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Program Information

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Forest Resources Technician

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Duration: Two Years


 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | CERTIFICATIONS | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS | ACCREDITATION | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

Stewards of sustainability.
 
A transformation has swept the forestry industry, changing the business and planting the seeds of sustainable eco-management. Canada’s forests support more than 300,000 jobs across the country and add over $26 billion to our economy each year1.  At the same time, a commitment to maintain forest ecosystems and biodiversity has created a need for protectors and stewards of one of our most valuable natural resources.
 
That’s what Forest Resource Technicians are – protectors and stewards of sustainability for this precious ecosystem. Some 90 per cent of animal and plant species are found in the forest and cannot survive without them. And as the “lungs of the earth,” they are essential to human populations as well.
 
This lays the ground for a dynamic and diverse career that will open pathways to employment throughout Canada in a variety of forestry-related fields such as: parks, wildlife and environmental assessment, forest inventory and site classification, silviculture, logging and engineering, forest access road construction and maintenance, and protection and enforcement. Sustainable forest management in Canada is especially important for rural and Indigenous communities, where forest-based work is a main source of income and subsistence. 
 
This nationally accredited program will prepare you to identify forest ecosystem issues to develop preventive measures, treatments and practices used in forest resource protection, management and utilization. You will acquire skills with field and office equipment to assess and analyze natural resources data and build your competence and confidence in finding sustainable solutions to forest management problems and challenges.
 
You will be firmly planted in the knowledge to grow in this meaningful career.
 
 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Additional certification in: Canadian Firearms/Hunter Education, Timber Scaling, WHMIS/OHS, Chainsaw Safety, ATV Safety, Snowmobile Safety, Wilderness First Aid & Canadian Board License - Pleasure Craft
  • Nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)
  • Apply for entry with advanced standing at several Canadian Universities (transfer credits)
  • Graduates receive a silver ring from the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) and are eligible for membership in the CIF
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Canada is home to 38 percent of the world’s certified forests2 . 
  • Canada’s forest industry employs over 300,000 Canadians (Natural Resources Canada, 2020).
  • Tree genomics is the research and study of a tree’s DNA, also known as its genome3. 
  • Each year, the forest industry in Canada plants over half a billion trees as part of legal requirements to reforest any harvested Crown land forests4. 
  • Canada’s forest products industry has the best environmental reputation in the world according to a 2014 Leger survey of international customers (FPAC). 
  • Using wood products helps “green” the environment by replacing more carbon intensive materials with wood, which is also a carbon sink that helps mitigate climate change5.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Forest Resources Technician program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to participate in finding solutions to forest management problems and challenges.
  2. Identify forest ecosystem issues, challenges and alternate solutions.
  3. Use assessment and evaluation techniques involved in forest resource protection, management and utilization.
  4. Identify current preventive measures, treatments and practices used in forest resource protection, management and utilization.
  5. Apply effective procedures and practices in the use of field and office equipment to assess and analyze natural resources data.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Forestry Resources Technician program are required to obtain certification in the following areas over the two-year period of study:
Canadian Firearm Safety Course/Hunter Education
WHMIS
OHS
Wilderness Remote First Aid
ATV Safety - Canada Safety Council
Snowmobile Safety - Canada Safety Council
NL Timber Scaling
Chainsaw Safety Awareness
Brush Saw Safety Awareness
Canadian Boat License - Pleasure Craft
 
Note: Students should be aware that additional fees and expenses apply for certifications and for field camps, tours and On-the-Job Training.  Students will be required to hold valid certifications for the above courses prior to graduation.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Because of the extensive field exposure incorporated in this program, the student is required to acquire the following equipment and clothing: hard hat, compass, axe, snowshoes, logger boots, good quality rainwear, and other clothing appropriate for outdoor work.

Note: Participation in activities that are physically demanding will be required due to the extensive field components incorporated into this program.
ACCREDITATION
Forest Resources Technician is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada under the mandate of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists until December 2028.  Forest Resources Technician is also recognized internationally by the signatories of the Dublin accord. This provides graduates of the program with both national and international mobility for work and/or study.
REFERENCES
1,2,5 Forestry in Canada - Canada Action (n.d.)
3,4 Canadian Institute of Forestry – Tree Genomics (n.d.)

