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Certification

You’re a better pet professional for it; we’re a better industry for it: PIJAC’s Certification Program. Education is among the most valuable member services that any trade association can offer. When one is certified, education has a special value and reward for all involved.

PIJAC is proud of its Certification Program and all who have participated. More than 14,000 have learned more about animal care and husbandry practices by taking part in the PIJAC Certification Program.

WHY CERTIFICATION?

This needed voluntary learning experience was designed to upgrade the animal care knowledge of those handling companion pets: pet store owners, their employees, hobbyists, veterinary care providers, breeders and enthusiasts. Professional credentials help assure customers, professional associates and consulting veterinary staff that they are dealing with people who are caring, knowledgeable and current in basic animal husbandry and care.

HOW CERTIFICATION WORKS.

You can earn credentials as: Certified Avian Specialist (CAS), Certified Canine Specialist (CCS), Certified Feline Specialist (CFS), Certified Freshwater Fish Specialist (CFFS), Certified Reptile Specialist (CRS), Certified Small Animal Specialist (CSAS). The designation for those who have proudly competed at least five programs is a Certified Companion Animal Specialist (CCAS).

The Avian Specialist is the first of our certification programs to be converted to an all-in-one program that can be completed at home. This program consists of -- 1) a 200+ page manual divided into 11 chapters with quizzes at the end of each chapter and 2) a final examination. Download Application

The other Specialties - Canine, Feline, Freshwater Fish, Reptile and Small Animal are currently not available.

Exams are returned to the PIJAC office for grading. Once PIJAC has determined that the candidate has successfully completed the certification process for their specialty, they would receive a certificate and wallet card that designate them a PIJAC "Certified _{animal}_ Specialist" . The certifications must be renewed every three years. The renewal process requires a recertification examination which is taken at home and would be based on materials covered in the original certification process.

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS AND ADVISORS.

Every PIJAC Certification program is reviewed by leading veterinarians or experts, well-know, highly regarded and current on information in their fields of companion pet care. Careful and constant review of our materials is another way in which PIJAC delivers the finest in education to the pet industry and makes sure PIJAC’s materials stay at a high standard.

WHAT TO EXPECT.

You benefit from this educational experience is in direct proportion to what you put into it. Some have learned a great deal or just a few new things, but everyone receives their “money’s worth” and much more … including pride in being even more knowledgeable than when they started the program.