Top 10 Ecologist Certifications

Certifications are important for ecologists in the job market because they demonstrate a professional's knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications provide assurance to employers that an ecologist is qualified for the job, has obtained the necessary training and education, and is up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in their field. Additionally, certifications can give an ecologist an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs. They can also open doors to higher paying positions or those with more responsibility. Finally, having certifications can boost an ecologist's professional credibility, making them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews and explains the value of some of the top certifications for Ecologists, and how they can benefit an ecologist's career.

What are Ecologist Certifications?

Ecologist certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of ecology. This certification is typically awarded by organizations or universities that specialize in ecology and environmental science. The ecologist certification process involves passing an exam, completing additional coursework, and submitting a portfolio of your work.

The main purpose of ecologist certification is to ensure that individuals who possess the necessary skills and knowledge are qualified to work as ecologists. Having this certification can help individuals get jobs in the field and show potential employers their qualifications. It also provides assurance to employers that they are hiring people with the right credentials and experience for their job.

In addition to helping individuals get jobs, ecologist certification can also be used as evidence of competency when applying for grants or research funding from different organizations or governments. Furthermore, having this certification may also provide recognition among peers and other professionals in the field, which can lead to greater opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Pro Tip: When considering an ecologist certification, make sure to research the credentials of the certifying body and the qualifications they require for certification. Also, look into any continuing education requirements that may be necessary to maintain your certification.

Related: What does an Ecologist do?

Top 10 Ecologist Certifications

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

1. Certified Ecologist (CEcD)

Certified Ecologist (CEcD) is a professional certification program offered by the Ecological Society of America (ESA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in ecology. The certification provides recognition for those who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field, and it serves as an indication of their commitment to maintaining standards of excellence.

The certification process involves passing an exam that covers topics such as ecological principles, research methods, and data analysis. The exam is administered online and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in ecology or related fields.

In order to become certified, candidates must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of professional experience. Once the application has been approved, the candidate will be invited to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, they will receive their certificate from ESA.

The cost for taking the Certified Ecologist (CEcD) exam is $350 USD for members of ESA or $400 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)

A Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) is a professional who has met the standards of education, experience and ethical requirements set forth by The Wildlife Society. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in wildlife biology and management.

It takes approximately two years to become a CWB. To qualify for the certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass a comprehensive exam administered by The Wildlife Society.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to The Wildlife Society. Once their application has been approved, they can register for the exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their CWB certificate and be able to use the designation after their name.

The cost of becoming a CWB varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of The Wildlife Society. For non-members, it costs $250 to apply for certification and $200 to take the exam. For members of The Wildlife Society, it costs $125 to apply for certification and $150 to take the exam.

3. Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)

Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional qualifications of individuals who are actively engaged in environmental management. This certification is awarded by the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in environmental practice.

The CEP certification process consists of several components, including a written examination, an oral examination, and a review of professional experience and education. The written exam covers topics such as environmental law, risk assessment, pollution prevention, and environmental management systems. The oral exam focuses on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with clients and other stakeholders. Candidates must also submit proof of at least five years of relevant professional experience or education in order to be eligible for the CEP certification.

In order to become certified as a CEP, candidates must complete an application form and pay a fee that varies based on their country of residence. The application fee for US residents is $450 USD. Once the application has been approved, candidates must then pass both the written and oral exams in order to be awarded their CEP certification.

It typically takes between four months to one year from start to finish for someone to become certified as a CEP. After successfully completing all requirements for the CEP certification program, individuals will receive their certificate in the mail within two weeks.

4. Certified Sustainable Forest Management Professional (CSFMP)

Certified Sustainable Forest Management Professional (CSFMP) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of professionals who are actively involved in sustainable forest management. The certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through their professional accomplishments, training, and experience.

The CSFMP is administered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). To become certified as a CSFMP, applicants must meet certain criteria including: having a minimum of 5 years of professional forestry experience; completing at least 40 hours of continuing education related to sustainable forestry; and passing an examination.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as forest ecology, silviculture, economics, law, policy and planning. The cost for the exam is $150 USD.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks from the time an application is submitted until certification is granted. Once certified, individuals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

5. Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS)

A Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS) is a professional who has been certified by The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) as having the knowledge and expertise to practice wetland science. This certification indicates that the individual has met the qualifications set forth by SWS and is capable of providing professional services related to wetland ecology, hydrology, soils, vegetation, and other related disciplines.

To become a CWS, an individual must have at least five years of experience in wetland science or a related field, hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and pass an exam administered by SWS. The exam consists of five sections: wetlands ecology, hydrology/hydrogeology, soils/geomorphology/geology, vegetation/wildlife habitat management, and regulations/policy.

The cost for taking the CWS exam is $400 for SWS members and $500 for non-members. Additionally, there are annual renewal fees which range from $50-$100 depending on membership status. It typically takes about two months to receive results from the exam after it is taken.

