Top 10 Wildlife Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a wildlife technician in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the technician has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job successfully. Certification also helps ensure that the technician is up-to-date on current best practices in wildlife management, safety protocols, and other pertinent topics. Furthermore, certifications can open up career opportunities and help technicians stand out from their competition when applying for jobs. Ultimately, certifications provide a valuable asset to any wildlife technician looking to advance their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Wildlife Technicians, and explains how they can help advance a wildlife technician's career.

What are Wildlife Technician Certifications?

Wildlife Technician Certification is a professional certification program for wildlife technicians or assistants who work in the field of wildlife research, management and conservation. This certification provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of wildlife biology, ecology, population dynamics, habitat management, and other related topics. The certification program is administered by the Wildlife Society (TWS), an international organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife stewardship through education and professional development.

The Wildlife Technician Certification Program recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field by providing a comprehensive assessment system that evaluates their knowledge base and practical skills. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals receive a certificate acknowledging their achievement as well as a wallet card indicating their status as a certified wildlife technician.

Having this certification can be beneficial to those seeking employment in the field of wildlife research or management. It provides employers with an assurance that applicants are knowledgeable about relevant topics and possess applicable skills required to perform duties associated with such positions. It also serves as an indicator that applicants are committed to furthering their career within this field by actively engaging in professional development opportunities. In addition, being certified may also provide access to more job opportunities since employers may be more likely to hire someone with a recognized credential than one without it.

Pro Tip: Get certified as a wildlife technician before taking on any jobs in the wildlife field. Certification can help you gain credibility and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to potential employers. Additionally, many states require certification for certain positions, so it is important to understand the requirements of your particular state.

Related: What does a Wildlife Technician do?

Top 10 Wildlife Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Wildlife Biologist

A Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the academic, experience, and examination requirements of The Wildlife Society. This certification demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of wildlife biology and management.

It typically takes two to five years to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist. To qualify for certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field from an accredited college or university;

- Have at least three years of full-time professional experience in wildlife biology or management;

- Pass the Certified Wildlife Biologist Examination administered by The Wildlife Society.

The cost for taking the examination is $200 for members of The Wildlife Society, and $250 for non-members. There is also an annual renewal fee of $50.

2. Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager

Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager (CWHM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to wildlife habitat conservation and management. The program focuses on the principles of habitat management, including understanding wildlife needs, managing for diversity, and protecting habitats.

To become certified, an individual must complete a series of courses in wildlife habitat management that are offered through NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat Manager Program. The courses cover topics such as wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation; habitat assessment; and land use planning. Participants must also complete a field project that demonstrates their ability to manage a specific habitat area.

The certification process typically takes between two and four months to complete depending on the number of courses taken and the complexity of the field project. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as location. Generally, it costs around $500-$800 for all required coursework plus any additional fees associated with completing the field project.

3. Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator

A Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) is an individual who has completed a rigorous training program and has been certified by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). This certification is designed to ensure that wildlife rehabilitators have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care for injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife.

The CWR program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as basic animal biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease control, laws and regulations related to wildlife rehabilitation, and techniques for handling animals. The practical exam includes hands-on activities such as capturing and handling wild animals, administering medications, providing first aid treatment, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats.

To become a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator you must meet certain qualifications including being at least 18 years old and having some experience working with wildlife. Additionally, you must complete the CWR training program which consists of both classroom instruction and field work. The program typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on your level of experience.

The cost of becoming a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 depending on the length of the course.

4. Certified Wildlife Damage Management Professional

Certified Wildlife Damage Management Professional (CWMP) is a certification program offered by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA). The CWMP program is designed to provide wildlife damage management professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively and humanely manage human-wildlife conflicts.

To become certified as a CWMP, applicants must complete an online training course that covers topics such as wildlife biology, animal behavior, legal regulations, and best practices for humanely managing human-wildlife conflicts. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.

The online training course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the training course and exam, applicants will receive their CWMP certification valid for 3 years.

5. Certified Fisheries Technician

Certified Fisheries Technician (CFT) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of fisheries technology. The certification is administered by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), and it requires applicants to pass an examination, which covers topics such as fish biology, fisheries management, and aquatic ecology.

The CFT exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical assessment. The written test includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as fish identification, water quality monitoring, and fishery regulations. The practical assessment involves completing tasks related to fish culture, hatchery management, and other aspects of fisheries technology.

To become certified as a CFT, applicants must pass both the written and practical assessments with a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $250 for AFS members or $350 for non-members. Once certified, individuals must renew their credential every five years by taking continuing education courses or passing an updated version of the CFT exam.

Overall, becoming certified as a CFT can be beneficial for those looking to pursue careers in fisheries technology or further their knowledge in the field.

6. Certified Avian Technician

Certified Avian Technician (CAT) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). The CAT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific educational and professional standards in the care and handling of avian species.

The program requires applicants to have a minimum of two years’ experience working with avian species, as well as completion of an approved course in avian husbandry or veterinary technology. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the IAABC. The exam consists of both written and practical components, and applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of avian anatomy, physiology, nutrition, behavior, health care, and other related topics.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the requirements for CAT certification. Applicants should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the exam.

