit a final transcript showing
the date and the name of the professional forestry degree earned. SAF reserves the right
to request the applicant have their school provide an official transcript sent directly to
SAF at any time. If more than one degree is required to show coverage of required courses,
all transcripts must be submitted. SAF reserves the right to request the applicant have
their school provide an official transcript sent directly to SAF at any time. Allcourse-
work to be considered for certification must have been offered for credit by an institu-
tion that has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting entity that is approved
by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education.
In order to be accepted, courses that are not offered through an SAF- accredited pro-
gram may require a detailed syllabus, text and/or reference requirements, and the qual-
ifications of the instructor.

b. Graduates from all countries are invited to apply for certification; however, collegiate
credits taken outside of the United States often vary from the American system. Appli-
cants who have earned credits from non-US programs must organize and present course
titles, credits, and contents in the format listed in the application. SAF reserves the
right to require independent verification of coursework completed at a non-US based
institution.

c. A “credit hour” shall be the equivalent of a semester credit hour and not a quarter credit
hour. One semester credit hour is equal to 1.5 quarter hours. A one-semester credit
hour course consists of 15 contact hours of class, lecture, or recitation. A contact hour
is defined as a minimum of 50 minutes in a one-hour period. Two laboratory hours (a
minimum) are equal to one contact hour of class, lecture, or recitation.

Pathway #1
An earned degree at the baccalaureate or master’s level from an SAF-accredited degree program.

Pathway #2
An earned degree at the baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate level in forestry or related natural
resources. The earned degree(s) must have 56 semester credits as specified in the forestry-related
coursework areas (a) through (d) (see Forestry-Related Coursework below). Additional course-
work information is required as a part of the qualifying degree.

Examples of “related natural resources” include, but are not limited to, environmental studies,
wildlife management, range management, or ecology.

An associate’s degree may contribute towards the education requirement. However, the first
qualifying degree must be at the baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate level in forestry or related
natural resources field.

SAF staff, under the direction of the Qualifications and Admission Committee of the Certification
Review Board, will review the degree content or additional credits to ensure content in four subject
matter areas. Applications must include a course description or syllabus to verify that the eligibility
requirements have been met. Applicants may be requested to submit additional documentation.

A minimum of 56 credit hours is required with 51 credits in the following distribution, with an
additional five credit hours in any of the forestry-related coursework areas:

10
 a. Ecology and Forest Biology—15 credit hours
b. Measurement of Forest Resources—12 credit hours
c. Management of Forest Resources—15 credit hours
d. Forest Resource Policy, Economics, and Administration—9 credit hours
The other five credit hours may be in any of the above forestry-related coursework areas.

The four subject matter areas are as follows:

a. Ecology and Forest Biology
• Dendrology; forest vegetation; plant taxonomy
• Forest soils; advanced soils (junior level or higher)
• Forest ecology and/or biology; silvics; wildlife biology and/or ecology; conservation
biology; wetland ecology
• Forest entomology and pathology; integrated pest management
• Fire ecology; wildfire management

b. Measurement of Forest Resources

• Forest mensuration; forest resource measurements
• Land surveying; photogrammetry/remote sensing; principles and applications of geo-
graphic information systems
• Forest resource inventory; forest inventory design, sampling methods and analysis;
statistics

c. Management of Forest Resources

• Silviculture; advanced forest ecology (senior level or higher)
• Forest resource management plans: design, development, implementation, and analy-
sis (timber, watershed, wildlife, recreation, endangered species, combinations thereof,
or urban forest applications)
• Forest engineering; forest operations; timber/forest resource harvesting

d. Forest Resource Policy, Economics, and Administration

• Forest/natural resource policy: policy development and administration, law and reg-
ulation development, and implementation
• Forest/natural resource economics: markets, human resources, finance, and busi-
ness management
• Professional ethics: responsibility and integrity, standards of practice, client/public/
professional relationships

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EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR CCF
Each applicant must have less than five years of qualifying professional experience within the
past 10 years.

Qualifying professional experience is defined under four forestry-related work areas: resource
assessment, stakeholder analysis and relations, management planning, or execution of manage-
ment plan. Complete information on these areas can be found under the Experience Requirement
for the CF credential (below).

Qualifying experience must follow the conferral of the first qualifying forestry degree. Employ-
ment prior to graduation, including academic internships and cooperative work agreements, does
not count toward the experience requirement.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR CF

Applicants must have five or more years of qualifying professional forestry experience within the
past 10 years in two of the four experience areas (a) through (d) below.

Qualifying experience must follow the conferral of the first qualifying degree. Employment prior
to graduation, including academic internships and cooperative work agreements, does not count
toward the experience requirement.

ALL APPLICANTS must provide documentation for each area, the time devoted specifically
to activities in forestry, including a résumé or full CV. Experience provided in résumé or CV
must include the months and years of each applicable experience (examples can be found at
[Link]) to demonstrate that professional experience is in areas outlined below:

a. Resource Assessment
• Collect preliminary data for a parcel of forest land (e.g., soils, cover types, access,
stream and riparian areas, and legal and regulatory environment) using both on-the-
ground and external data collection methods to identify the inventory strategy
required for the property and to determine general condition, land capabilities, and
management options.
• Inventory forest resources to establish management direction and to facilitate achieve-
ment of the stated objectives using accepted quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
• Inventory forest condition (e.g., weeds, insect and disease surveys, fuel loading, and
damage) using accepted survey methods in order to establish the basis for decision
making.
• Delineate property boundaries using appropriate methods and utilize licensed sur-
veyors when required in order to determine the scope of the area to be managed.
• Perform a resource supply-and-demand assessment for a discrete geographical area
to determine availability and market conditions.
• Determine potential productivity of the land base for identified resources using
accepted procedures in order to evaluate management options.

b. Stakeholder Analysis and Relations

• Identify potential stakeholders using relevant sources (e.g., landowner consulta-

12
 tion, regulatory bodies, ownership records, lease documents, regionally important
resource professionals and/or groups) to discern the level of their involvement in
developing a strategy or management plan.
• Evaluate the relative importance of each stakeholder’s position to determine its level
of impact on management planning and implementation using legal and objective
criteria.
• Engage stakeholders and incorporate their concerns in management planning and
implementation.
• Review management options and their implications through consultation to assist
landowners in meeting objectives.
• Advocate the importance of science-based forest policies, laws, and practices using
appropriate channels of communication and influence to ensure the long-term capac-
ity of the land to provide the variety of goods and services required by society.

c. Management Planning
• Confirm land ownership using legal records to assure authority to make manage-
ment decisions.
• Describe the management goals determined in the stakeholder analysis in order to
establish priorities and direction for management.
• Describe the existing resource condition using the resource assessment to provide a
basis for developing science-based management options.
• Develop management options by evaluating economic and operational factors to meet
owner objectives.
• Establish management options using stakeholder input, existing laws and regulations,
and resource assessment in order to select the preferred option to meet owner objec-
tives and address foreseeable conflicts.
• Identify applicable standards, regulations, and practices by reviewing appropriate
federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and voluntary practices to develop com-
pliance strategies.
• Describe operational methods and techniques by formulating the silvicultural system
and associated practices as appropriate to achieve landowner objectives.
• Establish monitoring and adjustment strategies in order to ensure that landowner
objectives are met and conflicts mitigated by defining applicable procedures.

d. Execution of Management Plan

• Implement the management plan using specified activities (e.g., surveying, harvest-
ing, reforestation, site preparation, hazard reduction, road building) in compliance
with applicable laws, regulations, and voluntary practice standards in order to meet
landowner objectives.

• Develop a budget by estimating costs and revenues for specified activities in order
to fund the management plan.

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 • Prepare contracts or work plans by developing and negotiating detailed specifications
in order to implement the management plan.
• Administer contracts or work plans to ensure monitoring and enforcing specifications
meet management plan objectives.
• Monitor activities by measuring specified variables and indicators in order to meet
the goals of the management plan.
• Identify changes as they occur by monitoring indicators in order to adapt the man-
agement plan.

Experience Credit for Advanced Education

Time spent in pursuit of an advanced academic degree may be credited toward professional expe-
rience, subject to the following:
• A maximum of one year of experience credit will be allowed for completion of a master’s
degree, a maximum of two years of experience credit for a doctorate degree, and a max-
imum of three years of experience credit for a master’s degree and doctorate degree.

• Experience credit will be given only upon completion of advanced degree(s) in forest
resources management or a closely related discipline.

• Applicants requesting experience credit for advanced degree work in forestry, or a

closely related discipline, must request this credit on their CF application.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

• Login at [Link] and create an account if you do not have one.
• Go to Apply for Certification within the CERTIFICATION & EDUCATION TAB.
• Select ENROLL for the respective application. Note the application timeline for each
application.
* CCF applications must be completed within 12 months of enrollment date.
* CCF to CF applications must be completed within one year following having five years
of experience or no longer than six years passed the enrollment date (date of earn-
ing CCF).

* CF applications are designed to be completed within 18 months of enrollment date.

This includes passing the exam. (See page 23 for exam extensions). Similar to CCF,
the application package can be completed and eligibility to sit for the exam can be
determined in three months or less, providing ample time to pass the exam within
the designated exam and application window.
• Proceed to complete the appropriate online application. There are variances depend-
ing on the qualifying education:

* Application A—Pathway #1
* Application B—Pathway #2
* A résumé or CV is required for CF and CCF applicants. Experience provided in résumé
or CV must include the months and years of each applicable experience.

14
 • Submit on the application page or have your school submit a final transcript electron-
ically to certifications@[Link]. Submit on the application page or have your school
submit a final transcript electronically to certifications@[Link]. If a digital copy of
the transcript cannot be provided on the application page or via email, please contact
certifications@[Link] for information on submitting a hard copy on the application
page or via email, please contact certifications@[Link] for information on submit-
ting a hard copy. SAF reserves the right to request the applicant have their school pro-
vide an official transcript sent directly to SAF at any time. Submit the application fee,
which can be done online below the online application.
• The 14-business-day review process will begin once the application is completed (online
application, payment received, and transcripts received).*

• Notifications will be sent electronically indicating when payment is received, tran-

script(s) are received, and applicant is deemed eligible to sit for the exam.

• Eligible applicants will receive an electronic copy of the resource guide.

• SAF staff will pre-register eligible applicants through our testing company Prometric.

• Eligible applicants will receive a pre-registration email from Prometric.

