A primary goal of The Wildlife Society is to support the education, training, and ethical practice of wildlife professionals throughout their careers. To that end, TWS recognizes professional credentials with three distinct certificates. During the summer of 2009, a new bylaws change was approved by The Wildlife Society membership. Membership in the Society is now required for all current AWB and CWB certificates to remain valid. For more detail about this policy change, please see our FAQ
Certified Wildlife Biologist
A professional wildlife biologist is a person with the educational background and demonstrated expertise in the art and science of applying the principles of ecology to the conservation and management of wildlife and its habitats. An applicant for professional certification who demonstrates this expertise through education and experience, and is judged to be able to represent the profession as an ethical practitioner will be designated as a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB).
An applicant for professional certification who has limited experience but who has completed the rigorous academic standards and is judged to be able to represent the profession as an ethical practitioner will be designated as an Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB). After sufficient experience is gained, the AWB may apply for the more advanced level of certification.
The Professional Development Program is open to all wildlife professionals. Upon successful completion of the program, as evidenced by an approved Application and Personal Activity Record, The Wildlife Society will issue a Professional Development Certificate.
A wildlife technician is a person who provides support and services to scientists working in wildlife management and animal biology. They gather data on wildlife and their habitat and carry out management plans for wildlife and natural areas.
Holding a certificate from The Wildlife Society places you in a category distinct from other wildlife professionals due to the integrity of the organization and the high standards of the certification process. You earn credibility and respect, which offers you an added advantage when applying for jobs, in public forums, and in legal proceedings.
On March 13, 2008, the Trademark Office’s Principal Register officially approved TWS Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) and Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) for trademark registration. Meaning The Wildlife Society is the ONLY organization to provide the peer-reviewed wildlife biologist certification process that bestows the title of Associate Wildlife Biologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist. This entitles all current AWBs and CWBs to place the trademark symbol ® after their title. Example: John Smith, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®
For more information about the Certification Program at The Wildlife Society, please see the list of frequently asked questions or contact Shannon Pederson, Program Manager, Subunits and Certification, at
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or 301-897-9770 X 303.
The Wildlife Society | 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 200 | Bethesda MD 20814-2144| Phone: (301) 897-9770 | Fax: (301) 530-2471
