A National Education Entrance Standard for Agrology (2017) was prepared by the 10 provincial institutes of Agrology to standardize the educational entrance requirements for registration as an Agrologist–in–Training (AIT) across Canada.
- Agrology Technologist in Training (ATT), leading to Registered Technologist in Agrology (RT[AG]). Applicants require a minimum of a 60-credit diploma, applied degree, or degree that includes:
- 45 credits in agrology
- 3 credits in English/communications
- Agrologist in Training (AIT), leading to Professional Agrologist (PAg). Applicants must meet the National Education Entrance Standard (standardized entrance requirements for agrology institutes across the Canadian provinces) , which requires a minimum of a four-year, 120-credit baccalaureate degree in agriculture or environmental science or an equivalent degree that includes:
- 60 credits in agrology, of which 24 must be at the senior level (usually 300 or 400 level). Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) status counts as 6 credits.
- 15 credits in foundational natural science (e.g., biology, botany, chemistry, physics, geology, ecology, hydrology, hydrogeology).
- 3 credits in English/communications.
- 3 credits in math/calculus/statistics.
- 3 credits in economics (microeconomics or macroeconomics).
A definition of agrology and foundational natural science is provided here.
PAg ELIGIBILITY – UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE: Students entering the University of Lethbridge’s 2+2 program seeking a baccalaureate degree MAY NOT be eligible for entrance into the Alberta Institute of Agrologists as an Agrologist In-Training leading towards a professional agrologist designation. Some degree programs at the U of L do not have enough senior agrology course content.
Practice Area Exams The Institute is developing technical exams for specific practice areas. Each exam has a $750.00 fee plus GST. Exams are NOT used to gain entrance into the profession.
Exams have been developed for two practice areas:
- Crop Production practice area
- Assessment, Remediation and Management of Contaminated Land
- Exam 1:Understanding Drivers and Planners, Phase I and Phase II
- Exam 2: Remediation and Risk management
- A final exam will be developed in 2023 for Exposure Control [risk management] and Validation and Closure
These exams may be written by AIA members who do not have the required education to support the knowledge requirements in a given practice area.
The exams must be written at the AIA office in Edmonton. In special cases an alternate location may be established to write the exam in other areas of the province. Special proctor protocols will be required for these alternate locations.