Admission Requirements


Eligibility for admission to the program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201 or 3202
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
     Advanced:  2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
     Academic:  2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1100.  Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science – (4 credits) two of which must be chosen from:
   Biology: 3201                                      
   Physics: 3204                                      
   Chemistry: 3202                                   
   Earth Systems: 3209
   Environmental Science 3205
Note: The remaining two science credits to be chosen from the highest science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math: MA1040
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, MA1041
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ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Biology: BL1025
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, BL1026
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b. Chemistry: CH1035
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, CH1036
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c. Physics: PH1055
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, PH1056
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Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in the Fish and Wildlife or Forest Resources Technician program complete BL1025
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 and BL1026
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.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
    a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
    b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
    c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
BL1120
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Biology I 3 2 3
CM1400
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Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
EN2120
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Environmental Citizenship 3 3 0
MA1100
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Mathematics I 5 4 2
MC1850
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Spreadsheet Applications 1 0 2
SU1150
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Field Navigation 3 2 3
SU1710
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Forest Surveying 3 2 3
         
*Admission into the appropriate Mathematics course will be decided by the grade in High School math.
       
Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from MA 1100 Mathematics. Students must apply for the exemption.
       
Semester 2 Cr Le La
CM1401
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Technical Report Writing II 3 3 0
EY2210
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Silvics/Dendrology I 3 2 3
FR1330
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Natural Resource Measurements I 3 2 3
FR1400
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Wood Products 2 1 2
MA1670
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Statistics 4 4 1
SU3210
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 2 1 3
LW2210
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Natural Resources Policy & Law 4 4 0
         
Semester 3 (Intersession I) Cr Le La
FR1230
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Forest Fire Management 3 2 3
FR2340
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Hydrology 3 2 2
SU1330
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GPS Data Collection & Mapping 0 0 3 days
FT1400
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Forestry Field Camp 0 0 2 wks
         
The Course and Lab hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. In intersession, the Course and Lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length.
         
Semester 4 Cr Le La
EY2211
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Silvics/Dendrology II 3 2 2
FR1560
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Timber Harvesting I 2 1 2
FR1331
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Natural Resource Measurements II 2 1 3
FR2350
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Forest Entomology/Pathology 3 2 3
FR2360
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Silviculture 3 2 3
FT1401
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Forestry Camp/Tour 0 0 1 wk
GE1300
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Forest Soils 3 2 3
SU1575
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Remote Sensing Applications for Natural Resources 3 2 3
         
Semester 5 Cr Le La
FR1561
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Timber Harvesting II 4 3 3
FR2430
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Wildlife Management 3 2 3
HR2200
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Human Relations 2 1 2
LW2211
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Law Enforcement 4 3 2
MN1800
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Sustainable Forest Management 4 3 3
PR2660
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Technical Project & Presentation 2 1 2
         
Semester 6 (Intersession II) Cr Le La
OJ1300
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On the Job Training - Forestry 0 0 3 wks

Students graduating from the Forest Resources Technician program can complete the Fish and Wildlife program with one additional year. Interested students must begin their studies in the first Technical Intersession of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program.
 

Careers & Pathways


CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this nationally accredited program may obtain employment throughout Canada in a variety of forestry related fields: protection and enforcement, forest inventory and site classification, logging and engineering, forest access road construction and maintenance, silviculture as well as parks, wildlife and environmental assessment. This program has an established reputation for supplying graduates to employers all across Canada.
 
FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Forest Resources Technician program, who wish to pursue post-secondary studies, can apply for entry with advanced standing at a number of Canadian Universities that the College has established credit transfer agreements with. Please refer to the NL Department of Education's transfer guide (www.cna.nl.ca/transfer), or contact your intended university or college.

CNA presently has articulation agreements with University of New Brunswick and Royal Roads University.


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $1,239.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $595.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $305.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due during confirmation of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • Deposit fee - First semester tuition of which $1500 is non-refundable
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $4,462.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per semester) - $5,058.00
  • Commercial Driver (per semester) - $5,058.00
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00


Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $2,232.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
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Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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