AboutWhat Is ARPAS?

What Is ARPAS?

The Symbol of Today’s Professional Animal Scientist

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, ARPAS, is the organization that provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and commitment to a code of ethics. Continual improvement of individual members is catalyzed through publications (including the ARPAS journal, Applied Animal Science) and by providing information on educational opportunities.

All successful certification and licensing programs are targeted to serve and protect the public’s interest. Modern agriculture, like all segments of society, is becoming more complex. More government regulations and controls require that practicing professionals establish accountability by means of registry and certification programs. In today’s business climate, producer and industry clients want assurance that they are getting advice from certified professionals who stay on the cutting edge.

By completing the requirements for registration, maintaining your continuing education units, and adhering to the code of ethics, ARPAS registration provides you with a new level of recognition to help you distinguish yourself to your clients as a Professional Animal Scientist.

Our Vision

Recognized source for certified professional animal scientists to serve animal producers, industry, and all others desiring research-based technical information on the animal sciences.

Our Mission

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and a commitment to a code of ethics, and disseminates applied scientific information through publication of a peer-reviewed journal.

Why Was ARPAS Established?

  • To register professionally competent animal scientists
  • To provide a mechanism to sustain their professional competence
  • To enhance their professional stature and credibility
  • To strengthen and promote the profession of the animal sciences
  • To provide a means for those in industry, companies, and consulting to establish and maintain professional recognition

ARPAS Members

ARPAS members represent the following groups:

  • Consultants
  • Companies providing products and services
  • Producers, commodity organizations, and related food industries
  • University, extension, and government staff
  • Professional societies and related organizations

  • Professional Animal Scientist (PAS): Based on degree, experience, examination, and CEUs. (Can begin as an Associate Member and then advance to Full Membership.)
  • Registered Animal Specialist (RAS) and Registered Animal Product Specialist (RAPS): Based on experience, examination, and CEUs. Ideal for individuals who have not completed a college degree program but have established their credentials by significant experience, examination, and relevant continuing education. (Can begin as an Affiliate Member and then advance to Full Membership.)
  • PAS and RAS/RAPS registration can be in one or more of the following species/product areas: Aquaculture; Beef Cattle; Companion Animals; Dairy Cattle; Horses; Goats; Laboratory Animals; Poultry; Sheep; Swine; Meat Science; Dairy Foods Science; Poultry Product Science; and Feed Management Certification.
  • Available to Full PAS Members of ARPAS who want to enhance their credentials or certification: Board Certification in a discipline is the highest level of certification awarded by ARPAS and is available to members of ARPAS who have attained a minimum of an MS degree in the appropriate discipline. Board Certification is available in
    • Animal Behavior
    • Animal Food Science
    • Animal Genetics
    • Animal Nutrition
    • Animal Physiology
    • Animal Welfare
  • The Board Certification Program is administered by the American College of Animal Sciences.

The following objectives will be a topic for discussion in the ARPAS Stragegic Plan:

  • To provide certification of professional animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and commitment to a code of ethics.
  • To provide a directory of ARPAS-certified professional animal scientists.
  • To disseminate applied scientific information through publication of the peer-reviewed journal, Applied Animal Science.
  • To promote and provide a listing of continuing education opportunities.
  • To disseminate applied scientific and educational information through a Symposium sponsored and organized by ARPAS at the FASS Annual Meetings.
  • To provide a Board Certification Program administered by the American College of Animal Sciences.
  • To cooperate with organizations having similar interests and goals, including ADSA, AMSA, ASAS, ESA, FASS, PSA, AFIA, and PAACO.
  • To cooperate with organizations requiring new categories of certifications for professional animal scientists (i.e., NRCS).
  • To recognize outstanding achievement through the granting of "Distinguished Professional Animal Scientist" awards.
  • To grow the assets of the ARPAS Foundation and to provide funding for educational efforts.
  • To support the activities of ARPAS Chapters.

“The place for professionals”

  1. Provides professional credibility and credentials for animal scientists who must increasingly verify their professional competence and its uniqueness to legislative, legal, and industry groups by some mechanism in addition to formal education. 
  2. Documents that the professional has the know-how to apply relevant cutting-edge knowledge to real-world problems.
  3. Brings recognition of abilities and knowledge to the one being served. Provides another certification title which creates more credibility on the farm and among other professionals (i.e., veterinarians, attorneys, CPAs). 
  4. ARPAS provides a variety of mechanisms to enable members to stay current in their field and maintains documentation of the CEUs. 
  5. Provides assurance to those you serve that they are getting advice from a professional who keeps up to date and agrees to abide by a professional code of ethics. 
  6. Proactively positions animal scientists for a time when some form of licensing may be required to practice certain animal sciences. 
  7. Provides a pool of credentialed animal scientists to be called upon in settings involving public policy, especially where new laws and decisions involving animal agriculture are made. 
  8. The journal, Applied Animal Science, provides a source of publishing and finding useful information and relevant research as well as field studies. 
  9. Provides certification and diplomate status when dealing with other governments in international affairs. 
  10. Provides appropriate certification and titles, after examination, for individuals working at all levels of animal science, from on-farm production (Registered Animal Scientist), to expertise gained by academic degrees and experience (Professional Animal Scientist), to Diplomate status (Board Certification).

ARPAS Approves Events that Qualify for CEUs

ARPAS approves events that meet specific criteria that qualify for CEUs. These provide appropriate education to assist members in staying current in their field.

View EventsReport CEUs

ARPAS Is Affiliated with Five Professional Societies

American Meat Science Association
American Society of Animal Science
Poultry Science Association