• The exam window is 12 months from date of issue for CF candidates. The date of issue
is the date the pre-registration notification is sent electronically by Prometric.

*Payment MUST be received within 60 days of an application being started. If payment isn’t received
within 60 days of application start, it will be considered inactive, and the applicant will need to
reapply.

Photo by Leslie Robertson in Mississippi for the National Association of State Foresters.
 Candidate Certified Urban and Community Forester™
Certified Urban and Community Forester™
The Candidate Certified Urban and Community Forester (CCUCF) credential serves as a path-
way allowing individuals the opportunity to earn experience required for the Certified Urban and
Community Forester credential. It allows those who may not immediately be eligible to earn the
Certified Urban and Community Forester (CUCF) credential to maintain a transitional certifica-
tion. Minimum experience criteria can be met through various pathways (see chart on page 17).
Regardless of the pathway, please note the following eligibility requirements.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Every applicant applying through pathway 1 or 2 (see page 17) must submit a final transcript show-
ing the date and name of the degree earned. If more than one degree is required to show cover-
age of required courses, all transcripts must be submitted.
In order for a transcript to be considered for certification, the degree must have been earned
from an institution that has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting entity that is
approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education.
Graduates from all countries are invited to apply for certification; however, collegiate credits
taken outside the United States often vary from the American system. Applicants who have earned
credits from non-US programs must also be earned from a nationally recognized accreditation
program. SAF reserves the right to require independent verification of transcripts completed at
non-US-based institutions. All application documentation must be submitted in English or be
accompanied by a certified translation.
A “credit hour” shall be the equivalent of a semester credit hour and not a quarter credit hour.
One semester credit hour is equal to 1.5 quarter hours. A one-semester credit hour course con-
sists of 15 contact hours of class, lecture, or recitation. A contact hour is defined as a minimum
of 50 minutes in a one-hour period. Two laboratory hours (a minimum) are equal to one contact
hour of class, lecture, or recitation.
An earned degree can be associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate levels; SAF accredita-
tion standards for programs include forest technology, forestry, urban forestry, natural resources,
and ecosystem management.
Qualifying professional experience is defined under the following urban forestry-related work
areas: urban forest science, incorporating the urban forest with the built environment, urban
forest assessment and planning, urban forest management, ecosystems management, adminis-
tration, and communications. Any applicant must provide evidence of at least 3 of the 7 domains
listed in the CUCF Exam Domains & Knowledge Areas (see Appendix B).

Photo by Hans Isaacson in New York for the National Association of State Foresters.
Pathway Options for Certified Urban and Community Foresters
and Transition Pathways for Candidate Certified Urban and Community Foresters

Related Degree Unrelated Degree

SAF-accredited or related Unrelated accredited degree

accredited degree
And at least 6 years applica-
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate

CUCF
Pathway 1 And at least 5 years applica- ble experience* in the past 10
Professional Degrees

ble experience* in the past years

10 years

SAF-accredited or related Unrelated accredited degree

accredited degree with less with no less than 2 years of
than 5 years related experience in the past
CCUCF 10 years
Pathway 1 Transitions to CUCF at 5
years of applicable expe- Transitions to CUCF at 6 years
rience* within the past 10 applicable experience*
years

SAF-accredited or related Unrelated degree

accredited degree
And at least 7 years applica-
CUCF
And at least 6 years of appli- ble experience* in the past 10
Pathway 2
cable experience* in the years
past 10 years
Technical Degrees
Associates

SAF-Accredited or related Unrelated degree with a min-

accredited degree with no imum of 3 years of applica-
less than 3 years of applica- ble experience in the past 10
CCUCF ble experience in the past 10 years
Pathway 2 years
Transitions to CUCF at 7 years
Transitions to CUCF of applicable experience**
at 6 years of applicable
experience*

CUCF
At least 8 years of applicable experience in the past 10 years
Pathway 3
No Degree

No less than 3 years of applicable experience in the past 10 years

CCUCF
Pathway 3 Transitions to CUCF at 8 years of applicable experience

*Some or all of the applicable experience may be earned within the past 10 years prior to earning
degree. Applicant is eligible for a reduction of required experience by providing evidence of a cur-
rent and valid recognized related certification.
Note: All candidates that qualify for the CUCF, MUST pass the competency-based examination, in
order to earn designation. Those who transition from the CCUCF to the CUCF must also pass the
competency exam prior to earning the CUCF designation.

17
Pathways #1 through #3
Applicants must have the required years of qualifying professional urban forestry experience in at
least 3 of the 7 exam domains within the past 10 years. See Appendix B for information on Exam
Domains and Knowledge areas.
ALL APPLICANTS must provide documentation, for each area, showing the time devoted spe-
cifically to activities in urban forestry, including a résumé or CV. Experience provided in résumé
or CV must include the months and years of each applicable experience. Applicants holding unre-
lated degrees or no degree will be required to provide names and email addresses for one to three
supervisors who have seen the applicant perform on-the-job training for at least six months’ time.
Supervisors will be emailed a link to complete attestation of training. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure supervisor(s) complete the attestation form. Eligibility will not be conferred
until supervisor(s) complete attestation for all areas of experience for the required years of work.
Please contact SAF at certifications@[Link] if additional supervisor attestation is required to
demonstrate experience other than the five listed on the application.

Experience Credit for Advanced Education

Time spent in pursuit of an advanced academic degree may be credited toward professional expe-
rience, subject to the following:
• A maximum of one year of experience credit will be allowed for completion of a mas-
ter’s degree, a maximum of two years of experience credit for a doctorate degree, and
a maximum of three years of experience credit for a master’s and doctorate degree.

• Experience credit will be given only upon completion of advanced degree(s) in forest
resources management or a closely related discipline.

• Applicants requesting experience credit for advanced degree work in forestry, or a

closely related discipline, must request this credit on the CUCF application.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

• Login at [Link]. If you do not have an account, you can create a compli-
mentary account.
• Go to Apply for Certification within the CERTIFICATION & EDUCATION tab.
• Select ENROLL for the respective application. Note the application timeline for each
application.

* CUCF applications must be completed within 12 months of enrollment date.

* CCUCF to CUCF applications must be completed within 1 year following having the
required years of experience.

* CUCF applications are designed to be completed within 18 months of enrollment

date. This includes passing the exam. (See page 23 for exam extensions). Similar to
CCUCF, the application package can be completed and eligibility to sit for the exam
can be determined in 3 months or less providing ample time to pass the exam within
the designated exam and application window.

• Proceed to complete the appropriate online application. There are variances depending
on the qualifying eligibility experience.

18
 * A résumé or CV is required for CUCF and CCUCF applicants. Experience provided
in résumé or CV must include the months and years of each applicable experience.
• Submit on the application page or have your school submit a final transcript electroni-
cally to certifications@[Link]. If they are unable to provide a digital transcript copy
on the application page or via email, please contact certifications@[Link] for infor-
mation on submitting a hard copy. Submit the application fee.
• The 14-day business day review process will begin once the application is completed
(online application, payment received, applicable transcript(s) and/or attestation state-
ments received).*
• Notifications will be sent electronically indicating when payment is received, tran-
script(s), and applicable supervisor attestations are received, and applicant is deemed
eligible to sit for the exam.
• Eligible applicants will receive an electronic copy of the resource guide.
• SAF staff will pre-register eligible applicants through the testing company, Prometric.
• Eligible applicants will receive pre-registration email from Prometric.
• The exam window is 12 months from date of issue for CUCF candidates. The date of issue
is the date the pre-registration notification is sent electronically by Prometric.

• The extension prior to the eligibility window’s expiration date. A one-time, six-month
extension will be given at no additional cost.

• A no-cost extension will not be granted once the applicant’s eligibility window has
closed.

• Applicants who do not take the examination within eighteen months of the date of their
eligibility letter, regardless of whether they have been granted an extension, must reap-
ply for eligibility.

• Under extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, birth of a child, death of an

immediate family member), SAF may allow an extension at no additional cost once an
applicant’s expiration date lapses. Special circumstances must either immediately pre-
cede or coincide with the expiration date. All such circumstances must include sup-
porting documentation, such as a doctor’s note.

*Payment MUST be received within 60 days of an application being started. If payment isn’t received
within 60 days of application start, it will be considered inactive, and the applicant will need to
reapply.

19
Candidate Certified Forestry Technician™ and
Certified Forestry Technician™
The Candidate Certified Forestry Technician (CCFT) credential serves as a pathway allowing indi-
viduals the opportunity to earn experience required for the Certified Forestry Technician (CFT)
credential. It allows those who may not immediately be eligible to earn the CFT credential to
maintain a transitional certification. Minimum experience criteria can be met through various
pathways (see chart on page 21). Regardless of the pathway, please note the following eligibility
requirements.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Every applicant applying through pathway 1 or 2 (see page 21) must submit a final transcript show-
ing the date and name of the degree earned. If more than one degree is required to show cover-
age of required courses, all transcripts must be submitted. SAF reserves the right to request the
applicant have their school provide an official transcript sent directly to SAF at any time.

In order for a transcript to be considered for certification, the degree must have been earned
from an institution that has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting entity that is
approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education.

Graduates from all countries are invited to apply for certification; however, collegiate credits
taken outside the United States often vary from the American system. Applicants who have earned
credits from non-US programs must also be earned from a nationally recognized accreditation
program. SAF reserves the right to require independent verification of transcripts completed at
non-US-based institutions. All application documentation must be submitted in English or be
accompanied by a certified translation.

A “credit hour” shall be the equivalent of a semester credit hour and not a quarter credit hour.
One semester credit hour is equal to 1.5 quarter hours. A one-semester credit hour course con-
sists of 15 contact hours of class, lecture, or recitation. A contact hour is defined as a minimum
of 50 minutes in a one-hour period. Two laboratory hours (a minimum) are equal to one contact
hour of class, lecture, or recitation.

An earned degree can be associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate levels; SAF accredita-
tion standards for programs include forest technology, forestry, urban forestry, natural resources,
and ecosystem management.

Qualifying professional experience is defined under the following forestry-related work areas as
listed in the CFT Exam Domains & Knowledge Areas (see Appendix C): data collection and inven-
tory, field operations preparation and execution, and interaction and communication with rele-
vant parties and stakeholders. Any applicant applying under pathway 3 must provide evidence of
at least 2 of the 3 domains listed in the CFT Exam Domains & Knowledge Areas (see Appendix C).

