The American and International Associations of Professional Farriers (AAPF/IAPF) has introduced a new level of credential deemed “Discipline or Stackable Credentialing.” The first discipline credential has been identified as hunters and jumpers by the Board of Directors.
In 2016, AAPF/IAPF introduced credentialing, a new level of continuing education (CE) for farriers. More than 300 farriers applied for the first step in the credentialing process, also known as the foundation credential. This first step is required by all members before moving on to the next level.
The foundation credential requires 100% completion of a 395-question multiple-choice test. To qualify for the foundation credential, you must be a current regular member or student member of AAPF/IAPF and a farrier or veterinarian who is a recent graduate of a farrier or veterinarian school. No exemptions will be granted, regardless of years of experience, accreditations, certifications or endorsements. Only upon completion of the foundation credential does years of experience in the farrier industry count. After successful completion, the candidate earns either the title of Accredited Farrier I (AF-I) with 2-5 years of experience or Accredited Professional Farrier I (APF-I) with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Both titles require a minimum of 24 CE credits earned in the previous 12 months.
The test is taken in the comfort of the farrier’s home. Since it is an open-book test, passing requires 100% completion of correct answers. Within the year given to complete the test, time to make corrections of wrong answers must be accounted for.
The next level is the hunter/jumper credential and requires:
- Completion of another multiple-choice test with use of another study guide/reference manual.
- Forging of shoe modifications in the farrier’s signature style, including the fitting of these modifications to specifications and templates.
- Comprehensive understanding of each modification including uses and applications.
- Traveling to a testing site to demonstrate their ability to forge a number of these same modifications.
“The AAPF/IAPF Credentialing program is a ‘knowledge-based’ program,” says Donnie Karr APF-I, chairman of the Credentialing Committee. “As outlined above, the program requires the comprehension of a study guide/reference manual, as well as the farrier’s ability to demonstrate the expertise needed to forge modifications used in the discipline being applied for.”
The steps of the credentialing process are designed to allow farriers to demonstrate their personal commitment to their profession to horse owners, trainers, veterinarians and others in the horse industry.
The program will be available for purchase Nov. 1, 2018. The first testing sites, based on the applications received, will be scheduled in January 2019.
For more information, contact the AAPF/IAPF at (859) 533-1465 or aapf@professionalfarriers.com.
