Requirements for Membership and Certification
For PAS & RAS/RAPS Membership
Associate Membership
B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in one of the Animal Sciences or a closely related field. Fulfill all requirements set forth by the Governing Council. Successfully complete a written examination in one or more of the animal industry specialization's (see application form).
Full Membership
Meet all requirements for Associate Membership, plus relevant professional experience: B.S. plus four years, M.S. plus two years, Ph.D. plus one year. Applicants meeting all requirements may apply directly for Full Membership. Associate Members will be promoted to Full Membership after gaining the required experience and Continuing Education Units (see below).
For RAS/RAPS Associate and Full Membership
There are no formal educational requirements for an Associate or Full Membership; however, applicants shall successfully complete a written examination prescribed by the Examining Board and successfully fulfill all requirements set forth by the Governing Council. An Associate Member must have a minimum of two years in their respective fields and be recommended for membership by a Professional Animal Scientist (PAS). Full memberships also require the examination and recommendation as well as six years of experience in the respective field (four years beyond an Associate member).
Procedure for Application
Send completed application forms, transcripts, and a check for the appropriate annual dues to the ARPAS Business Office. Upon approval by the Examining Board, arrangements for the examination will be made. (To accommodate group examinations at meetings and conferences, the examination may be taken before all application materials are supplied).
Are Students Eligible?
Students are encouraged to take the ARPAS exam in their senior year of college or as a graduate student.  Please contact ARPAS or ask your department head for information on arranging to take the examination. A person can become an Associate Member with a B.S., M.S., or a Ph.D. degree, then advance to Full Membership after attaining the required experience.
For Board Certification
Benefits and Requirements of ARPAS Board Certification
Specific Disciplines
ARPAS provides Board Certification in specific disciplines of animal science. American College of Animal Behavior To advance the level of professionalism and competence of those applying ethological and behavioral principles to the husbandry of animals. American College of 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. American College of Animal Genetics To advance the level of professionalism in all areas on animal genetics and increase the competence of those involved in application of genetics to animal industries. American College of Animal Nutrition To enhance professionalism, expertise, and self-esteem of animal nutrition experts. American College of 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.
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 Dpl. honorific adds visibility to your credentials and expertise.
College Establishment
The ARPAS Governing Council approved the establishment of a Board Certification process in December 1995.  The first disciplinary Colleges established were Animal Behavior, Animal Food Science, Animal Genetics, Animal Nutrition, and Animal Physiology.  Once board certified, you can earn diplomate status in the specific college.
General Requirements
M.S. or Ph.D. in the relevant discipline.  Be a member in good standing of ARPAS and one of its affiliated scientific societies. 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. Be accepted for membership in the College by a majority vote of the Board. Once certified, Diplomates will be authored to affix letters to their name signifying Diplomate status, ie., Dpl. ACAFS. There are additional requirements specific for each college.  To find out about these requirements, or to apply for Board Certification, complete the certification form and mail it to the ARPAS Business Office.
Maintenance of Registration - for all Categories of Certification (PAS, RAS/RAPS, Board)
Sixteen (16) Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are required each year, for all members (Associate or Full). Up to 16 hours may be carried to the following year. One CEU equals one hour of participation in an approved educational event (i.e., meeting, conference, school). CEU's are reported annual on the CEU reporting form. The ARPAS Examining Board provides a list of events and types of events which qualify for CEU's.  Professional society (regional or national) meetings, many conferences, and workshops providing equivalent type of continuing education will usually be approved.  Each member should submit their list of activities which they believe meet the intent of ARPAS CEUs.  If there are questions about any of the activities, the member may be asked to submit copies of the program for evaluation in accord with Board guidelines.
ARPAS Code of Ethics
Each year upon renewing certification and membership in ARPAS, a member must also re-affirm their pledge to abide by the ARPAS Code of Ethics.