Pathways #1 through #3
Applicants must have the required years of qualifying professional forestry experience in at least 2
of the 3 exam domains within the past 10 years. See Appendix C for information on Exam Domains
and Knowledge areas.

ALL APPLICANTS must provide documentation, for each area, showing the time devoted spe-
cifically to activities in forestry, including a résumé or CV. Experience provided in résumé or CV

20
Pathway Options for Certified Forest Technicians and Candidate Certified Forest Technicians

Pathway 1 SAF Associate’s Accredited Degree 2 years of related qualifying

or Higher experience

Pathway 2 Non-SAF Related Accredited 3 years of related qualifying

Associate’s Degree or Higher experience

Pathway 3 4 years of related qualifying

Unrelated or No Degree
experience*

*Attestation form completed by reference(s) stating the applicant has performed on-the-job training for at
least 2 of the 3 exam domain areas competently and regularly for at least 6 months.

Note: Applicants can earn candidacy with no experience and transition into the CFT after respective
required years of experience and MUST pass the CFT exam.

must include the months and years of each applicable experience. Applicants holding unrelated
degrees, or no degree will be required to provide names and email addresses for one to three
supervisors who have seen the applicant perform on-the-job training for at least six months’ time.
Supervisors will be emailed a link to complete attestation of training. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure supervisor(s) complete the attestation form. Eligibility will not be conferred
until supervisor(s) complete attestation for all areas of experience for the required years of work.
Please contact SAF at certifications@[Link] if additional supervisor attestation is required to
demonstrate experience other than the five listed on the application.

Experience Credit for Advanced Education

Time spent in pursuit of an advanced academic degree may be credited toward professional expe-
rience, subject to the following:
• A maximum of one year of experience credit will be allowed for completion of a mas-
ter’s degree, a maximum of two years of experience credit for a doctorate degree, and
a maximum of three years of experience credit for a master’s and doctorate degree.

• Experience credit will be given only upon completion of an advanced degree(s) in forest
resources management or a closely related discipline.

• Applicants requesting experience credit for advanced degree work in forestry, or a

closely related discipline, must request this credit on the CFT application.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

• Login at [Link]. If you do not have an account, you can create a compli-
mentary account.

• Go to Apply for Certification within the CERTIFICATION & EDUCATION tab.

• Select ENROLL for the respective application. Note the application timeline for each
application.

21
 * CFT applications must be completed within 12 months of enrollment date.
* CCFT to CFT applications must be completed within 1 year following having the
required years of experience.
* CFT applications are designed to be completed within 18 months of enrollment date.
This includes passing the exam. (See page 23 for exam extensions). Similar to CCFT,
the application package can be completed and eligibility to sit for the exam can be
determined in 3 months or less providing ample time to pass the exam within the
designated exam and application window.

• Proceed to complete the appropriate online application. There are variances depending
on the qualifying eligibility experience.
* A résumé or CV is required for CFT and CCFT applicants. Experience provided in
résumé or CV must include the months and years of each applicable experience.

• Submit on the application page or have your school submit a final transcript electroni-
cally to certifications@[Link]. If they are unable to provide a digital transcript copy
on the application page or via email, please contact certifications@[Link] for infor-
mation on submitting a hard copy. SAF reserves the right to request the applicant have
their school provide an official transcript sent directly to SAF at any time. Submit the
application fee.

• The 14-day business day review process will begin once the application is completed
(online application, payment received, applicable transcript(s) and/or attestation state-
ments received).*

• Notifications will be sent electronically indicating when payment is received, transcript

(s), and applicable supervisor attestations are received, and applicant is deemed eligi-
ble to sit for the exam.

• Eligible applicants will receive an electronic copy of the resource guide.

• SAF staff will pre-register eligible applicants through the testing company, Prometric.

• Eligible applicants will receive pre-registration email from Prometric.

• The exam window is 12 months from date of issue for CFT candidates. The date of issue
is the date the pre-registration notification is sent electronically by Prometric.

* Payment MUST be received within 60 days of an application being started. If payment isn’t received
within 60 days of application start, it will be considered inactive, and the applicant will need to
reapply.

22
Certified Forester® and Certified Urban and
Community Forester™ Certification Exams
Applicants taking the forestry certification exams are required to follow the guidelines and pol-
icies relating to examination administration and examination security.

EXAM WINDOW AND EXTENSIONS

Candidates meeting eligibility requirements will receive an email providing details for schedul-
ing an examination.
CF and CUCF credential: The eligibility window for applicants is twelve months after the date of
eligibility letter.
CCF credential: The applicant is eligible to take the exam at any time after receiving the eligibility
letter. Upon completing the five-year experience requirement, an individual is considered to be
an applicant for the CF credential; thus, the 12-month eligibility window will apply.
CCUCF credential: The applicant is eligible to take the exam at any time after receiving the eli-
gibility letter. Upon completing the applicable five- to eight-year experience requirement, an
individual is considered to be an applicant for the CUCF credential; thus, the twelve-month eli-
gibility window will apply.

Please note the following regarding extensions to the eligibility window:

a. Applicants who will not be able to take the certification examination within the twelve-
month eligibility window may request an extension.
b. An extension can be obtained by submitting a written request stating the reason for
the extension prior to the eligibility window’s expiration date. A one-time, six-month
extension will be given at no additional cost.
c. A no-cost extension will not be granted once the applicant’s eligibility window has
closed.
d. Applicants who do not take the examination within eighteen months of the date of their
eligibility letter, regardless of whether they have been granted an extension, must reap-
ply for eligibility.
Under extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, birth of a child, death of an immediate
family member), SAF may allow an extension at no additional cost once an applicant’s expiration
date lapses. Special circumstances must either immediately precede or coincide with the expira-
tion date. All such circumstances must include supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note.

FORMAT AND CONTENT

All forestry certification exams are currently computer based. The CF and CUCF exams include
150 multiple-choice questions and the CFT exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. The
exam questions for each exam:
a. Were developed by work groups of professional foresters and/or urban and commu-
nity foresters.
b. Were independently validated by professional foresters and/or urban and community
foresters.

23
 c. Reference current resources from forestry textbooks and other reference sources; and
d. Satisfy the test specifications of a job analysis.
Please see Appendix A for the CF exam outline and Appendix B for the CUCF exam outline, and
Appendix C for the CFT exam outline.
The allotted time to complete each exam is three hours. Additional exam details will be provided
at the time of scheduling.

PASSING SCORE
The passing score is determined by a criterion-referenced approach called the Modified Angoff
Technique. Testing professionals consider this technique to be one of the most defensible meth-
ods available for establishing a passing score, because it relies on the pooled judgments of content
experts. This approach asks a group of professional foresters to review each item on the exam-
ination and determine the probability that minimally knowledgeable candidates will answer each
item correctly. The final passing score for the examination is based on this pooled judgment and
the calculation of the standard error of the mean. Finally, item analysis and reliability indices are
calculated for each question.
Because not every candidate sits for the same form or version of the exam, the score for each
form or version will differ. The “scaled score” is a way of putting all scores, regardless of the ver-
sion of the exam a candidate takes or the total number of items on the exam, on the same scale
or frame of reference. The exams use a scaled score that ranges from 0 (0 items correct) to 100
(all items correct). A passing scaled score for the CF exam is 75, and the passing scaled score for
the CUCF exam is 75.

SPECIAL EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS

Any candidate may request a modification to the examination administration procedure due to
disability, handicap, or other condition that may impair the ability of the candidate to take the
exam. To request special testing accommodations, candidates must indicate their needs on the
application. Following application processing, SAF or its vendor will send candidates a Special
Accommodations Form. Upon submission of documentation which establishes the disability and a
reasonable accommodation for such disability, SAF or its vendor will make the necessary arrange-
ments for accommodation.

EXAMINATION SITE REQUIREMENTS

Only the individuals named on the registration roster will be permitted to take the examina-
tion. Unless otherwise specified in the eligibility letter, individuals must present two signature-
bearing forms of identification to be admitted to the testing center. Both forms of identification
must have the same name as given on the examination application. One form of identification
must bear a photograph. Examples of photo-bearing identification are a valid driver’s license, an
employee ID, a passport, or a military ID. Examples of signature-bearing identifications include
credit and bank cards. Unacceptable forms of identification include library cards and Social Secu-
rity cards.
Individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times at the test-
ing center. Test site personnel will dismiss any disruptive candidates. No refunds will be given to
candidates expelled or required to leave the test site due to disruptive behavior.
No visitors are permitted in testing rooms (including children). Individuals may bring only a

24
non-programmable calculator into the room. No food, beverages, coats, book bags, luggage, pag-
ers, cellular telephones, tape recorders, other electronic devices, or other personal items will be
allowed. Smoking is prohibited. Applicants will be provided with a formula sheet at the testing
center. The formula sheet covers all of the equations required during the exam.

REMOTE PROCTORED EXAMINATION

When a candidate schedules a remote proctored exam, they are emailed an Admission Letter that
has instructions and a link to the ProProctor User Guide. The system and environment require-
ments are clearly explained in the guide. Remote Proctoring is a convenient option especially for
those who may not be close to a testing center or who may need special examination accommo-
dations. This option is not for everyone. The candidates who use this option must be prepared
to ensure that their system is properly set up to be compatible with the Pro-Proctor application
and be sure to follow all instructions precisely. Candidates who experience any system failures
on their end will be responsible for exam fees and any necessary re-examination fees.
Below are some tips to assist you if you do choose the remote proctored exam:
• Carefully read the SMT Pro-proctor manual that is included in your pre-registration let-
ter in its entirety before pre-registering and selecting the remote option. SMT’s Remote
Proctoring Manual Link: [Link]
PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf
• PLEASE NOTE: Failure to comply with exam requirements setforth in the ProProctor User
Guide could result in being marked as a “no show”,exam fees forfeited and subject to any
re-examination fees. Please read the guidelines carefully before scheduling your exam
remote proctored.
• IMPORTANT: MacOS 13.0 Ventura is not supported at this time.
• Do not use an office computer or any public Wi-Fi.
• Carefully read the Candidate Admissions Letter. It explains all Equipment and Environ-
mental requirements for the use of remote testing.
• If you feel that your equipment or testing environment do not comply with the require-
ments, please refer to “Rescheduling and Cancellations” for further information.
• Conduct all necessary systems checks to ensure that you will have a good connection and
a successful remote examination.

