APBC Assessment
Why be Assessed by the APBC?
The aim of the assessment process is to help ensure you are ready to become a Full member and not to throw hurdles at you. Our process focuses on:
- Support – The ability to have continued, supportive conversations and to get clear on what is required from your case record submission.
- Objectivity – All applicants are informed of who their assessors are in advance and how they are qualified to assess.
- Fairness – Processes are in place to allow for a change of assessor if required.
- Timely Feedback – Feedback is given in the form of constructive written feedback and also multiple opportunities for face-to-face (virtual) discussions/conversation. This allows all applicants to action any changes required to achieve Full membership.
- Transparency – We will provide access to documents outlining details of the process and are here to answer any questions you may have. We will keep you informed at all times throughout the process and will let you know when documents and information are to be released.
How Much Will the Assessment Cost?
The total cost for assessment is £890 for APBC members, and £950 for members of other organisations (please see below for a full breakdown of these costs). You may pay the whole amount at once, or in three instalments. You will be invoiced by the APBC Office once your application has been accepted.
| Assessor Cost | £600 |
| Admin, Certification and Financial Payments | £350 |
| TOTAL COST (Non-APBC Members) | £950 |
| Minus APBC Subsidy | -£60 |
| TOTAL COST (APBC Members) | £890 |
How do I register for Assessment?
The APBC offers three ‘windows’ for assessment throughout the year allowing our Assessments Team to ensure all applicants are given adequate support and timely feedback. We ask that you register interest in applying at least 8 months in advance of assessment to allow time for evidence to be submitted and appropriate allocation of assessors for each application window. Please note that assessors are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
| Application Window | Register Interest by | Case Records Submitted by | Assessment to Begin by | Assessment Completion by |
| Window 1 (Jan – Apr 27) | 1st May 26 | 31st Dec 26 | 1st Jan 27 | 30th Apr 27 |
| Window 2 (May – Aug 27) | 1st Sep 26 | 30th Apr 27 | 1st May 27 | 31st Aug 27 |
| Window 3 (Sept – Dec 27) | 1st Jan 27 | 31st Aug 27 | 1st Sep 27 | 31st Dec 27 |
Please click on one of the links below for further information regarding our assessment process for both the Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) and Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) roles.
Unsure which role is right for you? Please visit our Behaviourist roles page for further information.
What if my Application is Unsuccessful?
We are very proud to say that we have a high success rate for our assessments and we can attribute this partly to the supportive nature of the process. However, the assessment process is also rigorous and, in some cases, we may require an applicant to submit further materials to ensure the Performance Criteria have been fully met. Please note, additional costs apply for re-submission.
On occasion an applicant may be deemed not ready for Full membership. In this instance you will be provided with constructive feedback related to your application and given guidance on any areas that require further development. You will be encouraged to put our recommendations into practice and submit another application when ready. Please note, full (unsubsidised) assessment costs will apply where a full re-application is required.