Training and certification for aquatic biomonitoring

To use the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) and analysis tools, you must complete the required online module training and certification. Additional field certification is also available if you are interested in collecting benthic macroinvertebrates and habitat data.

CABIN training is for anyone

The training program provides the knowledge and skills required to conduct a biomonitoring program to CABIN standards.

Online modules guide you through data entry, analysis, and reporting, while the field course gets you into a river with experienced CABIN trainers to go over the steps of collecting data for CABIN-based biomonitoring.

Different needs equals different training

Depending on your role, there are different levels of training. Use the table below to find the level that best suits your needs.

Online modules

CABIN program certification is provided through a partnership between Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) out of the University of New Brunswick. You can register for CRI Training Website.

2024 CABIN field training calendar

Find out when and where Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) field training courses are running in 2024. 

CABIN field training sign-up is on a first-come first-served basis. There are limited spaces available. Please review the field course availability on the Canadian River Institute Training page before proceeding with Project Manager or Field Technician Registration.

Here are the tentative CABIN Field Course locations for 2024:

Training partners

A field assistant certification program is available from several recognized post-secondary institutions. It provides students with an introduction to the CABIN program and hands-on field skills. It does not give the student access to the online tools. Students have two years to upgrade their Field Assistant certification to Field Technician by paying the necessary fees and completing the online modules.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is CABIN training being revised?

• ECCC is currently working on transforming the training and certification program to better serve the expanding and evolving audience.
• The new CABIN training reflects technological advancements in eLearning. ECCC’s goal is to be more inclusive of diverse learning styles for CABIN’s expanding audience.
• ECCC’s capability to support and host eLearning has evolved. Hosting the content directly will align with the department’s 2024-2029 Science Strategy for which one of the objectives is to be more collaborative, open and accessible with federal science products and services.

What will be different in 2025?

• ECCC anticipates the cost of training will be lower in 2025.  ECCC recently developed the capacity to host and administer content with automated learning assessments. By taking on these tasks within ECCC, administrative costs for training delivery will be reduced.
• The online content will be reduced to key CABIN content. Previous content included additional background and supporting research, which are not critical to achieving certification.
• The learning objectives will focus on the skills and tasks required by certified CABIN participants in order to conduct CABIN sampling.
• The content will be rewritten in plain language to be more accessible to a broad audience.
• Interactive features and various eLearning technology tools will be incorporated into the content delivery to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Learning assessment tools will be automated to provide immediate feedback to learners, with frequent knowledge checks and quizzes at the end of each module.
• Introduction modules will be specific to each certification role (for example Project Manager, Field Technician). Each introduction module will provide a general overview of the information that will be discussed in subsequent modules required for the training pathway of each role.  
• Any role requiring the in-person field component (Project Manager, Field Technician, Field Assistant) will require participants to complete the online material first. This requirement ensures that the information taught is consistent and the field certification will provide the same rigor for any role.
• Additional resources were developed to supplement the training program and are available here Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network resources - Canada.ca.

What will be the same in 2025?

• Core Content: The key messages will be the same but have been redeveloped to be more efficient and effective.
• There are still five different certifications: Project Manager, Field Technician, Field Assistant, Data Technician, Data Analyst.
• Access to the database: Required for Project Manager, Field Technician, Data Technician and Data Analyst certifications.
• Field course: Unchanged format and required for the following certification roles: Field Assistant, Field Technician, Project Manager.

Can I “upgrade” my current CABIN certification in 2024?

• The Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) will post available training sessions in 2024 including the potential to upgrade various certifications.
• For those looking to upgrade from Field Assistant to Field Technician or Project Manager in 2024, be prepared to provide proof of field certification to register for online modules which must be completed by March 2025.

Who can I contact if I have other questions about CABIN Training?

• Please contact the ECCC CABIN Team if you have additional questions about the CABIN Training program.