Jeff said that he wanted to have professional certification to demonstrate knowledge as well as professional pride. "My certification is less than a year old. So far the impact of the certification has come as a result of preparing for the certification test. Reviewing materials has kept concepts fresh and allowed evaluation and revision of training plans."
If you are thinking about getting certified, Jeff has some advice. "I would encourage you to pursue the certification for personal pride, career advancement, or to demonstrate your knowledge. I would encourage you to read through the study resources listed, they are a wealth of information."
If you would like to find out more about setting these types of standards within your facility or becoming certified contact the IATCB board by visiting the website
IATCB Social Media Committee
Have you ever wondered who puts together all the fun content on the IATCB Facebook page and for the newsletter?! Well meet our Social Media Committee ! The Committee is brand new and working hard to bring you fun information, important dates, links to all things bird as well as highlighting some of our Certified Professional Bird Trainers. The Chair of the Committee is Board Member Arianna Bailey CPBT-KA and the amazing committee members are Hannah Baker CPBT-KA, Lisa Haggadone, Megan Geddes, Jennifer Drayna CPBT-KA, Krystle Cruz and Donna Sue Evans CPBT-KA. They have been doing an outstanding job working hard to bring relevant content to the social media community. If you haven't liked us on Facebook yet, head there now and do so! Join us on Facebook
IATCB at the Birmingham Zoo
International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) provides a knowledge based exam to become a Certified Professional Bird Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPBT-KA). Certification as an avian professional provides formal recognition of knowledge and practice in the field of avian care. Certification will provide you with the ability to demonstrate that you have a proven knowledge and commitment to your profession. Certification candidates must meet eligibility requirements including three years of professional experience with birds, completion of the Application for Certification, and payment of required fees. IATCB provides an independent certification body to develop and manage examinations for trainers and educators working with birds. IAATE sees this certification as a valuable tool for both individuals and employers for demonstrating not only a level of knowledge about bird training but also a commitment to ongoing personal development.
Birmingham Zoo employees hired to a full time position in the Programs Department that have completed their 90 day probationary period and meet the IATCB requirements and are a Keeper 2 at BZI will be required to take the IATCB exam within two testing cycles (1 year). This is a standard that is set in place for the Programs department full time staff as we promote best practices in the field of avian care, training, and educational programming, and to inspire conservation of avian species and natural world. All individuals upon passing the IATCB exam will receive an increase in salary of 3% as long as they are certified.
The Birmingham Zoo will pay the exam fee and the re-exam fee should the employee not pass the exam on the first try. Passing rate is set by IATCB. Your Certification will last five (5) years. During that time, you can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to automatically renew your Certification. Or at the end of five years you may take the Certification examination again. The zoo will budget to allow individuals to gain CEUs only.
Kelly Garrison CPBT-KA,
Animal Programs Manager, Birmingham Zoo
A plug for IAATE Vulture Conservation
Do you love vultures as much as we do?! You have heard about the challenges our vulture friends are facing in the wild now you can do something to help and get some cool vulture swag at the same time! There are many organizations working hard on vulture conservation around the world and IAATE (The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators) is raising fund to donate to vulture conservation through the sales of there awesome vulture t-shirts. Visit the
IAATE website and check out the store to order your cool t-shirt today and help some vultures at the same time!
Important Dates
Deadline for the fall testing cycle: 9/1/2016
Fall Testing Cycle dates: 10/29/2016-11/12/2016
Visit the website for more info!
Important info is found in the CPBT-KA Handbook! You can view the handbook on the website by clicking on Get Certified. Then click on the PTC Website link. From their you can navigate to the Handbook, find deadlines and testing dates and tons more information!