6. Certified Fisheries Professional (CFP)

Certified Fisheries Professional (CFP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the fisheries profession. The CFP is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of fisheries science, management, and conservation through their education, experience, and professional contributions.

To become certified as a CFP, applicants must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least five years of professional experience in the fisheries field; completing an approved course of study from an accredited college or university; passing an examination administered by AFS; and submitting evidence of professional contributions to the profession.

The process typically takes around two years to complete and involves completing the application form, taking the exam, and submitting all required documents. Applicants must also pay an application fee which varies based on the type of certification they are seeking. The current fee for CFP certification is $295 USD.

7. Certified Soil Scientist (CSS)

Certified Soil Scientist (CSS) is a professional certification program offered by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). The CSS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in soil science. This certification is recognized as an indication of competence and professionalism in the field of soil science.

It typically takes two to three years to obtain the Certified Soil Scientist (CSS) certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as soil classification, fertility management, soil contamination, and other related subjects. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in their field through a combination of education and work experience.

The cost for the CSS exam varies depending on when you take it, but generally ranges from $150-400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or application fees.

The CSS certification is voluntary and is not required for employment in most areas; however, it can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in soil science or related fields.

8. Certified Natural Resources Manager (CNRM)

Certified Natural Resources Manager (CNRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and commitment to the management of natural resources. The CNRM credential is offered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and is recognized by state agencies, private employers, and other organizations as a mark of excellence in natural resource management.

The CNRM program requires applicants to complete an online application, submit transcripts from accredited universities or colleges demonstrating completion of at least 30 semester hours in forestry or related natural resource courses, provide three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues, and pass a comprehensive written examination. Applicants must also have at least five years of professional experience in natural resource management.

The CNRM exam is administered twice per year, typically in April and October. The cost for the exam is $200 for SAF members and $250 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there are also fees associated with submitting an application ($50 for SAF members; $75 for non-members).

9. Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager (CWHM)

Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager (CWHM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the field of wildlife habitat management. The program was developed by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to help promote responsible wildlife habitat management practices and to provide recognition for those who demonstrate excellence in their field.

The CWHM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as wildlife ecology, habitat assessment, conservation planning, and land stewardship. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course. Once you have completed the course, you can take the exam which consists of multiple choice questions and is administered online.

To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate from NWF recognizing your achievement as a Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager.

The cost for taking the CWHM course and exam is $150 USD. This fee covers all materials required for completing the course and taking the exam.

10. Certified Restoration Ecologist (CRE).

Certified Restoration Ecologist (CRE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of knowledge, experience and ethical conduct in the field of restoration ecology. The CRE credential is offered by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), an international association dedicated to promoting ecological restoration as a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth.

The CRE credential requires applicants to demonstrate expertise in restoration ecology through a combination of education, experience, and professional contributions to the field. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or higher in ecology or related field, have at least five years of professional experience in ecological restoration, and pass an exam administered by SER.

The application process for becoming a Certified Restoration Ecologist takes approximately two to three months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form online along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once these materials are reviewed by SER staff, applicants will be notified if they are eligible to take the exam.

The cost for applying for the CRE certification is $400 USD; this fee covers both the application and exam fees. Additional fees may apply if applicants need to retake any part of the exam or if they require additional time to complete their application materials.

Do You Really Need a Ecologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific situation. Generally speaking, an ecologist certificate is not required in order to pursue a career in ecology. However, certain types of jobs may require certification depending on the employer's requirements and the type of job being applied for.

For example, if you are applying for a job as an environmental consultant or working with a company that deals with hazardous materials, then having an ecologist certificate could be beneficial. This certificate can provide evidence that you have received specialized training related to the ecology field and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. It can also help you stand out from other candidates who do not have such credentials.

In addition, some government agencies may require an ecologist certificate in order to be hired for a position within their organization. For instance, if you wish to work as a park ranger or wildlife biologist with a state agency, it is likely that they will require you to have this type of certification before they consider your application.

In any case, it is important to research the specific requirements of any potential job carefully before deciding whether or not getting an ecologist certificate would be beneficial for you.

Related: Ecologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Ecologist Certifications

1. What is an ecologist certification?

Answer: An ecologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of ecology, which is the study of organisms and their environment.

2. How do I become certified as an ecologist?

Answer: To become certified as an ecologist, you must typically have a degree in ecology or a related field, such as biology or environmental science, and gain several years of professional experience. Depending on your country or region, you may also need to pass an exam to become certified.

3. What are the benefits of being certified as an ecologist?

Answer: Being certified as an ecologist can give you greater job security, higher pay, and more opportunities for career advancement. It can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

4. Are there different levels of ecologist certifications?

Answer: Yes, some countries or regions offer different levels of certification for ecologists depending on their experience and qualifications. For example, some organizations offer basic, intermediate, and advanced certifications for ecologists with varying degrees of expertise in their field.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: The frequency with which you need to renew your certification will depend on the organization that issued it. Generally speaking, most organizations require renewal every two to five years depending on the type of certification you have obtained.