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Verified by WV Board of Science

Forester Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

Renewal ALS: ONLINE PAYMENTS Step 1: Pay the annual

Licensing Blueprint for Forester in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: 10 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Their license for at least 10 years preceding appointment.

  3. 3

    EXAMINATION INFORMATION.

  4. 4

    Next examination date: March 20, 2021.

  5. 5

    Please plan to wear a mask and social distance before, during and after the examination.

  6. 6

    Step 1: Pay the annual renewal fee online at the following link.

  7. 7

    CLICK HERE to pay ONLINE renewal fee.

Exam and processing details

INFORMATION Next examination date
March 20, 2021 Location: Beckley Room at the Days Inn - Flatwoods, WV Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM - Test begins at 10:00 AM Please contact wvborf@gmail.com if you plan to attend. The cost is $ 100.00 to be paid one week in advance. Please plan to wear a mask and social distance before, during and after the examination. ANNUAL RENEWALS: ONLINE PAYMENTS Step 1: Pay the annual renewal fee online at the following link. CLICK HERE to pay ONLINE renewal fee Step 2: After you pay your registration on-line, please send an email to the wvborf@gmail.com. with the following information to the WV BORF. 1. In the subject line of the email, write: Your name, registration number and the word "renewal". 2. In the body of the email, clearly state your a) name, b) registration number, and c) phone number 3. Attach a scanned or photographed image of your payment confirmation page - this will come in an email to you after you pay online (above) - and 4. Attach a scanned or photographed image of your Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) certificates or SAF list of credits. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RENEWING YOUR LICENSE BY MAIL CLICK HERE to renew your registration by mail RECIPROCITY GUIDELINES CLICK HERE to view RECIPROCITY GUIDELINES FILING A COMPLAINT FORM The following complaint form can be used to file a complaint against anyone using the title "forester" or advertising they are providing "forestry services. Once completed, signed and dated, please print the form and mail toWVBORF, PO Box 1032, Ripley, WV 25271. The form can also be sent via email to wvborf@gmail.com, CLICK HERE for COMPLAINT FORM

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificates or SAF list of credits
Fee TypeAmount
The cost$100.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FORESTERS

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal ALS: ONLINE PAYMENTS Step 1: Pay the annual

  4. Salary Position

    $56,940 median (19% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: INFORMATION Next examination date: March 20, 2021 Location: Beckley Room at the Days Inn - Flatwoods, WV Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM - Test begins at 10:00 AM Please contact wvborf@....
  4. 4. Budget filing costs (The cost: $100.00).
  5. 5. Submit the application to FORESTERS and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ALS: ONLINE PAYMENTS Step 1: Pay the annual).

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $56,940, Foresters in West Virginia earn 19% below the national median of $70,660. West Virginia ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 10 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$56,940

Hourly estimate

$27.38
19% below national median

Difference: -$13,720

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,550
  • P2525th percentile$44,100
  • P50Median$56,940
  • P7575th percentile$74,900
  • P9090th percentile$79,800

State vs National Median

State: $56,940
National: $70,660

Total employment: 110 | Annual openings: N/A

Forester Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$98,870
#2Alaska$85,550
#3Iowa$80,590
#4Maryland$79,890
#5Louisiana$79,580

Nearby States Comparison

Forester licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$56,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam10 years
Pennsylvania$77,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$79,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$69,250Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$54,580Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Ohio$69,160Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
West Virginia78HighBoard-specific review required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Ohio72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

FORESTERS

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3043672720

Website Pending VerificationCall Board

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$47,130No educational requirementsVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$63,820Degree requiredVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$52,690Varies by state board2 years
Environmental Scientist$77,980Varies by state board2 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Forester in West Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 10 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Forester salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Foresters in West Virginia is $56,940. Salaries range from $37,550 (10th percentile) to $79,800 (90th percentile).

How does the Forester salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?

Foresters in West Virginia earn 19% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $56,940.

How many Foresters work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 110 Foresters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Forester license to West Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is FORESTERS. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Forester license in West Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ALS: ONLINE PAYMENTS Step 1: Pay the annual.