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Board Certification

Elevate Your Expertise: ACAS Board Certification

Established in 1995, the American College of Animal Sciences (ACAS) offers the highest level of professional recognition—Board Certification. It demonstrates your exceptional knowledge, skills, and commitment in a specific discipline of animal science.

Benefits of Board Certification

  • Highest level of certification for your discipline.
  • Increased professional stature and credibility.
  • Verification and certification of expertise in a specific discipline of animal science.
  • Stronger credentials for promotion and advancement.
  • More competitive in obtaining clients or job opportunities.
  • The Diplomate honorific adds visibility to your credentials and expertise.

Eligibility Requirements

Process for Board Certification

  • Successfully pass a Diplomate Certification Examination given by the College. The Diplomate Certification Examination may be taken 1 year after a candidate has received a Ph.D. degree or 4 years after receiving a M.S. degree.
  • Faculty members in the Animal Sciences may qualify based on credentials and experience.
  • There are additional requirements specific for each college. To find out about these requirements, or to apply for Certification, complete the certification form below.
Once certified, Diplomates will be authorized to affix letters to their name signifying Diplomate status, i.e., Diplomate ACAFS.

 

Disciplines Offered

  • Applied Animal Behavior Sciences: To advance the level of professionalism and competence of those applying ethological and behavioral principles to the husbandry of animals.
  • Animal Food Science: To advance the level of professionals in the field which includes all aspects of knowledge relating to meat, poultry meat, milk, and eggs.
  • Animal Genetics: To advance the level of professionalism in all areas of animal genetics and increase the competence of those involved in application of genetics to animal industries.
  • Animal Nutrition: To enhance professionalism, expertise, and self-esteem of animal nutrition experts.
  • Animal Physiology: To advance professionalism and competence of animal physiologists through continuing education, promoting research, dissemination of knowledge and certification of expertise; and to enhance the integration of physiological principles into animal management systems.
  • Animal Welfare Science: To advance professionalism and expertise of those skilled in the multiple disciplines of applied ecology, applied ethology, applied nutritional science, applied physiology, preventive health care, and overall care, husbandry, and management of avian and mammalian animals kept to serve a variety of human purposes.

The Application Process:

There are two routes to board certification:

1. Examination Route:

  • Ideal for individuals with strong academic backgrounds who completed their Ph.D. at least one year ago or completed their M.S. four years ago. 
  • Pass a comprehensive written exam covering your chosen discipline.
  • Demonstrate your expertise through a species-specific written practicum.
  • Fees: $200 application fee + exam fees may apply.

2. Credentials Route (Highly Qualified Individuals):

  • Designed for recognized leaders with extensive research, teaching, or industry experience.
  • Submit your curriculum vitae (CV) for review by a peer committee.
  • Provide evidence of significant contributions to the field of animal science.
  • Two letters of recommendation from ACAS Board Certified members are required.
  • Fees: $200 application fee.

Getting Started:

  • Current ARPAS Members: Login to complete the ACAS Board Certification (application will appear below after logging in.)
  • Non-Members: Join ARPAS first, then complete the application below. 

If you are an ARPAS member, please log in to access the web application form.