Greetings Diane,
Some states certify or register (licensure) foresters, meaning that the "forester" has passed a test (or standard) as a professional forester in that particular state (i.e., they received the proper college training and continuing education to be called a professional forester).
Other states, like Illinois, do not certify or register their foresters. Therefore, anyone in Illinois can legally call themselves a professional forester even if they don't have a college degree in forestry.
As a service to the readers of this forum, I always urge landowners to seek the most qualified professional forester to assist them. In the case with North Carolina, foresters must be licensed with the state. So, if this list is from the state, more likely than not the individual is certified or licensed to practice forestry.
Sorry for the confusion :-)
