In early 2011 the International Association of Trainers and Educators (IAATE) established a Professional Development Committee to investigate and develop a program for the certification of avian trainers. Over the next year the Professional Development Committee researched professional certification programs and made contact with The Professional Testing Corporation (PTC). PTC, based in New York, has developed many certification programs across a broad range of professions.

Under the guidance of PTC the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) was established by IAATE in July 2012. The aim of IAATE in establishing the IATCB was to provide an independent certification body to develop and manage examinations for trainers and educators working with birds. IAATE sees this certification as a valuable tool for both individuals and employers for demonstrating not only a level of knowledge about bird training but also a commitment to ongoing personal development. IATCB is an independent 501(c)3 corporation.

During 2017 IATCB partnered with the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) and the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) to outline and develop a certification examination for professional animal trainers. This effort resulted in IATCB expanding in June 2018 to also operate as the International Animal Trainers Certification Board.