EXAMINATION RESULTS
Candidates receive exam results immediately after taking the exam. However, the exam is rescored
and then forwarded to SAF from Prometric. Once SAF receives the results, SAF will send one of
the following:
• Applicants who successfully pass the exam will receive a certificate and other materi-
als to help them highlight and share their designation and accomplishment.
• Applicants who do not successfully pass the exam will receive information about
reexamination.

REEXAMINATION
Candidates who do not receive a passing score on the test can register to retake the exam. Can-

25
didates must pass the exam within the eligibility window. The candidate will be required to sub-
mit a reexamination fee of $150.00 for SAF members and $200.00 for non-members.

RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATIONS

A candidate that reschedules or cancels a scheduled examination more than five (5) days prior to
the scheduled examination date will be assessed a fee of $25.00 payable to Prometric.
If a candidate does not reschedule or cancel a scheduled examination at least five (5) days prior
to the scheduled examination date or comes to the testing center without proper ID and/or
the proper admission letter and is unable to take the scheduled examination, the candidate will
forfeit the application fee paid. Members will be required to pay a $150 re-examination fee and
non-members will be required to pay a $200 re-examination fee should they choose to resched-
ule their exam. State-specific examination reschedule fees are $125 for members and $150 for
non-members. For testing centers outside of the US and Canada, please add an additional $10 fee
which is payable to Prometric.

SAF TEST SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

The examinations, item bank, scoring keys, answer sheets, formula sheets, and any other test or
test-related materials remain the sole and exclusive property of SAF. All examination materials
must be returned to the proctors upon leaving the test site. These materials are confidential and
are not available for review by any person or agency for any reason.
All candidates agree that they will not reveal the contents of the examination to anyone. Failure
to keep examination questions confidential may result in permanent disqualification from eligi-
bility for certification and/or revocation of certification, as well as other legal action.
Examination scores are confidential and will not be disclosed unless directed by valid and lawful
subpoena or court order. Anyone who violates the SAF Test Security and Confidentiality Policy
may be subject to disciplinary or legal action(s) by the Society of American Foresters.

Photo by Preston Keres in Chicago, Illinois for the USDA Forest Service.
Recertification Requirements
OVERVIEW
To maintain CF, CUCF, and CFT certification:
• recertify every three years;
• comply with the Standards of Professional Practice;
• accumulate 45 continuing forestry education (CFE) credit hours; and
• pay applicable renewal fees.
For certificants who hold multiple SAF certifications, CFE credit hours are conveyed to each
certification without requiring obtaining additional CFEs within the designated three-year
time period.
To maintain the CCF/CCUCF/CCFT certification:
• renew every year;
• comply with the Standards of Professional Practice;
• accumulate 12 continuing forestry education (CFE) credit hours annually; and
• pay applicable renewal fees.

CONTINUING FORESTRY EDUCATION SPECIFICS

Certified Foresters,Certified Urban and Community Foresters, and Certified Forestry Technicians
need a total of forty-five (45) CFE hours with a minimum of thirty (30) CFE hours in Category 1
(see CFE Categories below). An additional fifteen (15) hours maximum may be distributed among
Categories 1, 2, or 3.
Candidate Certified Foresters, Candidate Certified Urban and Community Foresters, and Can-
didate Certified Forestry Technicians need a total of twelve (12) CFE hours with a minimum of
eight (8) hours in Category 1. An additional four (4) hours maximum may be distributed among
Categories 1, 2, or 3.
While all certificants must abide by the requirements for CFE categories as stated above, it is
understood that each certificant will use their best judgment in aligning their CFEs with the
exam domains and knowledge areas for the certificate(s) they hold and most assist in the area of
practice.

CFE CATEGORIES
Category 1—Core Education
Category 1 activities are the core requirement for the Certified Forester, Certified Urban and Com-
munity Forester, and Certified Forestry Technician programs and many state boards of licensure.

All category 1 activities MUST satisfy ALL of the following conditions:

a. It is an organized program of learning conducted in a setting physically suitable to con-

tinuing forestry education objectives.
b. Speakers must be qualified to address their topics and be considered experts in their
presentation subject by virtue of special education, training, and/or experience.

27
 c. The subject matter must directly relate to the approved content area of a credential.
Individual presentations within a workshop or conference may qualify, even if others
do not.
d. The event content must be advanced, building upon foundational knowledge to ensure
professional competency. Training sessions specifically aimed at landowners do NOT
meet this criterion.
e. The program content cannot be:
• specific to protocols of an individual organization, company, or agency or about orga-
nization-specific procedures and operations;
• employee training in organization-specific practices / policies. However, attendance
can be limited to individuals of a particular organization. The Certification Review
Board categorizes continuing education activities into the following four types:

The Certification Review Board categorizes continuing education activities into the following
four types:
• Live Programs: educational workshops, seminars, conferences, lectures, live video-
conference / webinars, field trips, or phone broadcasts.
• Subscription Self Study: quizzes or other assessments contained within professional
periodicals.
• Online Self Study: educational programs with quizzes, assessments, or a system that
can track attendance online.
• Recorded Programs: educational programs where attendance can be tracked or com-
pleted, or a quiz or other assessment is required.
If the program content falls under the approved content area but does not meet all of the criteria
of Category 1, it must be assigned to Category 2.

CFE Category 1 Topics and Examples (Based on Certification Domains)

Note: Program content must be directly related to the topics / knowledge content areas

Category 1 Topics and Knowledge Areas

Including understanding soil properties and processes specific to for-

ested areas; photo interpretation and remote sensing; using GIS, GPS,
and drones in data collection, inventory, and maintenance; interac-
tions between forest ecological factors and ecosystem services; for-
est measurements, land surveying concepts, inventory and sampling
Resource Assessment techniques, and new technology; identifying impacts from forest
insects and diseases; identifying basic aquatic and terrestrial flora and
fauna; understanding how climate, weather, fire, pollution, genetics,
insects, diseases, invasive species affect forest health and productiv-
ity; understanding how to access and evaluate current economic and
market conditions; cultural and socially important site awareness

continued
 Including leadership training for natural resource professionals; com-
munications to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, includ-
ing conflict resolution, mediation, how to conduct effective stake-
holder surveys and meetings, and techniques; how polices, federal,
state, and local laws and regulations directly govern the practice of
forestry, including voluntary standards and guidelines; changing for-
Stakeholder Analysis est landowner demographics and identifying stakeholders; how social,
cultural, political, legal, educational, economic and institutional histo-
and Relations
ries influence the practice of forestry; inform stakeholders of sched-
uled activities in the operational area (e.g., controlled burns, herbi-
cide and pesticide operations, timber harvesting); interact with and
respond to relevant parties and stakeholders (e.g., the public, com-
munity, recreational users) under the direction of the forester or
project manager; maintain accurate records of operations and inter-
actions with relevant parties and stakeholders

Including hydrology, water quality, and watershed functions and

management and constraints; the relationship between forest man-
agement and wildlife, fisheries, range, or wetlands management; how
tax policies impact forest management; silvicultural principles and
techniques to achieve objectives; developing management plans with
Management Planning specific objectives including forest products, recreation, non-tim-
ber products, wildlife; developing a fire risk assessment and under-
standing of suppression techniques; fire weather and prescribed fire
methods; how to use GIS in land management planning; analyzing
economic, environmental, and social consequences of forest resource
management strategies and decisions; forestry and logging safety
protocols and practices

Including developing harvesting plans including road maintenance,

roadbed stabilization, timber appraisal, and logging costs; meth-
ods to achieve silvicultural objectives; contract law and interpret-
ing contract specifications; recognizing and determining the impact
Execution of and severity caused by catastrophic agents and corrective methods
such as rehabilitation or salvage harvesting; harvesting systems, tech-
Management Plan
niques, and methods and how economic impacts effect harvesting
schedules; reforestation methods and measuring success rates; con-
trol methods and pesticide application technologies for forest insects
and diseases and vegetation management; professional ethics; how
cost share programs impact the management plan

Including tree species; principles of arboriculture and silviculture to

tree and forest management in urban and peri-urban environments;
Urban and Community knowing urban and community forest ecosystem structure and func-
Forestry Fundamentals tion; identifying problems affecting the urban and community forest
identify problems related to tree structure, function, and biomechan-
ics as related to surrounding infrastructure and environment

continued

29
 Including plans, strategies, and programs to address the interaction
of green and grey infrastructure assets; evaluate the potential impact
of development projects on the urban and community forest; recom-
mendations for development activities to address impacts on, and/
Integrating Urban and or reforestation of, the urban and community forest; prescribe plans
for proper tree protection; the interaction of the urban and com-
Community Forests and
munity forest with utility infrastructure (e.g., electrical, gas, sewer/
Built Environments
water, solar, telephone); quantify the values and benefits of urban and
community forest assets; principles of sustainability in the planning,
development, and management of the urban and community forest;
advocate for the urban and community forest with qualitative and
quantitative information

Including optimizing ecosystems and their services in urban and

Ecosystem Management community forests; manage wildlife in urban and community forests;
connect urban and community forestry with current public policy
priorities

Operation of and Safety Including measurement and data collection tools (e.g., hypsome-
with Specialized ters, clinometers, prism for variable radius plot cruising, diameter
tapes, bark gauges); tree harvesting and maintenance equipment (e.g.,
Equipment for Forest
chainsaws); climbing and access equipment; mobile data collection
Inventory and Monitoring
and application

Including identifying operational constraints on management plan

Field Operations implementation; advanced planning and preparation to make deci-
sions in the field; fire behavior and applicable controlled burns tech-
Preparation and
niques in the operational area; site preparation; intermediate treat-
Execution
ments; end of rotation treatments; operational compliance; practice
safe operations

Category 2—Related Education

Category 2 activities directly benefit professionals, but do not meet the core education require-
ments for Category 1. Category 2 activities MUST satisfy ALL of the following conditions:
(1) It is an organized program of learning conducted in a setting physically suitable to con-
tinuing forestry education objectives.
(2) Speakers must be qualified to address their topics and be considered experts in their pre-
sentation subject by virtue of special education, training, and/or experience.
(3) The program content must be of a technical level and nature such that it supplements and
builds upon the knowledge necessary to ensure professional competency and performance.
(4) The program content cannot be:
• specific to protocols of an individual organization, company, or agency
• about organization-specific procedures and operations
• employee training in organization-specific practices / policies. However, attendance
can be limited to individuals of a particular organization.

