Board of Registration for Foresters

Protecting private forest landowners by licensing and registering foresters who are qualified, experienced, and maintain their continuing education

Applicant Information

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Registered Forester Application - PDF

The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters has several different options for becoming a registered forester! As set out in Ark. Code Ann. 17-31-302, qualified applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements.

NEW LICENSES: Individuals meeting the criteria above are welcome to submit an application and take the RF exam.

RECIPROCITY: Arkansas offers reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. To obtain a reciprocal license, as set out in Ark. Code Ann. 17-31-308, you must meet at least one of the educational requirements listed above AND have successfully passed an RF exam (>70%) in a reciprocating state (currently Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, or North Carolina) AND currently hold a valid RF license in good standing in the reciprocating state in which you passed the exam. Reciprocal licenses are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Applications can be found online or by contacting the Board's office.

On the application, you will be asked to list five references. These should be people who know your character, ability, reputation, and professional attainments. You will need to provide each of these individuals with a reference form (found online or by calling our office). According to Ark. Code Ann. 17-31-303, at least three (3) of your references must be registered foresters who have personal or professional knowledge of your forestry experience or your character and ability.

References should mail the completed form directly to the Board of Registration for Foresters.

Ensure your application is complete, review the Code of Ethics in the application and have your application notarized.

Enclose the application fee ($40) and mail your completed application with check/money order to:

ARKANSAS BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS
1 NATURAL RESOURCE DRIVE
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205

Request a copy of your official college transcript to be mailed to the Board's office.

Applicants needing to take the exam should review the list of suggested reading materials available on our website. Applicants may also choose to take a prep course provided by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Professor at UAM. Please contact Dr. Pelkki for more information: MATTHEW H. PELKKI (uamont.edu). Exams are administered at least twice a year.

Listed below are the exam dates and application deadlines for 2024. All exams will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dates and/or locations may be subject to change, so please check back frequently for any changes to this information. Applications not received by the deadlines listed below will roll over to the next exam date.

February 28, 2024 – Application due by February 14, 2024 - Arkansas Department of Agriculture in Little Rock, AR

May 22, 2024 – Application due by May 8, 2024 - Arkansas Department of Agriculture in Little Rock, AR

October 2, 2024 – Application due by September 18, 2024 - Arkansas Department of Agriculture in Little Rock, AR

December 11, 2024 – Application due by November 27, 2024 - Arkansas Department of Agriculture in Little Rock, AR

Please call the (501) 225-1598 for additional information.