ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER CERTIFICATION
Certification Levels for ACOs
In partnership with Colorado State University, Code 3 has established three levels of certification for Animal Control Officers and Animal Welfare Professionals – Certified Animal Control Officer, Animal Cruelty Investigator and Master Animal Cruelty Investigator.
These certification levels are achieved through the completion of our Essential Animal Services Training (EAST) Academy and Equine Investigations Academy (EIA). Participants need to successfully pass the following training to achieve the designated certification:
Certified Animal Control Officer: EAST Modules A and B
Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator: EAST Modules A, B and C
Master Animal Cruelty Investigator: EAST A, B, C plus EIA Levels I and II
Continuing Education Requirement
Once each certification level is achieved, participants have the ability to remain certified through continuing education (CE) credits. Not only will Code 3 provide CE approved training; but our education review committee will also acknowledge requests for outside training to be recognized such as college classes and other career enhancing training. For example, if you have achieved your desired level of certification and take a college level computer or foreign language class, those credit hours could apply towards your CE credits to maintain your ACO or Investigator certification.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER CERTIFICATION
Certification Levels for ACOs
In partnership with Colorado State University, Code 3 has established three levels of certification for Animal Control Officers and Animal Welfare Professionals – Certified Animal Control Officer, Animal Cruelty Investigator and Master Animal Cruelty Investigator.
These certification levels are achieved through the completion of our Essential Animal Services Training (EAST) Academy and Equine Investigations Academy (EIA). Participants need to successfully pass the following training to achieve the designated certification:
Certified Animal Control Officer: EAST Modules A and B
Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator: EAST Modules A, B and C
Master Animal Cruelty Investigator: EAST A, B, C plus EIA Levels I and II
Continuing Education Requirement
Maintaining Certification:
- Certified participants will need to complete 30 hours of CE credits or additional levels of certification in this program over the 3-year term.
- CE credits can be completed through Code 3 or other approved training programs and educational opportunities.
- Requests for CE approval outside of Code 3 training can be submitted to info@code3associates for consideration.
Retroactive Certifications:
- Retroactive certification requests will be considered for training completed within three years prior to Jan 1, 2021.
- If you have completed any of the certification levels above in the last 3 years, you can send a request for certification to info@code3associates.org.
- Approved retroactive certifications MUST complete at least 10 hours of CE credits or additional Code 3 investigators training in the first year to maintain their retroactive certification.
Career Building
- Join Code 3’s ACO Coalition for more career expansion possibilities
- Define Your Direction – learn more about our compass to guide your career
- We’re here to support you with our Whole Community Approach by working together with leaders of all facets within the animal welfare profession
We are here to help you achieve the certification level that best suits your career path. Please contact us with any questions.
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR TRAINING EXPENSES?
Reach out to your community for help – spread the word about our Sponsor an Officer program, and ask community members to designate their donations for your agency.
