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.
Changes coming to the CABIN Training Program
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) anticipates hosting and administering a revised CABIN training program in Spring 2025. ECCC and the Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) have successfully collaborated on the CABIN Training Program since 2007. The CABIN program has seen many advancements since that time. Recently, ECCC has been revising the CABIN training program to meet the needs of a growing and evolving audience.
CRI and ECCC are working to ensure a smooth transition from the current program in 2024 to the revised program in 2025. It’s important to note:
- CRI will continue to host and administer CABIN training in 2024, but any training started in 2024 must be completed by March 2025.
- Incomplete modules or missed field sessions cannot be carried forward for completion in 2025. For more information about upcoming changes, please refer to the FAQ below.
ECCC sincerely thanks the CRI for contributing to the CABIN program over the years, and for its support during this major transformation.
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.
| Empty | Lead a CABIN project | Be involved in study design | Collect CABIN samples | Run CABIN analyses | Enter data into CABIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project manager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data analyst | N / AN/A Empty | N / AEmpty | N / AEmpty | Yes | Yes |
| Field technician | N / AEmpty | N / AEmpty | Yes | N / AEmpty | Yes |
| Data entry technician | N / AEmpty | N / AEmpty | N / AEmpty | N / AEmpty | Yes |
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.
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