JOINT PROFESSIONAL AQUACULTURIST CERTIFICATION: STANDARDIZING AND RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN THE AQUACULTURE WORKFORCE

The Joint Professional Aquaculturist Certification is a collaborative initiative to establish minimum standards and formally recognize early-career and technician-level aquaculture professionals. It is a partnership between three professional societies: the Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, the U.S. Aquaculture Society Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, and the National Aquaculture Association. The primary goal is to ensure alignment with industry needs and provide a clear framework for skill and knowledge expectations.

Program Inspiration and Standards

This certification is inspired by the American Fisheries Society “Certified Fisheries Professional” program, which provides a proven model for professional validation. The foundational standards for this new aquaculture certification are derived from the industry-driven Maine Aquaculture Occupational Standards with benchmarks that define core technical skills and knowledge required in the aquaculture sector. This certification goes beyond reviewing resumes or coursework by providing an assessment-based credential that verifies competence and experience. 

Certification Requirements and Assessment

Applicants must be a member in good standing of at least one of the three collaborating societies and fulfill three main requirements:

• Verifiable Experience: Applicants must document hours of applied experience (e.g., full-/part-time jobs, internships, seasonal positions). Additional hours of instructional training (e.g., academic courses, workshops, certifications) and service to the profession (e.g., serving on a committee, organizing a conference) are also required.
• Skills Self-Assessment: Applicants must complete a self-assessment measuring proficiency across seven key occupational areas, including Animal/Crop Husbandry and Health, System/Equipment Operation, Data Management, and Regulatory Compliance. Key skill areas are based on the “Duties” standards from the Maine Aquaculture Occupational Standards. 
• General Aquaculture Content Exam: Applicants must pass a proctored exam covering foundational principles of aquaculture, including husbandry, water quality, life support systems, and best management practices. Exam questions are based on the “Knowledge and Understanding” standards from the Maine Aquaculture Occupational Standards. 

Implementation and Future Outlook

The application, including documentation submission and access to the skills assessment and knowledge exam, is managed through the Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE) online platform. The proctored knowledge exam will be administered annually at the major joint conference (Aquaculture America or the Triennial) to ensure integrity, accessibility, and professional visibility. The Joint Professional Aquaculturist Certification will serve as a mark of accomplishment, demonstrating dedication and competence while providing pathways for continuous professional development in aquaculture.