The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters in 1951 for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating those who engage in the practice of professional forestry. The Board has the authority to adopt rules, set standards for licensure, adopt mandatory standards of professional conduct, and investigate and discipline unauthorized, negligent or incompetent practice.

The Board licenses registered foresters. Applicants for licensure must obtain sufficient education and experience, and pass an examination.

The Board is comprised of six members appointed by the Governor: five registered foresters and one member appointed from the public at large. All members are appointed for terms of five years.

Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held at the Office of Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division office located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia. Meeting dates, time and location are posted on this website. Persons wishing to submit complaints or other matters for Board consideration should submit the matter in writing to the office.

Examination Information

The examination for licensure as a Registered Forester is administered through the Society of American Foresters (SAF).  Candidates will be required to take an examination specific to Georgia in addition to the nationally certified exam. Upon approval by the Georgia Board to take the exam, SAF will contact each approved candidate with instructions as to how to proceed with the registration process.  The correspondence will include a Forestry Examination Application that is to be completed and submitted to SAF along with the fee of $325.00.  This fee covers the one-time practice exam, one-time computer-based examination, and one study guide. Once the application has been received by SAF, the candidate will be registered with Schroeder Measurement Technologies Inc/IsoQuality Testing (SMT) and subsequently provided with two codes –  one for the online practice exam and one to schedule the examination on the IsoQuality Testing website. Any applicant may request a modification to the administration procedure due to disability, handicap, or other conditions that may impair his or her ability to take the test. To be considered for special testing accommodations, a written request, indicating a candidate’s needs must be sent to SAF. 

Please visit SAF's website at www.certifiedforester.org for additional information.