Years ago I subscribed to rec.pets.birds on the old usenet. One of the other subscribers used to respond to practically every thread with half-arsed, blitheringly obvious or downright inaccurate advice; she used the title "CAS" after her name as a doctor would use the title "MD." A few of us were curious what this abbreviation meant so we did some research. We found that the title stood for "Certified Avian Specialist" and it meant that she had taken a four-hour PIJAC class. (Of course, any of you who have participated in a usenet flame war can imagine the slings and arrows she took for considering herself a titled expert after having taken a four-hour class from a trade group. )

I am assuming that the current PIJAC certification is about the same thing, although it is now offered as a self-paced course that you can take at home.

So, long story short, I've not taken the class but I remember being quite unimpressed by someone who took it years ago. I have considered taking it now just so to see what it is about. I guess it'd be tax deductable as education. Will report here if I do. 

--VH

-----Original Message-----
From: media-advisors-bounces@mickaboo.org [mailto:media-advisors-bounces@mickaboo.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Y
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 9:24 PM
To: Mickaboo media advisor team
Subject: [Media-advisors] FW: PIJAC question

Not me. You?

-----Original Message-----

From: Teresa Murphy <teresa@cavyspirit.com>

Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 9:13 PM

To: Elizabeth Young <adoptkings@gmail.com>; Karen Watkins <karen.watkins@gmail.com>; C Dickinson <chezd3@yahoo.com>

Subject: PIJAC question

Hi Ladies,

I was wondering if anyone sent away for or knows about PIJAC's avian certification program?

If so, I was wondering about your assessment of it.

Cheers,

Teresa

http://www.pijac.org/animalcare/certification/