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Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification

The Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification verifies individuals have obtained exceptional knowledge and skills in the areas of ecological principles and wildlife management, as well as habitat, forest, grasslands, wetlands and waterfowl conservation and management. 

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Meeting the Industry Need

The certification assesses industry-valued and industry-recognized standards produced by Ducks Unlimited, the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Using a grassroots, volunteer-based organizational structure, Ducks Unlimited has built a successful partnership with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities to conserve, restore and manage North America's Wetlands. 

The certification validates individuals have acquired a solid understanding of ecological principles. Those who earn the certification are more qualified and prepared to pursue a meaningful career in natural resources management. Additionally, the certification allows employers to identify and connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jumpstarting individuals’ careers.

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As a result of the greater value society has begun to place on natural resources and the environment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% job growth in wildlife management from 2016-2026. Careers include wildlife habitat manager, wildlife population manager, wildlife research ecologist, wildlife law enforcement officer and others.

Related Occupations

  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Conservation Scientists
  • Foresters
  • Fishing & Hunting Workers
  • Forest & Conservation Technicians

Industry Standards

The certification exam consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and concepts from the following weighted industry standards:

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Ecological Principles

  • Ecological Systems
  • Ecological Succession
  • Monitoring & Sustaining Ecosystems

20%

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Wildlife Conservation & Management

  • North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
  • Population Ecology
  • Management Plans

30%

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Species Identification

  • Non-Game Animals
  • Predator & Furbearers
  • Game & Upland Birds
  • Waterfowl

10%

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Habitat Conservation & Management

  • Types of Habitats
  • History of Conservation
  • Importance of Conservation
  • Benefits, Threats, Legislation & Conservation & Management of the Following Habitats:
  • Forests
  • Grasslands
  • Wetlands

40%

Ecological Principles

20%

Species Identification

10%

Wildlife Conservation & Management

30%

Habitat Conservation & Management

40%

Are you a Certified Wildlife Biologist®?

Earn the certification for CEUs!

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Optional Certification Preparation Materials

The iCEV online curriculum platform offers a variety of preparatory content and resources designed to prepare individuals to earn industry certifications.

Multimedia Presentations

Prepare for the certification exam with engaging video and PowerPoint® presentation lessons. Each lesson is developed through collaboration with industry experts in order to address industry standards within each certification.

Interactive Coursework

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iCEV's interactive activities, projects and assessments are based on real-world scenarios and reinforce comprehension of the industry standards assessed within each certification exam.
 

Featured Support Letters

View letters from businesses and organizations expressing their support of the certification.

Free Ducks Unlimited Membership for Certification Earners

Individuals who earn the Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification are eligible to claim a free one-year Ducks Unlimited membership. Join the effort to conserve critical wetland habitats for waterfowl and other important wildlife.

Certification earners will receive information about claiming their membership upon delivery of the paper certificate.

About Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 14 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

"It’s important that students understand not only the conservation and ecology of wildlife and wildlife habitat, but also their personal roles as future stewards."

Mark Horobetz
Manager of National R3 Programs
Ducks Unlimited

Employer Certification Verification

If you are an employer looking to verify a potential applicant's credentials, please fill out the form to the right. We will contact you with the status of the certification number you provide.

If you do not have a certification number, please contact our customer support team to verify your candidate at: customersupport@icevonline.com or 1-800-922-9965.