Top 11 Animal Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for animal technicians in the job market because they demonstrate competence and proficiency in a particular area of expertise or specialization. They can also help distinguish an animal technician from other job applicants and provide evidence of their qualifications and abilities. Certifications serve as proof of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field, which employers may take into consideration when making hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement or higher-level positions within a company or organization.

The article reviews top certifications for Animal Technicians and explains how they can help to advance an animal technician's career.

What are Animal Technician Certifications?

Animal Technician Certification is a certification program offered through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) that certifies individuals who work with laboratory animals. This certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of proficiency in the care and use of animals used in research, testing, and teaching. The certification also shows employers that the individual is committed to quality assurance, animal welfare, and continuing education.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out when applying for positions involving research or teaching with animals. It shows potential employers that they are well-trained and knowledgeable about the care and use of laboratory animals. In addition, holding this certification can give individuals access to specialized training opportunities and professional networking events related to laboratory animal science. Finally, it can provide recognition within the field as an expert in animal care and use.

Pro Tip: When considering animal technician certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and regulations in your state or country before applying. Different locations may have different prerequisites for certification and you want to make sure that you are meeting the necessary criteria. Additionally, take the time to look into any continuing education courses or seminars that may be available in order to stay up-to-date with current best practices.

Related: What does an Animal Technician do?

Top 11 Animal Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Animal Technicians today.

1. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional who has completed an accredited veterinary technician program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). This is a certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of veterinary technology.

It usually takes two to four years to complete an accredited veterinary technician program, depending on the school. After completing the program, you must pass the VTNE in order to become certified. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and clinical skills.

To become certified as a CVT, you must first complete an accredited veterinary technician program and then pass the VTNE. Once you have done this, you can apply for certification through your state's licensing board or through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). You will need to provide proof of graduation from an accredited program and submit your VTNE scores along with your application.

The cost for taking the VTNE varies by state but typically ranges from $300-$500. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for certification through AAVSB or your state’s licensing board.

2. Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide veterinary services under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. RVTs are responsible for providing medical care to animals, including administering medications, performing laboratory tests, taking x-rays, and assisting in surgical procedures. They also educate pet owners on proper animal care and nutrition.

In order to become an RVT, individuals must complete an accredited veterinary technician program that is approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Most programs require two years of study and include courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical pathology, parasitology, nutrition and animal husbandry. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates must pass a national exam administered by the Veterinary Technician National Exam Board (VTNEB).

The cost of becoming an RVT varies depending on the school or program chosen. Tuition fees can range from $10,000 to $20,000 for a two-year program. Additional costs may include books and supplies as well as registration fees for the VTNEB exam.

Once all requirements have been met and certification has been obtained, RVTs may be eligible for state licensure depending on their state’s regulations. Licensing fees vary from state to state but typically range from $50-$100 annually.

3. Certified Laboratory Animal Technician (CLAT)

Certified Laboratory Animal Technician (CLAT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in laboratory animal care and use. The certification is administered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

To become certified, individuals must meet specific educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and adhere to a code of ethics. The CLAT program was established to ensure that all personnel working with animals in research settings have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide humane care and use of animals.

The CLAT program requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time work experience in laboratory animal science or related fields. Applicants must also complete an AALAS accredited course or equivalent training program in laboratory animal science or related fields prior to taking the certification exam.

It typically takes approximately 6-9 months from start to finish to become certified as a CLAT depending on how quickly one completes the educational requirements and passes the exam.

In order to obtain certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their education/training, work experience, and payment of the applicable fees. The fee for the CLAT examination is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes.

4. Certified Animal Health Technologist (CAHT)

Certified Animal Health Technologist (CAHT) is a professional designation granted by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The CAHT credential is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who have met the qualifications for certification as an animal health technologist.

To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed an accredited animal health technology program or equivalent coursework in veterinary technology. Applicants must also pass the AAVSB's Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is administered twice a year.

The cost of the VTNE exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $300-$400. In addition to the VTNE fee, there is also an application fee of $150 that must be paid to AAVSB when submitting your application for certification.

Once you have passed the VTNE and submitted your application to AAVSB, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for them to review your credentials and issue your certification.

5. Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW)

Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) is a professional certification that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care for animals. This certification is offered through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).

To become a Certified Animal Care Worker, applicants must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The course covers topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, safety, health care, grooming and handling techniques. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, applicants will receive their CACW certification.

The cost of the online course and exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. The entire process usually takes between 4-6 weeks to complete.

6. Certified Zoo Keeper (CZK)

Certified Zoo Keeper (CZK) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professional zoo keepers. The certification is offered by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a non-profit organization that promotes animal welfare through education and research.

To become a Certified Zoo Keeper, one must first complete a minimum of 200 hours of on-the-job training in a zoo setting. This includes working with animals, observing their behavior, and learning about husbandry techniques. After completing the required training, applicants must pass an exam administered by IAABC to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in zoo keeping.

The cost of becoming a Certified Zoo Keeper varies depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs offer online courses or workshops that cost anywhere from $250-$500 USD. In addition, some zoos may require additional fees for hands-on experience or other specialized training.

Once certified, CZKs are eligible to apply for jobs at zoos around the world as well as participate in research projects and other educational opportunities related to animal care and conservation. Additionally, CZKs can receive discounts on certain products related to animal care and maintenance.

