College of Applied Biology

The College of Applied Biology (CAB) makes sure that a member practicing applied biology in British Columbia has the necessary knowledge and skills. No one in BC can call themselves a professional biologist, a registered biology technologist, or an applied biology technician without registration in the CAB. The College of Applied Biology Act is the first legislation of its kind in North America, and is the first time applied biologists have been granted full professional status through self-governing legislation. The CAB:

• Awards title of professional biologist and registered biology technologist (only members with active status who are members in good standing can use titles under the jurisdiction of the CAB)
• Sets conduct and performance standards to which members are held accountable
• Ensures the competence of its members through compulsory rules for continuing professional development, audits, investigations, discipline procedures
• Evaluates and comments on legislation pertinent to the purpose of the CAB from an apolitical perspective

The CAB establishes, monitors and enforces standards of conduct and a code of ethics for its members. It has legal authority to investigate allegations that a member has fallen below those standards and to take disciplinary action against the member. The CAB has a discipline process, which sets out how a complaint is filed and the investigation and subsequent discipline processes.  A person may make a complaint in writing where the complainant believes that a member of the CAB has:

• Practiced biology in an incompetent manner
• Been guilty of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a registered member, or a breach of this Act or the rules