Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a Bachelor of Science degree or higher in forestry or a related field from a school with professional curriculum accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Completing only the four core courses (dendrology, forest measurements, silviculture, forest management) without a full bachelor’s degree does not qualify.

No. A two-year degree or partial coursework does not meet the requirements. The University of Tennessee will offer a two-year pathway starting fall 2026 that covers the four core courses. This pathway will help meet the educational requirements to qualify for Tennessee accreditation, but 5 years of experience will be needed. 

Any professional role in the forestry field qualifies as experience, regardless of title. Whether you are working as a consulting forester, industry forester, area forester, urban forester, research forester, or in another forestry-related capacity, your time in the profession will count towards the required years of experience. 

The Board decided not to include a testing pathway. Administering an exam would make the accreditation process less voluntary and would require additional resources for developing, proctoring, and grading the test.

If you are eager to become accredited before reaching 5 years of professional experience, you may pursue accreditation in one of the states recognized for reciprocity with Tennessee that requires fewer years of experience.

If you are already an accredited forester through one of the following programs, you may submit proof of your credentials to receive reciprocity accreditation in Tennessee: North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, the Society of American Foresters, or the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF). 

Individuals accredited through the Mississippi Registered Forester program may also apply for reciprocity; however, Tennessee requires a minimum of two years of professional experience to align with standards upheld by other states

To maintain reciprocity accreditation in Tennessee, you must retain documentation of your existing credentials in case verification is requested, pay annual dues to the Tennessee program,  and adhere to the Tennessee Accredited Forester Code of Ethics.

This list is housed on the Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) website and replaces the consulting forester list on the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) website. It will be widely advertised to encourage accredited foresters to provide forest management services across Tennessee rather than relying on non-accredited individuals.

You must pay annual dues ($50 for TFA members/ $175 for non-TFA members), adhere to the Code of Ethics, and retain documentation of credentials in case verification is requested. You must also complete eight hours of continuing education units each year, including one hour of ethics training every two years.

Yes, any defendant in an ethical complaint will have the opportunity to respond and present their case before a determination is made.