Assessing the Necessity of a Wildlife Toxicology Certificate: A Survey of Professional Perceptions

Abstract

This article details the study findings and methodology used in developing a survey instrument to assess the need for a professional certificate in wildlife toxicology. Following discussion at a 2007 wildlife toxicology conference, researchers used the Delphi process to develop a survey questionnaire that was administered to members of two professional societies. Survey results indicated a high level of variability in support for a wildlife toxicology certificate, as well as in desired requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of certification. Although the results of this study are of particular interest to wildlife toxicology practitioners and a governing body wishing to host a certification program, our methodological approach and the perceptions of certification benefits and concerns documented here have utility in other fields considering a professional certificate program.

Keywords:

• Delphi process
• wildlife toxicology
• professional certification
• survey research

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Smithsonian Institute.

Notes

1. In 2009, TWS added a second certificate: Associate Wildlife Biologist. This certificate provides professional recognition of academic cudentials while developing the experiential requirements of a Certified Wildlife Biologist.