What is a Professional Biologist?

Professional Biologists in Alberta

A Professional Biologist (P. Biol.) is a regulated member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). Professional Biologists are subject to the ASPB Code of Ethics, continuing competence requirements, and the Society’s complaints, discipline, and professional conduct processes. The ASPB is a self-regulating organization under provincial legislation, meaning its purpose is to protect the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practise biology in accordance with legislation.

Who are Professional Biologists?

Professional Biologists are registrants of the ASPB who practise professional biology in Alberta. The ASPB regulates the professional practice of biology in the disciplines of:

  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Environmental Biology
  • Microbiology
  • and related sub-disciplines

The ASPB is the only organization for biologists in Alberta that is registered under provincial laws. This status was achieved in 1991 following approval of The Professional Biologists Regulation and the Alberta Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act.

Protected Title and Designations

Registration with ASPB grants members the exclusive use of the protected title “Professional Biologist” and the abbreviation “P. Biol.” Only members in good standing may use these titles and designations.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Admission requirements to become a professional member are specified in the Regulations and include meeting requirements related to:

  • Academic qualifications
  • Professional experience
  • Good character and references

Ongoing Professional Obligations

To maintain registration, members must:

  • fulfill continuing competence requirements and undertake ongoing professional development activities to stay current in their field
  • adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics
  • meet professional standards and practice expectations
  • remain accountable through ASPB’s regulatory processes

Accountability, Complaints, and Discipline

ASPB regulates in the public interest. Professional Biologists are expected to practise ethically and competently and to comply with all applicable requirements.

If a concern or complaint is raised, members are subject to ASPB’s complaints, discipline, and professional conduct processes. Being regulated means adhering to the ASPB Code of Ethics for the protection of the public. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action against the Professional Biologist.

Why Professional Regulation Matters

Professional regulation helps ensure that the practice of biology in Alberta is carried out by qualified professionals who are accountable for their work. Registration supports public confidence by confirming that a Professional Biologist:

  • meets prescribed standards of education and experience and is regulated under provincial legislation
  • follows enforceable ethical and professional obligations
  • stays current through continuing professional development and continuing competence requirements
  • may be relied upon by employers, clients, regulators, and the public as a credible and objective source of advice, including in the context of regulatory hearings
  • is accountable through a formal regulatory and disciplinary process in the event of a grievance or complaint

Increased Credibility with the Public

Receiving a professional designation in ASPB demonstrates that your education and training credentials have met prescribed standards, and that you undertake ongoing professional development to stay current. The need is growing for professionals with recognized qualifications and training who are accountable for their actions.

Increased Credibility with Government

Increasingly the Alberta Government requires professional sign-off in key areas such as reclamation and remediation. Being a Professional Biologist means you can sign off on a plan, report, map, or other form of document, and regulators may rely upon the Professional Biologist for reporting.

Valued by Employers

Many employers require that their employees be regulated by a professional regulatory organization. Professional members hold the right to the title Professional Biologist, have document sign-off privileges, and are a credible and objective source of advice to clients and the public. The Society’s disciplinary process holds members accountable in the case of a client grievance, which can minimize employer responsibility. Access to a professional network of peers, along with mandatory professional development requirements, helps ensure members maintain continued competence and standards of practice throughout their career in biology.

Code of Ethics Responsibilities

ASPB’s Code of Ethics outlines key responsibilities for members and identifies four general areas of responsibility:

  1. General responsibility to exhibit competency and integrity
  2. Public responsibility to provide current, accurate information and to encourage public discussion of biological issues
  3. Professional responsibility to publish reports and disseminate biological information responsibly
  4. Responsibility to the employer/client to:
    • provide advice based only on professional qualifications
    • not disclose confidential information
    • avoid conflicts of interest, including not using position or influence for personal gain