30
Examples of Category 2 credit include:
• Public relations skills
• Computer science • First Aid and general safety
• OSHA or similar • General agriculture
• Personnel management • Wildlife, fisheries, and ornithology
• Business and marketing skills (when not related to forest management)

Difference Between Category 1 and Category 2

Category 1 activities include organized course work which appears under one of the four approved
content areas: resource assessment, stakeholder analysis and relations, management planning,
and execution of management plan.
Activities in Category 1 will be approved only if all 5 CFE criteria are met, and topics fall under the
approved content area.
An activity where the content does not fall under Category 1 but is clearly capable of improving
the performance of a professional will be assigned to Category 2.
An activity where the content falls under Category 1 but does not meet all Category 1 criteria will
be assigned Category 2.
Category 2 includes organized course work or activities not specifically in forestry or forestry-
related subject matter, but which are professionally enriching or directly benefit the individual in
his or her professional position.
Many times, the context of the subject presented will determine the relevant category. For exam-
ple: forest finance presented by a forestry professor using forestry examples to a professional
forestry audience is Category 1. Corporate finance presented by a business school professor to a
general audience is Category 2.
If, however, that same business school professor presented essentially the same course to a for-
estry audience with specific forestry examples, it could be classified as Category 1.

Category 3—Professional Development and Volunteer Activities

Category 3 activities must satisfy ALL of the following conditions:
• Professional activities undertaken outside of normal job responsibilities
• The subject matter content qualifies under Category 1, such as presentations in a class-
room, field, or lab setting; writing and publishing of forestry or forestry-related sub-
ject matter
• Volunteer service to a related natural resources organization
The chart on the following page only reflects example activities under this category. Requests for
Category 3 CFE credit must be sent directly to the national office staff.

Photo by Stephen Leonardi in Utah for the National Association of State Foresters.
CFE Category 3 Example Activities

Type of Activity Examples Credit Hours Allowed

First author: 10
Second author: 7
Juried articles published in juried journals Third author: 5
Fourth author: 3
Fifth author or greater: 1

Less than 500 words: 2

Non-juried articles published in non-juried publi-
cations such as, Northern Woodlands, Tree Farmer Between 500 and 1000
Magazine, and National Woodlands, State Society words: 3
Newsletters, newspapers, magazines, or non-juried
Greater than 1000
Presentations, articles published in any SAF publication.
words: 5
teaching, and
publications
Nonprofessional and/or non-technical presen-
tations and conducting workshops such as Proj- 30- to 60-minute
ect Learning Tree, Walk in the Woods, K–12 class- presentations: 0.5
room presentations, radio or television broadcasts,
For each 30-minute
Tree Farm Inspections* and other forest-related
interval thereafter: 0.5
activities.
Less than 30
*Tree Farm Inspections: Requests for CFE credit
minutes: 0
must include (1) documentation verifying (a) that the
inspection is outside of the individual’s job respon- Tree farm
sibilities and (b) no compensation was received, and inspection: 2 (one per
(2) the sign off sheet from the inspection (landowner year maximum)
inspection form).

Service on state or local boards or equivalent of for-

estry-related service organizations (e.g., Tree Farm,
state Stewardship Committee, The American Chest-
nut Foundation, Woodland Owners Associations,
RC&D forestry committees, NRCS, and soil conser-
2 per calendar year
vation boards).

Service on county or local municipal boards affect-

ing land use planning and zoning (e.g., planning
commission and board of zoning appeals)
Professional
development activities Service on a national or state board of directors Board chair: 5
that involve active or equivalent of a profession representing forestry
participation and or allied natural resources professions, includ- Board
significant contribution ing SAF state society executive committees and subcommittee: 5
to the profession subcommittees. SAF chapter: 2 per
calendar year
Active participation as a member of a committee
e.g., a policy committee that drafts legislation that is Active committee
passed by a federal or state legislature. involvement: 2

Mentorship with evidence of completion of Mentor-

1 per calendar year
ship Form (Appendix D) by Mentor and Mentee.

Up to 2 per calendar
Assisting in an SAF exam development committee.
year
ADDITIONAL CFE CREDIT INFORMATION

University Courses
Formal university or college courses can be awarded CFE credit hours. Such courses will be eval-
uated as Category 1 or Category 2 based on course description and content.
CFE credit for formal university or college courses are assigned on the basis of the course credit
granted by the university or college. If using the semester system, the number of course credits
is multiplied by 15. If using the quarter system, the number of credits is multiplied by 10. Individ-
uals must earn a minimum of a C grade or a 2.0 on a 4.0 system to receive credit.
Credit will not be allowed for courses in which the individual is earning a first degree in forestry or
natural resources. Individuals must submit a transcript and course syllabus to receive CFE credit.
Requests must be directed to the national office staff.

Non-qualifying Events
The following activities do not qualify for credit:
(1) Introductory, welcome, and closing remarks
(2) Opening ceremonies/award presentations
(3) Exhibits or poster sessions*
(4) Coffee, meal breaks, and banquet/social events
(5) Cultural performances, entertainment, or recreational activities
(6) Business meetings or committee meetings of volunteer organizations, state creden-
tialing boards, companies, and agencies
(7) Transportation time to a specific site, loading and unloading, and dislocation to a
point of interest
(8) Work experience or on-the-job training
* Poster presentations in which the authors speak regarding poster subject matter do
qualify for CFE.

Definition of Credit Hours

One CFE Credit Hour (1.0) = 60 minutes of interaction between learner and instructor or learner
and educational materials
½ CFE Credit Hour (0.5) = 30 minutes of interaction between learner and instructor or learner
and materials which have been prepared for learning.
Programs shorter than 30 minutes in entirety are not eligible for credit.

SUBMITTING CFE CREDITS

CFE credits can be submitted in two ways:

Option 1—Event Preapproval

Providers of events that are preapproved for CFE hours must submit sign-in sheets or atten-
dance records to the SAF national office no later than three weeks after the event. CFE records of

33
Certified Foresters and Candidate Certified Foresters, Certified Urban and Community Foresters
and Candidate Certified Urban and Community Foresters, and Certified Forestry Technicians and
Candidate Certified Forestry Technicians will be updated automatically. Individuals can review
their CFE records online at [Link] and click “View/Submit My CFEs.”

Option 2—Post Approval via Fax, Mail, E-mail, or Online

Individuals may submit events for post approval by e-mail via the “Post Approval Form,” or online.
Individuals must provide complete agendas or program details and proof of attendance. Please con-
tact certifications@[Link] if an alternative method such as fax or mailing hard copies is needed.

The agenda should have the following information:

• Be complete, including times for presentations, breaks, meals
• Names and titles of presenters
• Brief descriptions of individual presentations
• Field trips: length of time at each stop
Incomplete agendas will be evaluated in part or not at all.

Evidence of completion can include the following:

• Program receipt which contains the meeting name, date, and provider name (copy of
registration form is not acceptable)
• Certificate of completion or attendance record with individual’s name, date, program
title, and provider’s name
• Receipt for hotel or airfare with individual’s name, date, and location
• Proof of passing and/or completing any self-study courses
• Attendance list from program provider including individual’s name, date, program
title, and provider’s name
Post-Approval Forms must be returned directly to the national office, not to CFE
Coordinators.

For Category 3, evidence of completion can include the following:

• Meeting agenda listing provider’s name, program title, dates, individual’s name, pre-
sentation name, and length of presentation.
• Copy of article with publication’s name and date.
• Letter or certificate from organization verifying volunteer activities. Please contact
SAF directly to verify SAF activities.

AUDITS
The Certification Review Board will conduct periodic audits of randomly selected recertification
records. The CRB will verify that an individual’s CFE record was updated correctly by SAF staff,
including if appropriate documentation was submitted.

INDIVIDUAL APPEALS OF APPROVED CREDIT HOURS

Individuals can appeal the rejection of continuing forestry education credits. That appeals process
is documented in the Administrative Rules and Procedures for the Certification Review Board.

34
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
The Certification Review Board accepts continuing education units (CEUs) from the International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for CFE credit. Individuals must submit an official ISA CEU report
stating the individual’s name, course name and date, and number of CEUs.
If the appropriate CFE category cannot be determined, SAF will request additional information.

NATIONAL WILDFIRE COORDINATING GROUP (NWCG) PROGRAMS

The Continuing Education Committee of the CRB pre-approved a suite of NWCG courses.
The library of NWCG courses pre-approved for CFEs is included within the appendix and at
[Link]. Any applications submitted for an NWCG course that is included in this list
does not need to undergo a secondary review.

STATE BOARDS OF LICENSURE

Not all state boards of licensure accept SAF CFE credit for state licensure or registration. Please
check with each board to determine their CFE or continuing education guidelines and standards.
A listing of state boards can be found at [Link].

MILITARY DUTY
Individuals called to active military duty can request an inactive status by writing to the SAF
national office and including a copy of military orders. During the inactive status, the individual
will not be required to submit continuing education or fees. Individuals will return to active cer-
tification status on the end date listed on military orders. If the individual receives new orders, a
copy should be sent to the national office.

CARRYOVER OF CFE CREDIT

An individual who exceeds the minimum number of CFEs for recertification cannot request the
hours to be forwarded to a new recertification cycle.

COMMITMENT TO STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Every CF, CUCF, CFT, CCF, CCUCF, or CCFT and applicant agrees to the Standards of Professional
Practice as found on page 3 of this handbook. Signing the CF, CUCF, CFT, CCF, CCUCF, or CCFT
application indicates acceptance of and willingness to comply.

Photo by Leslie Robertson in Minnesota for the National Association of State Foresters.
Certification Fees

Examination Application Fee* CCF/CCUCF Annual Fee

SAF members—$260 SAF members—$45
Non-SAF members—$335 Non-SAF members—$75

Reexamination Fee CCF/CUCF Renewal Fee (3 years)

SAF members—$150 SAF members—$135
Non-SAF members—$200 Non-SAF members—$225

*The application fee is required for first-time applicants or those who are
reapplying due to loss of certification and are not eligible for reinstatement.
The application fee includes the cost of the CF® or CUCF™ resource guide.

REFUNDS
Applicants determined ineligible will receive a refund; however, a $100 administrative fee will be
assessed. Please review the eligibility criteria carefully and email certifications@[Link] if
you have any questions regarding your eligibility prior to submitting your application.

