Application for Passerine Certification

Before applying for evaluation you should be aware of the Expectations for Certification of the North American Banding Council, which details the level of skill and knowledge you need to be well prepared for certification.

You may apply for evaluation at the Assistant, Bander, or Trainer level. Each full level attempted carries a separate $35 testing fee; the Assistant level is broken into two tracks, with the mist-netting track incurring a $10 fee and the banding track incurring a $25 fee. These fees cover the cost of administering the evaluation, and they will not be refunded if a candidate fails to achieve their desired level.

Candidates applying at the Assistant level can choose to be evaluated on one track or on both. Candidates do not need to independently complete the Assistant level to proceed to Bander or Trainer level. The Bander level must be completed before attempting the Trainer level; with advance approval of a session organizer, both Bander and Trainer levels may be attempted at the same session.

During the evaluation session two or more certified NABC trainers who have not participated significantly in your training will evaluate you and provide you with a report card summarizing the results of the evaluation. If you pass, your certificate will be sent to you by email.

Some sessions may give candidates the option to take the written exam at the evaluation site, but we encourage candidates to complete the written exam in advance of the session. Any certified trainer, including one who trained you, may administer the closed-book written exam.

Certification does not replace the federal banding permit nor any additional permits necessary in your state or province, nor does it guarantee you will be granted such permits. Certification does indicate to the Banding Offices, and others, that you have attained a significant standard of knowledge and skill.

At the close of this form, you will be asked to upload a copy of your banding resume detailing past experiences banding passerines and extracting birds from mistnets, including approximate numbers of birds and species handled, number of seasons, places worked, etc. Please keep this document to a single page.

Application for Passerine Certification

Name *

First

Last

We encourage, but do not require, you to share your pronouns.

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Phone

For which taxon are you applying? *

For which session are you applying? *

For which level(s) are you applying? *

Assistant
Bander
Trainer

Will you take the written exam before the session, or at the session? *

Please provide names of the experienced banders who served as your principal trainers, or with whom you have worked closely. *

I have read the relevant Expectations for my evaluation level, and I believe I am sufficiently prepared to be evaluated on my banding knowledge and skills. *

I have read and pledge to uphold the NABC Non-discrimination Policy while at the certification session. *

As a professional organization, NABC is committed to the free expression and exchange of ideas, equitable transfer of skills and knowledge, and equality of opportunity and treatment. In pursuit of that environment, NABC is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and will promote equality of opportunity for all individuals, regardless of gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, country of origin, citizenship status, religion, age, parental status, disability status, educational background, economic circumstance, criminal history/record, or any other marginalized status or potentially vulnerable group. NABC prohibits discrimination, harassment, and/or intimidation in all NABC business, and it is the responsibility of the Council and the banding community at large to promote a professional atmosphere at all times.

I have read and pledge to uphold the NABC Diversity Policy while at the certification session. *

The greatest asset of NABC is the diversity of individuals representing the regions where we work, our individual viewpoints, our generosity of knowledge, and our efforts toward advancing a global perspective in bird banding. The mission of NABC is best fulfilled when we embrace diversity as a value and a practice. Achieving diversity requires a commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in the culture, values, norms, and behaviors of banders. Leading by example, NABC aspires to make diversity a core and abiding strength among our leadership and the banding community by supporting equity of opportunity regardless of gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, country of origin, citizenship status, religion, age, parental status, disability status, educational background, economic circumstance, criminal history/record, or any other marginalized status or potentially vulnerable group.

I agree to follow the COVID-19 guidelines set out by the organizers of the certification session. *

Please attach your banding resume. *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.