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, The Wildlife Society recognizes professional credentials with three distinct certificates:

Certified Wildlife Biologist – The requirements for this certificate include:

• Completion of rigorous academic requirements at a college/university
• Experience as a wildlife biologist for five years
• Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of Ethics for wildlife professionals.
• The applicant’s coursework and experience are thoroughly examined by the Society’s Certification Review Board, a group of long-standing and highly-qualified members who represent a broad range of wildlife backgrounds.  Once certified, the applicant must continue enhancing his or her knowledge of the most current wildlife management principles and techniques in order to recertify in five years.

Associate Wildlife Biologist – The requirements for this certificate include:

• Completion of rigorous academic requirements at a college/university
• Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of Ethics for wildlife professionals.
• The applicant’s coursework is thoroughly examined by the Society’s Certification Review Board.  Once certified, the applicant has 10 years to complete five years of professional work experience as a wildlife biologist.  At that point, the applicant may apply for certification as a Certified Wildlife Biologist.

Professional Development – The requirement for this certificate includes:

• Commitment to life-long learning and enhanced professionalism
• Agreement to comply with The Wildlife Society’s Code of Ethics for wildlife professionals.
• Credit towards this certificate is earned by participation in activities such as attending symposia, short courses, distance learning courses, workshops, training sessions, technical sessions at professional meetings, and regular college courses provided by public or private institutions.

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, Subunit and Certification Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 301-897-9770 X 303.