GRACE PERIOD AND EXTENSIONS

The 90-day grace period for submitting and/or completing CFE credit or submitting annual fees
begins the day after an individual’s recertification date. After 90 days, an individual’s credential
may be revoked.
Additional time beyond the 90-day grace period to fulfill the continuing forestry education
requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis. The national office must receive requests,
in writing, before the end of the 90-day grace period. No extensions will be given to requests
received after the 90-day grace period.

REINSTATEMENT
Individuals can reinstate in the CF, CUCF, or CFT program. Certified Foresters or Certified Urban
and Community Foresters who were grandfathered into the program must resubmit the certifi-
cation application and pass the exam.
A CF, CUCF, CFT, CCF, CCUCF, or CCFT with an inactive or expired status not grandfathered into
the program has up to two years after their recertification date to apply for reinstatement.
Reinstating CFs and CUCFs are required to have a minimum of 30 hours of CFE earned within the
past two years. The CFE requirement is prorated according to the average standard CFE require-
ment (up to one year lapse—15 hours of CFEs earned in the past year; 1-2 years—30 hours of CFEs
earned within the past two years). The CF, CUCF, and CFT reinstatement fees are $150 for SAF
members, $245 for non-SAF members, and are non-refundable.
Reinstating CCFs, CCUCFs, and CCFTs are required to have a minimum of 24 hours of CFE earned
within the past two years. The CFE requirement is prorated according to the average standard CFE
requirement (up to 1 year lapse—12 hours of CFEs earned in the past year; 1-2 years—24 hours of

36
CFEs earned within the past two years). The CCF, CCUCF, and CCFT reinstatement fees are $100
and are non-refundable.

After 2 years, individuals must resubmit the certification application, meet all current require-
ments, and pass the exam. The standard application fee (member or non-member, respectively)
at the time of application applies for re-application.

Certification Procedures
CERTIFICATION REVIEW BOARD
The Certification Review Board (CRB) is an independent body of SAF consisting of eight members
representing a diversity of geographic regions and forest resources employers, and one public
member. The CRB is responsible for all certifications within SAF including the establishment of
certification standards, program implementation, and auditing process.
Complete information on the operations of the CRB can be found in the Administrative Rules of
the Certification Review Board.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS

SAF, a nonprofit organization, is the national scientific and educational organization representing
the forestry profession in the United States. SAF’s mission is to advance sustainable management
of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence
while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity.
SAF staff administers the certification program at the direction of the CRB. The certification office
is located at the national office at 2121 K Street NW, Suite 315, Washington, DC, 20037, and may
be reached at 866-897-8720 or certifications@[Link].

RELEASE OF INFORMATION
The applicant agrees to cooperate promptly and fully in any review of eligibility or certification
status, including submitting such documents and information deemed necessary to confirm the
information in the application. The applicant authorizes SAF staff or the CRB to communicate
any and all information relating to the status of applicants, CFs, CUCFs, CFTs, CCFs, CCUCFs, or
CCFTs, including but not limited to the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, to state and federal
authorities and others.

USE OF REGISTERED MARKS

The CF logo is registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (registration number 3844838).
The CUCF logo registration application has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office
(serial number 98/173919). These designations may only be used by individuals who have been
granted certification.
The terms Certified Forester and CF are registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office
(registration numbers 3515014 and 3495021) and may only be used by individuals who have been
granted certification.
The terms Candidate Certified Forester and CCF are registered with the US Patent and Trade-
mark Office (registration numbers 3266204 and 3269924) and may only be used by individuals
who have been granted certification.

37
The terms Certified Urban and Community Forester and CUCF registration applications have been
filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (serial numbers 98/146147 and 98/173919) and may
only be used by individuals who have been granted certification.

The terms Candidate Certified Urban and Community Forester and CCUCF registration applica-
tions have been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (serial numbers 98/146164 and
98/173926) and may only be used by individuals who have been granted certification.

The certificate, the registered marks, and other related designations may only be used in ways
described in this and other certification documents. Individuals shall immediately relinquish,
refrain from using, and correct at the individual’s expense, any outdated or inaccurate use of the
certification designations upon request by SAF.

Certification is for individuals. The certification designation may not be used to indicate that a
business, firm, or agency is a certified entity. Further, the certification designation(s) may not be
used in any way to convey SAF endorsement of a business, firm, agency, consulting service, prod-
uct, or program.

DENIAL, REVOCATION, OR SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION

Those certified are required to adhere to the Standards of Professional Practice and to com-
ply with program policies and procedures, including timely payment of fees and recertification
requirements. Each CF, CCF, CUCF, and CCUCF and applicant bears the burden for documenting
and maintaining compliance with all requirements.

The CRB may deny, revoke, suspend, or otherwise act upon an individual’s status when an indi-
vidual is not in compliance with stated requirements and procedures.

SAF shall deny, revoke, or suspend certification only in accordance with the CRB Administrative
Rules and Procedures, a copy of which can be found at [Link].

APPLICATION APPEALS PROCEDURES AND WAIVER

Any individual may appeal a negative certification eligibility decision by submitting a written
appeal to the Certification Review Board (2121 K Street NW, Suite 315, Washington, DC, 20037).
Please see the CRB Administrative Rules and Procedures for the appeals process posted at
[Link].

An applicant, by submitting a signed application, waives all claims against and hereby indemni-
fies and holds harmless SAF, its directors, officers, staff, Certification Review Board, volunteers,
agents, and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including rea-
sonable attorneys’ fees, for actions of SAF arising out of applicant’s application for or participa-
tion in the SAF certification program and use of the SAF certification mark or other reference to
the SAF certification program.

38
APPENDIX A

SAF Certified Forester® Exam Domains and

Knowledge Areas
Domain 1: Resource Assessment (30%)

1.A. Perform preliminary review of existing maps and data of biological and physical
characteristics
1.A.1. Basic terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna
1.A.2. Forest ecology
1.A.3. Forest hydrology and watersheds
1.A.4. Geospatial technologies and remote sensing
1.A.5. How to locate and use appropriate background information
1.A.6. Legal authority to make decisions
1.A.7. Photo interpretation
1.A.8. Rare, threatened, and endangered species
1.A.9. Roads and road locations
1.A.10. Site quality
1.A.11. Soils

1.B. Identify property boundaries to determine the scope of the area

1.B.1. GPS and GIS use and implementation
1.B.2. Land surveying concepts and terminology
1.B.3. Legal and property records including legal access
1.B.4. Map reading

1.C. Design the method and procedures for data collection in the field
1.C.1. Forest health and productivity
1.C.2. Forest products
1.C.3. Forest resource inventory
1.C.4. General statistical variations, methodology, and calculations
1.C.5. GIS use and implementation
1.C.6. Photo interpretation and remote sensing
1.C.7. Stand and cover type delineation
1.C.8. Stumpage

1.D. Implement the method and procedures for data collection in the field
1.D.1. Accessibility (e.g., streams, roads, trails)
1.D.2. Dendrology

39
 1.D.3. Forest ecology, health, and productivity
1.D.4. General mensuration techniques
1.D.5. GPS and Geospatial technologies
1.D.6. Invasive species
1.D.7. Map reading
1.D.8. Rare, threatened and endangered species
1.D.9. Regeneration, succession, and stand dynamics
1.D.10. Site quality
1.D.11. Stand delineation

1.E. Analyze field data to assess forest conditions to inform subsequent decisions
1.E.1. Ecology and key interactions between ecological factors
1.E.2. Forest economics
1.E.3. Forest health
1.E.4. Forest products and volumes
1.E.5. Effect of individual tree health on growth
1.E.6. General statistical variations, methodology, and calculations
1.E.7. Growth and yield modeling (determine potential productivity)
1.E.8. Regeneration
1.E.9. Site quality
11.E.10. Soils
1.E.11. Stand analysis
1.E.12. Stand delineation
1.E.13. Succession and stand dynamics

Domain 2. Stakeholder/Collaborator Engagement (10%)

2.A. Identify stakeholders or collaborators to discern their level of involvement in strategy

or management plan
2.A.1. Local and Landscape scale information and context
2.A.2. Regulatory agencies and associated laws and regulations

2.B. Utilize culturally appropriate communication methods to solicit input to incorporate

concerns with management planning and implementation

2.C. Communicate the importance of science-based forest management, policies, laws, and
practices to promote long-term forest resource conservation
2.C.1. Management options
2.C.2. Silvicultural principles and application

2.D. Practice in accordance with the SAF Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
Practice

40
Domain 3. Management Planning (35%)

3.A. Develop management goals and objectives based on landowner values to establish
priorities and direction for management
3.A.1. Content, format, and organization of a management plan
3.A.2. Forest ecology and key interactions between ecological factors

3.B. Describe the existing resource condition using the resource assessment
3.B.1. Content, format, and organization of a management plan
3.B.2. Forest Ecology
3.B.3. Forest health and invasive species
3.B.4. Forest products
3.B.5. Hydrology
3.B.6. Map making
3.B.7. Non-timber forest products
3.B.8. Rare, threatened, and endangered species
3.B.9. Roads and locations
3.B.10. Site quality
3.B.11. Stand analysis
3.B.12. Wildlife

3.C. Develop management options using resource assessment and landowner values
3.C.1. Integrated pest management
3.C.2. Non-timber forest products
3.C.3. Recreational considerations
3.C.4. Silvicultural principles and application
3.C.5. Wildlife

3.D. Evaluate management options based on economic, legal, and social considerations
3.D.1. Analyze conflicting resource constraints (e.g., timber vs. wildlife)
3.D.2. Best management practices
3.D.3. Economic principles and calculations
3.D.4. Environmental law
3.D.5. Federal, state and local regulations
3.D.6. Fire management
3.D.7. Forest certification
3.D.8. Forest products
3.D.9. Forest taxation
3.D.10. Insects and disease
3.D.11. Public perception
3.D.12. Rare, threatened, and endangered species

41
 3.D.13. Roads and road location
3.D.14. Silvicultural principles and application
3.D.15. Timber valuation

3.E. Prescribe operational methods, techniques, and associated practices to achieve

management objectives
3.E.1. Content, format and organization of a management plan
3.E.2. Fire management
3.E.3. Forest operations and harvesting
3.E.4. Forest products
3.E.5. Hydrology and Best Management Practices
3.E.6. Integrated pest management
3.E.7. Rare, threatened and endangered species
3.E.8. Roads and road locations
3.E.9. Silviculture principles and application
3.E.10. Soils

