An individual entering the profession of agrology must start as an articling agrologist (Articling Agrologist or Articling Technical Agrologist) and complete a set of milestones before applying for registration as a fully registered agrologist.
The purpose of the Articling Program is to ensure that articling agrologists understand the role of a professional, the importance of the Institute, and to provide opportunities to meet fully registered agrologists for mentorship and networking purposes. This strengthens an articling agrologist’s understanding of professionalism and ethics as it relates to agrology.
Articling agrologists will be given an Articling Program Checklist which explains the milestones to be completed. Articling agrologists cannot commence the milestones until they have done the following:
- Submitted an Articling Program Application and
- Paid the registration fees.
Articling Milestones
- Attend a “Orientation to Agrology” workshop, held monthly online. Dates will be posted on the Events page and in the Agrology Update Memo.
- Attend at least two (2) Branch Activities* (Branch Annual General Meetings are NOT considered Branch Activities)
- Attend one (1) Branch Annual General Meeting*
- Attend one (1) Provincial Annual Convention
- Attend one (1) Provincial Annual General Meeting
- Attend one (1) Articling Ethics Workshop
- Report Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours using the CPD Tracker – Report three (3) years of relevant work experience in your self-declared area of professional practice, in a résumé or biography
- Complete the online Professionalism and Ethics Course and Exam. Contact the Membership Coordinator to access this last step
- You have 60 days to complete the online Professionalism and Ethics Course and Final Exam. Anyone who does not achieve a passing grade of 70% or greater will be required to take the course again and incur additional expenses.
Once ALL milestones listed above have been completed and the articling agrologist has received a passing grade for the online Professionalism and Ethics Exam, articling agrologists MUST submit a Full Registration Request.
* Do not have to be with your primary branch
Description of Milestones
Orientation to Agrology Workshop
The initial step in the Articling Program is the “Orientation to Agrology” workshop. This online session covers professionalism and ethics, the role of legislation, bylaws, and policies, and how the Institute regulates the profession. It is recommended to complete this milestone first. The workshop also prepares articling agrologists for other milestones, such as Branch Events and attending the Annual General Meetings. It will be offered monthly, with dates posted in the Agrology Update Memo and on the SIA Events page.
Provincial Annual Convention and Annual General Meeting
The Annual Convention and AGM is held in early spring. During the convention, in addition to ample continuing professional development hours, articling agrologists have the opportunity to network with other professionals and interact with guest speakers. At an Annual General Meeting, Provincial Council reports to and seeks guidance and/or approval from the registered agrologists regarding activities or issues of the organization. Agrologists in good standing are entitled to vote.
Articling Ethics Workshop
The Articling Ethics Workshop gives articling agrologists insights into the role of a professional and opportunities to ask questions about the Articling Program and the role of the Institute. Online workshops take place throughout the year. Contact the SIA office for the schedule.
Branch Activities and Branch AGM
Branch activities are held throughout the year in various locations, around the province. These events provide opportunities to network with other registered agrologists, stay connected with the Institute and gain continuing professional development. A Branch AGM is an opportunity to learn how each of the branches are operated and to voice your thoughts and ideas. All registered agrologists are entitled to vote during branch business meetings.
Professionalism and Ethics Course and Exam
The last step in the Articling Program, before being granted the PAg or TechAg designation, is to complete the Professionalism and Ethics Course and achieve a satisfactory grade of 70% or greater on the Professionalism and Ethics Exam.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD ensures registered agrologists acquire the knowledge and skills, necessary to be current and up-to-date in their scope of practice. Articling agrologists are required to maintain their competency by reporting a minimum of 105 hours of professional development over a three-year period or an average of 35 hours per year. CPD hours must be submitted online using the CPD Tracker no later than December 31 of each year.
Note: All registered agrologists are required to report 35 hours per year or 105 hours over the most recent continuous three-year period of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).