Certification Benefits and Fee Schedule

Benefits of Certification

Earning the C-AAIS credential distinguishes you as a professional who is qualified to integrate therapy animals into practice, positioning you as an advocate for the welfare of both the humans and the animals involved in AAI. Investing in certification is an investment in yourself and your long-term career.


Note that while the AAAIP coursework might be beneficial in helping you prepare for the certification, it is not required. You can schedule to take the certification exam at any point in which you feel prepared according to the topics outlined on the exam’s Practice Analysis.


The AAI Specialist certification can help you do the following:

  • Demonstrate your credibility to clients, employers, and other key stakeholders.C-AAIS logo
  • Be seen as a leader in the field.
  • Advance the standardization and professionalization of the intervention.
  • Provide a foundational understanding of the many aspects of successful AAI.

AAI participants benefit from these elements of certification:

  • Objective, independent, third-party evaluation and assessment of professional competence.
  • Commitment to client safety and/or consumer protection.
  • Accountability through ethical conduct standards and/or a disciplinary process.
  • Recertification requirements for continued or enhanced competence.

How Do I Prepare?

The C-AAIS exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions which cover five content domains:

  • Animal Welfare and Well-being
  • Zoonosis and Infection Prevention
  • Animal Behavior Awareness
  • AAI Foundations
  • Professional Best Practices

Those interested in sitting for the exam are encouraged to develop their own study plan based on the AAI Specialist Practice Analysis, on which the test questions are based. There is no required coursework.

Review the Candidate Handbook or apply to take the exam today!


Fee Schedule

Exam Fee
Exam Fee: $375
Exam Fee for AAAIP All-Access Members: $275

Reschedule fee: $50
You may cancel or reschedule at no fee up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam. Any request to reschedule from 24 hours to the scheduled time incurs a fee.

Retest fee: $200 (up to two retakes for failure to pass)
The retest fee is only applicable to candidates who have previously taken the C-AAIS exam but did not receive a passing score. Eligible candidates must contact AAAIP for an applicable discount code.

Recertification Fee
Recertification Fee: $275
Recertification Fee for AAAIP All-Access Members: $175
Fees are non-transferable from one candidate to another.

Making Payment
Payments are made online by credit card at the time of the application. Visa, Mastercard, or American Express are accepted. For questions related to the payment processes, contact AAAIP at [email protected].

For more information including how to apply for the certification, prepare for the exam, and technical requirements please review the Candidate Handbook.

Apply to take the exam.