Program

"I am currently looking for a full-time career and am having difficulty standing out...Being able to say I am a certified AWB will boost my chances of being considered a serious candidate for positions." - Megan S., Virginia

"...this certification really goes a long way when it comes to finding a job." Kenneth D., Illinois

"My AWB accreditation recently contributed to me receiving a wildlife conservation job in Mauritius, Africa starting in August." - Joshua N., New Brunswick

"As an employer of wildlife biologists, when I see 'TWS, Certified Wildlife Biologist or AWB' on a resume, I know there is a strong basic educational and experience skill set associated with the applicant.” – Marc E., South Carolina

“When I see an applicant is certified, I know there is a reputation for competency with certification.” Clara W., New Hampshire

“As a public information officer for a state wildlife management agency, I think such certification lends credibility to our staff and our agency as a whole.” - Madonna L., Washington

“From my perspective, the value of certification directly linked to its requirements for understanding, accepting and acting in accordance with the highest standards of professional ethics. That is something too often neglected in the academic and professional world, and an element that TWS should strengthen and highlight!” Marc L., Oregon

A primary goal of The Wildlife Society is to support the education, training, and ethical practice of wildlife professionals throughout their careers. TWS recognizes professional credentials with four distinct certificates. Holding one of these certificates 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.

Associate Wildlife Biologist

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.

Read Instructions
Download Application

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).

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Download Application

Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal

The Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal Program is open to Certified Wildlife Biologists whose certificates expire in five years. Upon successful completion of the program, as evidenced by a minimum of 80 contact hours in Category I on the application, The Wildlife Society will issue a Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal Certificate, which is valid for five years. Success of the program depends upon individual integrity and widespread participation. Program goals are to: maintain and advance the high technical and social skills needed by today's wildlife professionals; integrate new knowledge, concepts, and techniques into the practice of wildlife management; recognize, through issuance of a Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal Certificate, those individuals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continued learning and professional development.

Renew

Professional Development Certificate

The Professional Development Program is open to all wildlife professionals. The Wildlife Society's Professional Development Program was developed to recognize individuals who commit themselves to life-long learning and enhanced professionalism. 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.

Download Application

Registered Trademark

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. 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 certification title along with the certification logo. Example: John Smith, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

For more information about the Certification Program at The Wildlife Society, or to obtain the certification logo for use by current AWBs and CWBs, please contact:

Shannon Pederson, AWB ®
Program Manager, Subunits and Certification
shannon@wildlife.org
(301) 897-9770 ext 303