The cost for obtaining CAT certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on whether or not the applicant requires additional courses or materials. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel costs if applicable.

7. Certified Animal Control Officer

A Certified Animal Control Officer (ACO) is a professional who has been trained to respond to animal-related emergencies and complaints, enforce animal control laws, and provide humane care for animals. The ACO must have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties in a safe and effective manner.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified as an ACO. This includes completing an approved training program, passing a written exam, and obtaining the necessary certifications from the state or local government.

To become an ACO, you must first complete an approved training program. These programs are offered by various organizations such as the National Animal Control Association (NACA) or the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). After completing the training program, you must pass a written exam in order to obtain certification.

The cost of becoming an ACO varies depending on the organization offering the training program. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 for tuition and fees associated with the course. Additionally, there may be additional costs for books, materials, uniforms, etc., depending on your location.

8. Certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator

A Certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) is a professional who has been trained and certified by the state of their residence to humanely capture, remove, and relocate nuisance wildlife. The certification process requires applicants to complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as animal identification, trapping techniques, safety protocols, and laws governing wildlife control.

The amount of time it takes to become a Certified NWCO varies from state to state. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the training program. In some states, applicants must also pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become a Certified NWCO, applicants must first contact their local wildlife agency for information about the requirements in their state. Once the requirements have been met and all necessary paperwork has been submitted, applicants will typically be required to attend an approved training course or seminar before they can apply for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified NWCO depends on the state in which you are applying. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$500 depending on the complexity of the training program and any additional fees associated with obtaining your certification.

9. Certified Predator Management Specialist

Certified Predator Management Specialist (CPMS) is a certification program offered by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA). It is designed for individuals who are involved in the management of predators, such as coyotes, foxes, and other nuisance wildlife. The CPMS certification provides recognition to those who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in predator management.

The CPMS certification requires completion of an online course that covers topics such as wildlife identification, trapping techniques, habitat management, and regulations governing predator control. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher to receive their CPMS certification.

The cost for the CPMS certification is $200 USD. This fee includes the online course and exam fees. Once certified, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD to maintain the certification status.

10. Certified Wildlife Educator

Certified Wildlife Educator (CWE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of wildlife education. The program is administered by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and is designed to provide recognition for those who demonstrate excellence in wildlife education.

To become a Certified Wildlife Educator, applicants must complete an application and submit it to NAI along with documentation of their experience, training, and accomplishments in the field of wildlife education. Applicants must also pass a written exam covering topics such as wildlife ecology, conservation, interpretation, communication, and management. The exam is offered twice each year at designated testing sites around the United States.

The cost to apply for CWE certification is $150 plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers the cost of the written exam and processing fees associated with submitting an application to NAI.

Once an applicant has successfully completed all requirements for CWE certification, they will receive a certificate from NAI recognizing their achievement as a Certified Wildlife Educator. This certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Wildlife Technician Certificate?

When it comes to getting a job in wildlife management, having a wildlife technician certificate can give you an edge over the competition. A wildlife technician certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and training needed to properly manage and protect wildlife. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to learning more about wildlife and how best to conserve it.

Although having a certification is not always required for a job in wildlife management, it can be beneficial in many ways. For starters, having a certification can help you stand out when applying for positions or internships. It may also make you eligible for certain positions or promotions that require specific certifications or qualifications. Additionally, it can provide an opportunity to gain additional skills and knowledge related to wildlife management that would otherwise not be available without the certification. Finally, having a certification may help increase your salary potential as employers are often willing to pay higher wages for those who have completed specialized training or certifications in their field.

In conclusion, while having a wildlife technician certificate is not always necessary for working in the field of wildlife management, it can be beneficial in several ways such as helping you stand out when applying for jobs and increasing your salary potential. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to get certified will depend on your individual career goals and what type of job you are seeking.

Related: Wildlife Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Wildlife Technician Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for wildlife technicians?

Answer: Wildlife Technician Certifications typically include a combination of education, field experience, and/or certification exams. Examples include Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR), and Certified Wildlife Control Operator (CWCO).

2. How long does it take to become a certified wildlife technician?

Answer: The length of time varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it can take up to 6 months or more to achieve the necessary qualifications and pass the required exams.

3. What is the difference between a certified wildlife technician and a wildlife biologist?

Answer: A certified wildlife technician is someone who has met certain educational and experiential requirements in order to work with wild animals in a professional setting. A wildlife biologist is someone who has studied biology at an advanced level and specializes in researching wild animal behavior, ecology, population dynamics, habitat requirements, etc.

4. Are there any special requirements for becoming a certified wildlife technician?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require applicants to have completed specific courses or fieldwork related to the job they will perform as well as passing an exam that tests their knowledge and skills. In some cases additional training may be required before certification can be granted.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require ongoing education or training in order to maintain your certification status. This ensures that you stay current with best practices and new developments in the field of wildlife management and conservation