In 2007, the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) formed the Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator™ (CWR™) program and an independent Certification Review Board (CRB) responsible for the evaluation and certification of wildlife rehabilitators. The CWR™ CRB endorses voluntary certification by examination for all wildlife rehabilitator professionals, including those who act as volunteers and are not employed in the field. Individuals who meet CWR™ CRB requirements are eligible to take this examination. Certification as a professional wildlife rehabilitator distinguishes individuals who demonstrate a competent level of professional practice and conduct and a high quality standard of care.
Over the years, the field of wildlife rehabilitation has experienced significant growth, and CWR™ acknowledges this development. In 2024, a decision was made to expand the certification program to distinguish between rehabilitators who are licensed practitioners (where applicable), possessing both educational credentials and practical experience in wildlife rehabilitation, and those who are working toward proficiency but do yet have significant experience in the field. As a result, two levels of certification have been established: Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator™ and Associate Wildlife Rehabilitator™.