[IATCB] News and updates for Summer 2026

Hello Visitor,

The International Avian Trainers Certification Board and the International Animal Trainers Certification Board, IATCB, offers you a way to gain professional credibility, increase your earnings potential, and advance your career. We live in a competitive world, and animal trainers are no different than anyone else looking for advanced knowledge and skill in their profession.  IATCB endorses voluntary certification by examination for all professionals involved with animals, including trainers, educators, handlers, veterinarians, and all others involved in the care and handling of animals. 

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Fear to Free: The Life of a Vulture
Tabitha Smith, CPBT-KA

Uff-da was a resident black vulture at a raptor rehabilitation center and I was a young rehabber. This is the story of our friendship.

From the first time hearing her name. My first interaction. Uff-da was feared and she feared “us.”  Her name usually brought up comments of discontent and fear. She was labeled in many of the usual ways; aggressive, rude. To me I labeled her friend. My best friend. 

I heard the comments and the thoughts of others and maybe it's my personality to ignore such comments and make my own judgement but I walked right into the enclosure holding a rat to see just how “rude” this black vulture could be. As I’m sure you guessed, I got bitten multiple times before my brain said “drop the rat, idiot, and leave.”

I came back every day after that. She used to be set “free” in the education bird mew hallway but pushed back with a baby gate. I spent time in the hall guarded by that gate for days. The funny thing about trust is sometimes you have to give it to get it. Reckless? Sure. I was cross legged on the rock floor with my gate for protection and then it hit me- move the gate away. I sat on that floor unguarded.  Now there is a fine line between stupidity and bravery, and the outcome dictates which side of the line you have fallen on…

Uff-da walked by me, very gently nibbled on my knee, barked and walked away. 

The next day, I came back and she gave me what I call “Uff-da lovins’.” she stuck her beak into the hole of my hand and feeked on me.  I tossed the baby gate in the trash, which seemed to be the symbol of change. Years down the road, after building an entire relationship through reinforcements other than food, the facility switched to positive reinforcement training. Uff-da wasn’t meant to be one of the first birds switched over but she became one because if you had the chance to witness her, you’d want to work with her too.

Uff-da was my first experience learning how to train in this new way. Due to the long standing relationship we had, the trust we built, I was able to take risks that I'm not sure others could have. I also had multiple reinforcers to draw from other than food.

The most memorable sign of what true trust looks like was in crate training. Her crate was big enough for an eagle, and she wasn’t sure about going in it. I moved it around the enclosure and tried different antecedents; turns out the only antecedent I needed was myself. I crawled into the back of the crate and had her come to me. Uff-da went into the crate with me and then every day after solo.

Fast forward to 6 years of building trust later… The bird who was feared and disliked - walked the facility with guests, did VIP “Meet and Greet” experiences for the highest bidders at our silent auction fundraisers, became a star of social media, and a fan favorite amongst volunteers, staff and guests. 

She was obsessed with learning and I was obsessed with teaching. She learned cooperative care behaviors, fun educational behaviors like colors with ASL, she learned to spin in a circle in just a few sessions to just do something different since learning was so exciting for her.

Uff-da is my greatest achievement because I got to learn with her. Her life was changed due to positive reinforcement. Little moments that added up, that created a new life for her, moments that truly freed her.

Her last day physically on this Earth was February 12th, 2026. However, her last true day on this Earth will be my last day; when I can no longer speak of how the trust we shared inspired people; inspired me. 

Editor’s Note: I also have felt the incredible connection with a black vulture.  They are absolutely amazing animals that steal your heart.  Your article brought tears to my eyes when I read it the first time, and again while working on this newsletter.  What a special bond you had, and amazing work to bring so much new to Uff-da’s life.

📢 Share Your Voice In Our Newsletter!

We’re looking for passionate, insightful, and inspiring contributions from professionals like you!  If you have a story, experience, or idea that could benefit your colleagues, we’d love to feature it in our upcoming newsletter.

Submission Guidelines:

• Articles should be 500+ words.
• Images are encouraged.
• Please attach them separately in a JPG and ensure you have permission to share.
• Submissions can be written in Word or a Google Document.
• Header or top of document should include article title, author(s) name, and associated facility (if desired)

Topics may include - but aren’t limited to:

• Any of the five domains covered by the certification exam
• Species spotlights featuring animals in your care
• Training challenges or success stories
• Novel enrichment ideas
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Fieldwork opportunities and experiences
• How the exam has impacted your career
• Mentoring insights
• Mental health in the workplace
• Public speaking tips and experiences
• Leadership journeys
• Interpretation and communication through programming
• Ways you’ve utilized exam content in your personal life
• Or anything else you’d like to share with your peers!

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, your perspective matters.  Help us build a newsletter that reflects the diversity, creativity, and dedication of our community.  Authors of submissions that are selected for our newsletter will receive 1 CEU per 500 words up to 2 CEUs total.

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CEUs:

Still looking for ways to get CEUs?  We are looking for content for future exams!  One CEU is awarded for every 5 test items accepted. Test items are questions and four "answers" to the question. Only one answer should be correct, with the other three answers being distractors. Distractors should seem plausible and not obviously incorrect.

Download the Item Developers' Guide written by our testing company, PTC, for full details of item writing. Email your test items to IATCB.

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Connect with us on social media! IATCB is active on Facebook and Instagram @iatcb_info.  We share training highlights, species spotlights, funny memes, professional development opportunities and more!

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IATCB Certification Grant Program

The purpose of the IATCB Certification Exam Grant is to remove financial barriers to certification for applicants volunteering or working in the field of animal/bird training who are interested in pursuing or furthering a training-related career.

IATCB will offer one bird trainer (CPBT-KA) and one animal trainer (CPAT-KA) grant per testing cycle. Please download the application form for more details. The form, when completed, should be emailed to grant@iatcb.org.

This information is also on the web site, International Avian Trainers Certification Board - News (iatcb.org)

https://www.iatcb.org/newhome

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GET CERTIFIED:

 Next testing cycle will take place in the Fall of 2026.

2026 Testing Dates

To find the list of recommended reading material go to International Avian Trainers Certification Board - Home (iatcb.org) and go to “Get Certified”