FAQs

Electronic copies of original, electronic certified, or unofficial academic transcripts are accepted. Evidence of conferral of degree(s) should be either the graduation date(s) imprinted on the transcript(s), a copy of the diploma, or, when necessary, an official letter from the academic institution confirming completion of degree requirements. Transfer credits must be listed explicitly by course on the accepting institution’s transcript or the official transcript from the original institution must be submitted. Alteration of transcripts in an attempt to falsify grades or evidence of degree conferral will result in rejection of the application and will be reported to the President as a possible Code of Ethics violation.

You only need to include transcripts if you desire credit for classes or degrees taken after you submitted your AWB® application. For example, if you want to count a Master’s or Ph.D. study as professional experience, then include your graduate school transcript, and provide an explanation of what was involved in your study.

Yes, you may apply for AWB® or CWB® certification if you are missing one class, provided you gained similar experience through other means (workshop, continuing education, work, etc). Please note that at least one course must be taken in each category, and any specific category requirement must be met. Please provide sufficient detail as to why this alternative experience should be accepted as a substitute for taking a class, and consider including letters of recommendation within your application package that specifically reference this experience.

You can send any coursework-related inquiries to certification@wildlife.org to receive assistance and recommendations. However, final decisions on coursework are not made until after applications are submitted and reviewed by the Certification Review Board.

Sometimes. If your working title states “wildlife technician,” you may apply this work experience provided you explain how your role provided you with management experience and independent decision making directly related to wildlife. Traditional wildlife technician roles do not count.

No. Professional work experience is counted after you graduate and are in a job that requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Yes, you may substitute your graduate thesis and dissertation for up to three years of professional work experience (up to one year for a master’s degree, up to two years for a Ph.D., and up to three years for holding both). The applicant should specifically request that graduate work be counted as professional experience and include job descriptions just as for any other professional position(s) for which they are requesting consideration. Please include your graduate school transcript, provide an explanation of what was involved in your study, and why you feel your study should count as a substitution for one, two, or three years of professional experience.

If your school awards class credit in quarter hours, please convert them to semester hours using the following formula: 1.5 quarter hours = 1 semester hour. For example, a 5 quarter hour course would be comparable to a 3.33 semester hour course.

You may use one transcript as long as it shows the courses transferred, grades received, and semester/quarter hours awarded.

Please submit any changes in your contact information to certification@wildlife.org.

No. While it is strongly recommended that all three professional references be CWBs®, it is not a current requirement. A minimum of one professional reference must be a CWB® for CWB® applications. Associate Wildlife Biologist® applicants are encouraged, but are not required, to include at least one professional reference that is a current Certified Wildlife Biologist®.

No, you may provide your own descriptions.

Yes you may, as long as you have received five years of professional work experience within a ten year time frame. However, depending on the date in which the applicant received AWB® status, the Professional Development Coordinator may request that the applicant resubmit their educational experience.

Yes. The only additional requirement for applying for a Professional Development Certificate is to be a current member of The Wildlife Society.

After you are approved as an AWB® or CWB® and hold current membership in TWS, you may put the AWB® or CWB® title after your name followed by the ® trademark symbol. For Example: John Smith, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®. You may also use the certification logo. Please contact certification@wildlife.org if you would like the logo to be emailed to you.

Yes. In light of the changes to academic programs due to precautions surrounding COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, the Certification Review Board (CRB) would like to assure students and professionals that courses taken with a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option will not affect their ability to apply for TWS certification. Students receiving a “Satisfactory” grade will be able to include this coursework toward certification. The CRB and The Wildlife Society commend educators for their rapid response to continue providing high quality learning environments for your students and for allowing flexibility during these stressful times.