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.

CABIN training levels based on user needs
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 / A N / A N / A Yes Yes
Field technician N / A N / A Yes N / A Yes
Data entry technician N / A N / A N / A N / A Yes

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.

2023 CABIN field training calendar

Find out when and where Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) field training courses are running in 2023. 

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.

Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before field training. The link for the field session sign-up is only available at the beginning of Module 2.

Here are the tentative CABIN Field Course locations for 2023:

Province  Location Date
New Brunswick Fredericton June 13-14
New Brunswick Moncton June 15-16
Saskatchewan Cypress Hills June 13-14
British Columbia North Vancouver June 20-21
British Columbia North Vancouver June 22-23
Ontario Burlington June 27-28
Ontario Burlington June 29-30
Nova Scotia Dartmouth July 11-12
Nova Scotia Truro CANCELED
British Columbia  Cranbrook July 12-13
Yukon Whitehorse July 18-19
Newfoundland Terra Nova National Park (to be confirmed) July 20-21
Alberta Rocky Mountain House July 26-27
New Brunswick Fredericton August - TbD

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 2 years to upgrade their field assistant certification to field technician by paying the necessary fees and completing the online modules.

Page details

Date modified: