Routes to Membership

Professional Membership Entry

Most professional foresters and arboriculturists begin by completing an undergraduate or postgraduate course accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Successful completion of the course leads to Associate Membership of the Institute, the first step on the path towards becoming chartered.

The next step is to undertake a period of mentored experience which is about developing the knowledge, understanding and professionalism required to practise as a chartered forester or arboriculturist in the UK. Professional Membership Entry (PME) is the structured training and assessment period, carried out by Associate Members who wish to achieve promotion to Chartered Status and who have commenced employment.

Individuals can progress at their own pace (although they must intend to take their exam within 15 years of becoming an Associate member) but must have a minimum of two years in professional practice before they are ready to go forward to the final stage, which is a written assessment and oral examination.

Successful completion of the PME means you are eligible to become a Professional Member of the Institute and may use the initials MICFor after your name. An MICFor is allowed to use the title Chartered Forester or Chartered Arboriculturist, a designation which is protected by law.

Becoming an MICFor is a milestone rather than the end of a forestry or arboriculture professional's learning and development. As with other chartered professions, being a chartered forester or chartered arboriculturist involves making a commitment to keeping one's skills up to date. All Corporate members are required to complete 100 hours continuing professional development every 3 years.

Senior professionals who are not currently members of the Institute can apply to become members through the Assessed Professional Competence (APC) route.

For members at the head of their profession, there is the opportunity to apply for Fellowship.

Former chartered members who wish to be reinstated to membership must apply for formal reinstatement and go through the Institute's election process.

Forestry and arboriculture graduates from the Member States of the European Union may be eligible for membership of the Institute and exemption from part of the Institute’s examinations under the European Council Directive 89/48/EEC. All enquiries should be directed to the membership secretary.