Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Science
Forester Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Forester in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Upon the submission of an application, which shall include the results of the background investigation conducted pursuant to subsection C, from (i) any sheriff or chief of police of any county, city, or town
- (ii) any corporation authorized to do business in the Commonwealth
- (iii) the owner, proprietor, or authorized custodian of any place within the Commonwealth
- or (iv) any museum owned and managed by the Commonwealth, a circuit court judge of any county or city shall appoint special conservators of the peace who shall serve as such for such length of time as the court may designate, but not exceeding four years under any one appointment, during which time the court shall retain jurisdiction over the appointment order, upon a showing by the applicant of a necessity for the security of property or the peace and presentation of evidence that the person or persons to be appointed as a special conservator of the peace possess a valid registration issued by the Department of Criminal Justice Services in accordance with the provisions of subsection C.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$69,250 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Upon the submission of an application, which shall include the results of the background investigation conducted pursuant to subsection C...).
- 6. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services~Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services~Private Security Services and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $69,250, Foresters in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $70,660. Virginia ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$69,250Hourly estimate
$33.292% below national median
Difference: -$1,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationForester Salary Ranking
#29 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $98,870 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,550 |
| #3 | Iowa | $80,590 |
| #4 | Maryland | $79,890 |
| #5 | Louisiana | $79,580 |
Nearby States Comparison
Forester licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $69,250 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $79,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $56,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 10 years |
| Kentucky | $54,580 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $69,180 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $70,320 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA, 23219-3639
Phone: 8047864700
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $49,250 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $50,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $49,130 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Forester in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Foresters in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Foresters.
What education do you need to become a Forester in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Forester licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Forester salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Foresters in Virginia is $69,250. Salaries range from $46,510 (10th percentile) to $99,600 (90th percentile).
How does the Forester salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Foresters in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $69,250.
How many Foresters work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 350 Foresters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Forester license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services / Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services / Private Security Services. Review agency details at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/.
How often do you renew a Forester license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.