Continuing Education (CE)

Wildlife rehabilitation is a rapidly changing field, and rehabilitators need to continually update their knowledge and skills in order to provide the best possible care to the animals they receive. To encourage the highest level of knowledge, skill and competence, CWR certification must be renewed every two years.  Renewal candidates must either accrue and show proof of 16 hours of continuing education hours (CE’s) or 2 continuing education units (CEUs) during the two-year period to qualify or retake and pass the CWR Examination.  One CEU equals 8 hours of continuing education.  All renewal fees must be paid in full at the time of renewal.

Continuing education for CWR’s may be obtained by any of the following:

  • Attendance at an approved wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related conference
  • Completion of an approved wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related training class or workshop
  • Wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related courses from accredited colleges or universities
  • Presentation of a paper at an approved regional or national wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related conference
  • Publication of a paper in an approved peer-reviewed wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related journal
  • Wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related internship/externship
  • Participation in wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related research
  • Instructor of a wildlife, veterinary, ecology, or conservation related course (courses will each be approved one time only)

CE should be pre-approved to ensure approval will be granted. In order to obtain pre-approval send an email to certification@theiwrc.org with the name, dates, small description and link to event.  Acceptable proof of completion includes a certificate of attendance or completion, a receipt signed and dated by a representative of the event coordinator, or an email or letter from the instructor or similar personnel confirming attendance and successful completion.

Approved Continuing Education (CE) for CWR’s

Submit CE for Renewal

Organizations Click Here to Add Your Course Workshops, and Conferences to the CWR Approved CE List

Resources for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Upcoming Symposiums, Workshops, and Courses