3.F. Establish monitoring and adjustment strategies to meet management objectives and
mitigate conflicts
3.F.1. Best management practices
3.F.2. Content, format and organization of a management plan
3.F.3. Federal, state and local regulations
3.F.4. Insects and disease
3.F.5. Invasive species
3.F.6. Key indicators (e.g., regeneration success, evidence of target species, social and econ
3.F.7. Measurement techniques and standards
3.F.8. Natural disasters
3.F.9. Rare, threatened and endangered species
3.F.10. Silvicultural principles and application
3.F.11. Unlawful and unauthorized activities (e.g., timber theft, illegal dumping)

3.G. Update and adapt the management plan in response to internal or external changes
3.G.1. Alternative and corrective prescriptions
3.G.2. Analytical techniques
3.G.3. Environmental, social, and economic values
3.G.4. Landowner goals
3.G.5. Measurement techniques and standards

Domain 4. Execute Management Plan (25%)

4.A. Implement management plans in compliance with economic, legal, and social
considerations
4.A.1. Applicable OSHA and forest worker safety standards

42
 4.A.2. Fire management
4.A.3. Silvicultural prescriptions
4.A.4. Forest operations
4.A.5. Timber harvest design, layout and administration

4.B. Develop a budget and schedule by estimating costs and revenues for prescribed
management practices

4.C. Prepare and administer contracts or work plans to implement management plans
4.C.1. Contract law, enforcement, accountability
4.C.2. Contract specifications
4.C.3. Contractor availability
4.C.4. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance
4.C.5. Scope of contracts and services

43
APPENDIX B

SAF Certified Urban & Community Forester™

Exam Domains and Knowledge Areas
Domain 1: Urban and Community Forestry Fundamentals (18%)

1.A. Identify tree species

1.A.1. Tree taxonomy and nomenclature
1.A.2. Principles of and terms used in identification

1.B. Apply principles of arboriculture and silviculture to tree and forest management in
urban and peri-urban environments
1.B.1. Urban and human impact on trees and their life cycle
1.B.2. Growth, characteristics, and ecology of trees

1.C. Explain urban and community forest ecosystem structure and function
1.C.1. Benefits of trees and forests (i.e., economic, environmental, and social benefits
over time)
1.C.2. Urban ecology and metabolism (e.g., energy flow, humans, watersheds, waste
stream, wildlife)
1.C.3. Urban ecosystem processes and services (e.g., air pollution, carbon cycle, storm-
water runoff, urban heat island)
1.C.4. Impact of individual elements on ecosystem sustainability (e.g., biodiversity, can-
opy, spatial scales, patch sizes, trees, wind streams)

1.D. Identify problems affecting the urban and community forest

1.D.1. Abiotic conditions (e.g., pollution, soil, water)
1.D.2. Biotic conditions (e.g., insects, diseases, invasive species, microorganisms, patho-
gens, weeds)
1.D.3. Rhizosphere conditions (i.e., biology and chemistry of the soil in the root zone of
trees)
1.D.4. Infrastructure conflicts
1.D.5. Tree disservices (e.g., allergens, emissions, litter)

1.E. Identify problems related to tree structure, function, and biomechanics as related to
surrounding infrastructure and environment
1.E.1. Tree physiology
1.E.2. Root growth
1.E.3. Tree growth and maintenance
1.E.4. Defect and responsive growth identification
1.E.5. Species biomechanics profiles (e.g., failure rates, loading, wood strength)

44
Domain 2: Integrating Urban and Community Forests and Built Environment (15%)

2.A. Develop plans, strategies, and programs to address the interaction of green and grey
infrastructure assets
2.A.1. Green vs. grey infrastructure
2.A.2. Planning processes and design techniques
2.A.3. Locating and reading plans (e.g., architectural, civil, landscape, utilities)
2.A.4. Tree selection and placement (e.g., maturity, roots, spacing)
2.A.5. Soil, water, and stormwater management

2.B. Analyze and evaluate the potential impact of development projects on the urban and
community forest
2.B.1. Design and construction documents
2.B.2. Building and planning codes
2.B.3. Role of decision makers (e.g., board, commissions, councils)
2.B.4. Plan development and construction process (e.g., new construction, retrofit,
redevelopment)
2.B.5. Site inspection (e.g., construction compliance, data collection, inventory)

2.C. Develop recommendations for development activities to address impacts on, and/or
reforestation of, the urban and community forest
2.C.1. Documentation, memo, and report creation (e.g., narrative reporting)
2.C.2. Plan review (e.g., landscape/site plan)
2.C.3. Building around/within existing conditions (e.g., alternative designs, tree
protection)
2.C.4. Mitigation of development impacts on trees and the environment
2.C.5. Species selection

2.D. Prescribe plans for proper tree protection

2.D.1. Tree protection plans suitable to specific tree species and regions
2.D.2. Best Management Practices
2.D.3. Threats to trees and soil
2.D.4. Construction means, methods, and processes
2.D.5. Aggregate impact (short- and long-term) to the urban and community forest

2.E. Manage the interaction of the urban and community forest with utility infrastruc-
ture (e.g., electrical, gas, sewer/water, solar, telephonic)
2.E.1. Function and requirements of different utility types
2.E.2. Impact of design, construction, and maintenance of utilities
2.E.3. Potential hazards and risks to property and people
2.E.4. Storm damage mitigation
2.E.5. Specialized utility staff education (e.g., customer service representatives, line
crews, planners, work crews)
2.E.6. Local, regional, and federal laws and regulations

45
 2.F. Quantify the values and benefits of urban and community forest assets
2.F.1. Inventory and analysis
2.F.2. Data presentation
2.F.3. Linkage between urban and community forest investment and human health
benefits

2.G. Apply principles of sustainability in the planning, development, and management of

the urban and community forest
2.G.1. Regional sustainability (e.g., climate change, plant species zones, water scarcity)
2.G.2. Lifetime pruning cycles
2.G.3. Establishment of removal/replacement program
2.G.4. Impact of other disciplines (e.g., architecture, engineering, landscapers, public
works)

2.H. Advocate for the urban and community forest with qualitative and quantitative
information
2.H.1. Data determination (i.e., what data to present)
2.H.2. Data presentation (e.g., field demos, graphics, narrative, power point, public
speaking)
2.H.3. Financial impacts of urban and community forests
2.H.4. Importance of the urban and community forest to the public

Domain 3: Urban and Community Forest Assessment and Planning (16%)

3.A. Design assessments and inventories

3.A.1. Delineation of the urban and community forest
3.A.2. Data field selection (e.g., age distribution, data credibility and interpretation, risks,
species diversity)
3.A.3. Assessment technologies available
3.A.4. Demographics of assessment area

3.B. Develop long range goals, objectives, and policies for the sustainable urban and
community forest (i.e., strategic planning)
3.B.1. Goals and plans of agencies, organizations, and communities
3.B.2. Municipal codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures
3.B.3. Staffing, contracting, and equipment needs
3.B.4. Funding sources (e.g., direct funding, endowments, grants)
3.B.5. Removal and replacement programs
3.B.6. Urban and community forest expansion opportunities

3.C. Develop an urban wood utilization program

3.C.1. Wood recovery methods
3.C.2. Wood market
3.C.3. Wood/product utilization and distribution

46
 3.D. Identify urban and community forest vulnerabilities
3.D.1. Environmental/natural threats
3.D.2. Local politics and social changes and their effect on decision making
3.D.3. Economic/budget restrictions
3.D.4. Development and construction activities

3.E. Formulate plans to manage the risk of region-specific disasters and incidents
3.E.1. Risk assessment
3.E.2. Incident command system, crisis management, and disaster and triage plans
3.E.3. Emergency management plan (e.g., initial/post response, personnel, emergency
routes)

3.F. Utilize data management tools

3.F.1. Tree inventory software (e.g., aerial imagery information, data visualization soft-
ware, drones, GIS, GPS)
3.F.2. Statistical analysis
3.F.3. Community needs and emerging trends (e.g., carbon storage, diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI), health, tree equity)

Domain 4: Urban and Community Forest Management (17%)

4.A. Implement plant health care

4.A.1. Tree structure and function
4.A.2. Soil and water relations and other abiotic factors
4.A.3. Tree and plant selection, planting, and early maintenance
4.A.4. Monitoring needs (i.e., inspection and maintenance)
4.A.5. Integrated pest management

4.B. Manage tree risk in urban environments

4.B.1. Assessment and documentation
4.B.2. Monitoring and mitigation

4.C. Manage threats to urban and community forest health

4.C.1. Climate and weather
4.C.2. Pollution
4.C.3. Pests
4.C.4. Vandalism and site use
4.C.5. Development and fragmentation

4.D. Apply appropriate equipment and tools for use in urban and community forest
management
4.D.1. Available and appropriate equipment and tools for specific projects and tasks
4.D.2. Equipment and tools costs and maintenance requirements

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 4.E. Implement individual forestry projects
4.E.1. Project management and scheduling (e.g., scope of work)
4.E.2. Project budget and resource development

4.F. Manage proactive tree selection, maintenance, and planting program to optimize
tree diversity and climate resilience
4.F.1. Tree species, performance, and diversity (e.g., invasives, nuisance trees)
4.F.2. Nursery standards and specifications
4.F.3. Site and community requirements
4.F.4. Silviculture for forest regeneration and restoration
4.G. Employ Best Management Practices (BMPs)
4.G.1. Safe work standards (e.g., equipment and tools safety, Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE), training)
4.G.2. Industry standards (e.g., tree care standards, arboriculture, urban and community
forest standards)
4.G.3. Environmental standards (e.g., soil, water, wildlife)
4.G.4. Compliance requirements (e.g., assessment education and qualifications, bound-
ary locations, federal, state, county, and local laws and regulations, utilities)

Domain 5: Ecosystems Management (14%)

5.A. Optimize ecosystems and their services in urban and community forests
5.A.1. Watershed management
5.A.2. Agency/regional environmental plans and sustainability goals
5.A.3. Ecosystem services
5.A.4. Endangered and protected species

5.B. Manage wildlife in urban and community forests

5.B.1. Human and wildlife interactions
5.B.2. Wildlife habitat management
5.B.3. Wildlife interaction with the urban and community forest (e.g., local and migratory
wildlife, signs of wildlife)
5.B.4. Federal, state, county, and local laws and policies specific to wildlife

