Certified Credentials
The IAABC Certified designation represents the pinnacle of achievement for animal behavior consultants. This credential indicates multiple years of experience and the ability to tackle challenging, complex cases. The IAABC has Certified over 650 animal behavior consultants across the globe and welcomes mid-to late-career professionals to apply for this prestigious designation.
Certified members qualify to be listed in the IAABC consultant locator and to mentor up-and-coming IAABC members who are preparing to become behavior consultants. We value our Certified members highly and recognize their achievements in the field by granting the right to use the IAABC Certified logo and granting an official certificate detailing their competencies.
Current Credentials
We offer the following specialty-specific credentials at the Certified level:
Certified |
|
|
|
*Individuals who are certified in 3 or more species may request to replace the individual designations with the CABC designation.
**Individuals who are certified in 2 or more Shelter specialties may request to replace the individual designations with the CSBS designation.
Designation changes are not reversible.
Eligibility Requirements
We suggest:
- a minimum of four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting;
- 400 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, and mentorships;
- a working knowledge of learning theory, counterconditioning, desensitization, training, and husbandry, with additional in-depth knowledge of assessment skills and application of species-specific knowledge
Fees
Application Fees: $225
Application fees are not refundable if the application is abandoned or expires.
Continuing Education Requirements
36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 3 years
Reciprocity
Application requires:
Submitted case studies must convey the applicant's ability to communicate clearly through written work, and demonstrate knowledge in the Core Areas of Competency, including species-specific knowledge.
Case studies should be thorough, reflect your knowledge and abilities as a behavior consultant, and demonstrate your skills in working a complex behavioral issue through with a client and their pet or sheltered animal from beginning to end.
Behavior cases with your own personal or foster animals do not qualify as case studies unless there is ongoing interaction with clients/owners involved.
Scoring:
How to Earn an IAABC Credential
You can view the navigation items to understand more about the requirements of each of our credentials. Or, click below for a walk-through of the credentialing process, resources for preparation, and requirements for credential maintenance.