7. Certified Aquatic Animal Technician (CAAT)

Certified Aquatic Animal Technician (CAAT) is a certification program offered by the American Cetacean Society (ACS). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively with aquatic animals in captivity. The CAAT certification requires completion of an online course, which typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate from ACS that is valid for two years.

The cost of the CAAT certification varies depending on whether you are an ACS member or not. For non-members, the cost is $125 USD, while members pay $95 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with attending workshops or seminars related to aquatic animal care and husbandry.

In order to become certified as a CAAT, applicants must first complete the online course and pass an exam at the end of it. After passing this exam, applicants must submit their application form along with proof of completion of the course and payment for the certification fee. Once approved by ACS, applicants will receive their certificate via email within 2-3 weeks.

8. Certified Avian Health Technician (CAHT-Avian)

Certified Avian Health Technician (CAHT-Avian) is a certification program offered by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV). It is designed to provide veterinary technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for avian species in captivity. The certification requires successful completion of a two-day course and a written examination.

The course covers topics such as basic avian anatomy, nutrition, husbandry, diseases, behavior and emergency care. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants receive their CAHT-Avian certificate.

The cost of the CAHT-Avian program varies depending on the location where you take it. Generally, it costs around $450 for the two-day course and exam.

To become certified, you must be an AAV member in good standing and have at least one year of experience working with avians or have completed an approved avian medicine/husbandry program. You must also pass both parts of the exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive your certificate.

9. Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR)

A Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) is an individual who has been trained and certified to provide medical care, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife. This certification is issued by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). It requires a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction in topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, disease prevention, safety protocols, legal considerations, and more.

In order to become certified as a CWR, one must complete the IWRC's online coursework and pass an exam. The cost for this course is $250 USD. Once the course is completed and the exam passed with a score of 80% or higher, the individual will be eligible to apply for their certification.

The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the training program and payment of all applicable fees. Upon approval by IWRC staff members, applicants will receive their certification in the mail.

10. Certified Animal Behavior Technician (CABT)

Certified Animal Behavior Technician (CABT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize animal behavior professionals who have met the highest standards of excellence in their field. The program is offered by the Animal Behavior Institute (ABI), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of animal behavior.

To become certified as a CABT, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by ABI. Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, zoology, veterinary medicine, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or they must have completed at least 60 semester hours of coursework in animal behavior topics from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with animals in a professional capacity.

The CABT exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as animal learning theory, behavior modification techniques, and ethical considerations for working with animals. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken online or in person at one of ABI’s testing centers.

The cost for taking the CABT exam is $250 USD. This fee covers the cost of administering the exam and providing applicants with their results. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official CABT certification card from ABI and will be listed on ABI’s website as certified Animal Behavior Technicians.

11. Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT).

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) is a certification program offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CPDT designation is a mark of excellence in dog training and behavior consulting. It requires knowledge, experience, and dedication to the profession.

The CPDT program includes three components: an online exam, a hands-on skills evaluation, and continuing education requirements. The online exam covers topics such as canine learning theory, behavior modification techniques, client communication, and business practices. The hands-on skills evaluation consists of practical exercises that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to teach dogs basic obedience commands and problem behaviors. Finally, applicants must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete all of the requirements for CPDT certification. To become certified, applicants must pay an application fee of $200 USD plus any additional fees associated with their chosen continuing education courses.

Do You Really Need a Animal Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of animal technician you plan to become. If you are looking to work with small animals such as cats, dogs, and other pets, then a certificate is not necessary. However, if you want to work with larger animals such as horses or livestock, then a certificate may be beneficial.

In general, an animal technician certificate program offers courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition and care of animals. This can help you understand the needs of different types of animals and what they require in terms of medical care and preventative treatments. It can also provide a solid foundation for understanding animal behavior so that you can work more effectively with them.

A certificate program may also give you access to certain job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable without the certification. This could include veterinary clinics or research facilities that require applicants to have a certain level of expertise when it comes to caring for animals.

Overall, whether or not you need an animal technician certificate depends on what type of career you are pursuing. For most pet-related jobs, having a certificate is not necessary; however, if you are looking for more specialized positions within the field of animal care and research, then obtaining a certification could be beneficial.

Related: Animal Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Animal Technician Certifications

1. What is an Animal Technician Certification?

Answer: An Animal Technician Certification is a professional certification that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of animal technicians in the animal care field. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as animal health, safety procedures, nutrition, handling techniques, and husbandry practices.

2. Who can become certified?

Answer: Anyone who has completed the necessary education and training requirements for their chosen profession can become certified as an Animal Technician. This typically includes completion of a two-year associate degree or higher from an accredited institution in veterinary technology or related field, along with additional coursework in animal care and management.

3. How do I apply for certification?

Answer: You must complete an application form that includes proof of your educational qualifications and experience in the animal care field. Additionally, you will be required to submit references from individuals who can attest to your skills and qualifications as an Animal Technician. Once you have submitted all required documents, you will receive information on how to take the examination for certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified will vary depending on your individual circumstances but typically takes between 12-18 months from start to finish when all requirements are met (including completing any necessary coursework).

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Animal Technician demonstrates your commitment to professionalism in the field and provides employers with assurance that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful job performance. In addition, certification may open up more job opportunities and provide career advancement opportunities by setting you apart from other applicants without such credentials.