5.C. Connect urban and community forestry with current public policy priorities
5.C.1. Biodiversity
5.C.2. Climate change
5.C.3. Public health (e.g., human health and wellness)
5.C.4. Wildland-Urban Interfaces (WUIs)
5.C.5. Fire-adapted landscapes
5.C.6. Community, agency, and organizational economic goals
5.C.7. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

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Domain 6: Administration (8%)

6.A. Administer an urban and community forest program

6.A.1. Budget requirements and principles
6.A.2. Grants and outside funding sources
6.A.3. Personnel management
6.A.4. Contracts and permits
6.A.5. Program capacity
6.A.6. Program evaluation

Domain 7: Communication, Engagement & Relationship Building (12%)

7.A. Establish public engagement and marketing programs (e.g., multimedia presence,
campaigns)
7.A.1. Public outreach and community engagement methods (e.g., agency website, social
media)
7.A.2. Marketing concepts

7.B. Provide public outreach and education programs

7.B.1. Benefits of diverse urban and community forest and its importance to community
(e.g., air quality, public health, storm water management)
7.B.2. Risks to the urban and community forest and their impact on the community
7.B.3. Education techniques and evaluation methods

7.C. Respond to public inquiries and concerns

7.C.1. Customer service etiquette and conflict resolution
7.C.2. Processes for service requests and work prioritization
7.C.3. Communication policies and media relations

7.D. Prepare presentations and testimonies

7.D.1. Presentation research and development (e.g., presentation design, presentation
delivery)
7.D.2. Public speaking best practices (e.g., presenting to specific audiences)

7.E. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to achieve shared goals

7.E.1. Agencies and/or organizations impacting the urban and community forest (e.g.,
civic groups, business districts, NGOs, wildlife associations)
7.E.2. Internal and external collaboration (e.g., problem solving, team building)
7.E.3. Decision making process

7.F. Develop and manage volunteers and job programs (e.g., coordinate, engage, train)
7.F.1. Volunteer recruitment, development, empowerment, retention, and expectation
management
7.F.2. Volunteer appreciation and recognition techniques

49
7.G. Engage with all communities to improve environmental equity and human health
7.G.1. Assessment techniques (e.g., awareness of local projects, underserved/underrep-
resented communities)
7.G.2. Engagement techniques
7.G.3. Community demographics
7.G.4. Cultural competencies (e.g., environmental justice)

50
APPENDIX C

SAF Certified Forest Technician

Exam Domains and Knowledge Areas
Domain 1: Data Collection and Inventory (40%)

1.A. Interpret maps

1.A.1. Topo maps
1.A.2. Plat maps
1.A.3. Mobile mapping technologies
1.A.4. Forest stand maps
1.A.5. Aerial photos
1.A.6. Use of navigation and orienteering equipment (e.g., GPS, compass)

1.B. Identify tree species

1.B.1. Dendrology
1.B.2. Principles and terms used in identification
1.B.3. Silvics

1.C. Identify ecological factors affecting the operational area (e.g., T&E species, invasive
species, soil, forest pests and disease signs)
1.C.1. Emerging forest pathology and entomology
1.C.2. Defects, invasive species
1.C.3. Weather impact or damage
1.C.4. Pollution (e.g., legacy mines, gas wells and pipelines, road structures)
1.C.5. Fire risks and treatment

1.D. Identify biological and physical characteristics of the operational area

1.D.1. Wildlife habitat
1.D.2. Species-site relationship
1.D.3. Soil identification and properties (e.g., drainage)
1.D.4. Fisheries and aquatic habitat
1.D.5. Topographical features
1.D.6. Awareness of archeological, historical, cultural, and special sites

1.E. Identify property boundaries to determine the scope of the operational area
1.E.1. Traditional orienteering (e.g., map reading, compass use)
1.E.2. Use of Global Positioning System (GPS) to ascertain the property boundaries
1.E.3. Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to ascertain the property boundaries

51
 1.E.4. Deed reading
1.E.5. Existing survey markers
1.E.6. Differences between access types (e.g., access agreement vs. easement)
1.E.7. Units of distance and area measurements
1.E.8. Land survey systems (e.g., local survey methods)

1.F. Operate specialized equipment for forest inventory and monitoring

1.F.1. Measurement and data collection tools (e.g., hypsometers, clinometers, prism for
variable radius plot cruising, diameter tapes, bark gauges)
1.F.2. Tree harvesting and maintenance equipment (e.g., chainsaws)
1.F.3. Climbing and access equipment
1.F.4. Mobile data collection and application
1.F.5. Remote sensing technologies (e.g., drones)

1.G. Conduct timber inventory

1.G.1. Statistical bearing of sampling method efficacy on timber inventory
1.G.2. Principles and terms used in timber cruising
1.G.3. Defect identification and estimation
1.G.4. Variable and fixed radius and transect sampling
1.G.5. Navigation and pacing
1.G.6. Log grading
1.G.7. Units of log volume measurements
1.G.8. Stocking surveys (regeneration)
1.G.9. Sampling methods and intensity

1.H. Conduct eco-system inventory (e.g., soil, water, wildlife, fishery, carbon, range)
1.H.1. General sampling principles and techniques
1.H.2. Forest vegetation surveys (e.g., invasive species, understory condition, plant height
percent cover)
1.H.3. Impact of ecological factors on wildlife habitat
1.H.4. Statistical bearing of sampling method efficacy on eco-system inventory
1.H.5. Carbon sampling principles and techniques
1.G.6. Impact of ecological factors on riparian and aquatic habitats

1.I. Compile field data for subsequent analysis

1.I.1. Skills in data entry and quality checks to ensure accuracy
1.I.2. Data processing and reporting applications (e.g., mobile and cloud applications,
spreadsheet)

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Domain 2: Field Operations Preparation and Execution (40%)

2.A. Interpret and implement management plans

2.A.1. Objectives and guidelines of the management plan

2.B. Identify operational constraints on management plan implementation

2.B.1. Environmental constraints
2.B.2. Physical constraints
2.B.3. Land use agreements (e.g., hunting leases, recreational leases)
2.B.4. Regulatory constraints applicable to the operational area (e.g., knowledge of local,
state, federal laws and regulations)
2.B.5. Non-regulatory constraints (e.g., socially acceptable harvest practices, road
access, forest user conflicts)

2.C. Use advanced planning and preparation to make decisions in the field
2.C.1. Ingress and egress (e.g., forest operational layout, access to the tract)
2.C.2. Time and task management skills
2.C.3. Sequencing of activities
2.C.4. Local weather conditions
2.C.5. Local topographic conditions
2.C.6. Required resources for the operations (e.g., budget, equipment and personnel)
2.C.7. Regulations pertaining to the actions being taken (e.g., local air quality regulations
for controlled burns, pesticide application rates)

2.D. Assess fire behavior and applicable controlled burns techniques in the
operational area
2.D.1. Knowledge of prescriptions for controlled burns (in-prescription vs. out-
prescription) and burn plans
2.D.2. Basic knowledge of fire behavior in the upland area (e.g., weather, flame length,
relative humidity)
2.D.3. Techniques for controlled burns
2.D.4. Controlled burns management with a focus on safety and achieving objectives
2.D.5. Emergency response strategies to controlled burns

2.E. Perform site preparation

2.E.1. Techniques for site preparation (e.g., shearing, raking, trenching, mounding,
awareness of moisture conditions)
2.E.2. Conditions for herbicide applications
2.E.3. Conditions requiring controlled burns

2.F. Perform intermediate treatments

2.F.1. Timber stand improvement

53
 2.F.2. Pre-commercial thinning
2.F.3. Tree marking
2.F.4. Techniques for forest health management (e.g., pest, invasive plant treatment,
prescribed fire)

2.G. Perform end of rotation treatments

2.G.1. Techniques for preparatory treatment for regeneration (e.g., mechanical,
herbicide)
2.G.2. Site requirements for species selection
2.G.3. Silvicultural systems (e.g., even-aged/uneven aged)
2.G.4. Harvest systems

2.H. Monitor operational compliance

2.H.1. Safety guidelines and requirements
2.H.2. Contract requirements (e.g., residual stand damage, identified property lines, reg-
ulatory and non-regulatory requirements)
2.H.3. Awareness of local and national Best Management Practices (regulatory and
non-regulatory)
2.H.4. Awareness of certification programs for forest management

2.I. Practice safe operations

2.I.1. Safety protocols and operational procedures for tools and equipment (e.g., chain-
saws, heavy machinery and equipment)
2.I.2. Required PPE
2.I.3. First aid and emergency response procedures
2.I.4. Survival skills if stranded
2.I.5. Endemic vs. systematic risks and responses (e.g., symptoms and treatment for tick-
borne diseases, weather conditions)
2.I.6. Resources for team safety (e.g., escape routes)

Domain 3: Interaction and Communication with Relevant Parties and Stakeholders (20%)

3.A. Inform stakeholders of scheduled activities in the operational area (e.g., controlled
burns, herbicide and pesticide operations, timber harvesting)
3.A.1. Culturally appropriate communication methods
3.A.2. Regulatory requirements related to disclosure of operational activities

3.B. Interact with and respond to relevant parties and stakeholders (e.g., the public, com-
munity, recreational users) under the direction of the forester or project manager
3.B.1. Coordination skills
3.B.2. Engagement techniques
3.B.3. Conflict resolution skills

54
3.C. Practice in accordance with the SAF Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
Practice
3.C.1. SAF Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice

3.D. Maintain accurate records of operations and interactions with relevant parties and
stakeholders
3.D.1. Appropriate channel of reporting
3.D.2. Accurate and thorough record-keeping
3.D.3. Documentation of decisions (e.g., rationale)
3.D.3. Communication skills

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APPENDIX D

Mentorship Documentation

Mentorship Documentation

Dates: <from> to <end>

Mentor: <printed CF name, email address, and contact number>

Mentee: <printed name, email address, contact number>

I found the mentorship process to be beneficial during this time.

<Enter description of activities and outcomes. 1 – 5 sentences.> Please feel free to add an
additional sheet if you need more space.

Signatures:

Mentor/Date : Mentee/Date :

______________________ _______________________
Photo by Aaron Burden in Arkansas for the National Association of State Foresters.

Society of American Foresters

2121 K St. NW, Suite 315
Washington, DC 20037

[Link]
[Link] [Link]