- Degree
- HSWT Certificate
- Dates
-
2024 (exact date to be announced)
- Target group
-
all those interested in nature, students, employees in official and voluntary nature conservation and planning offices
- Group size
-
min. 30 – max. 60
- Costs
-
Exam 41 Euro p.p.
Field ornithology: Examination to determine the biodiversity of Bavaria
Knowledge of species is an important tool: from mapping and evaluating rare and protected bird species in natural history (citizen science), practical nature conservation work, agriculture and forestry to science. The BANU field ornithology certificate can be used to prove ornithological species knowledge acquired in courses, training and/or self-study.
The "Federal Working Group of State-Owned Environmental Education Centres in Nature and Environmental Protection" (BANU) has developed a nationwide certification system that is comparable and defines a transparent, high standard.
Procedure & contents of the field ornithology exam
The BANU Bronze Field Ornithology Certificate confirms knowledge of 75 bird species and is verified with an examination. Here, 30 randomly selected species are examined in their plumage and on the basis of typical songs - the examination takes place indoors with the help of specimens, photos, videos and sound recordings.
If 80% of the points are achieved, the exam is considered passed, and if 90% are achieved, the exam is considered passed with distinction.
Exam contents:
- Knowledge of species
- Systematic & morphological knowledge
- Habitat knowledge
- Expertise
The bronze certificate in field ornithology demonstrates basic knowledge of field ornithology and, in terms of subject matter, corresponds roughly to the level of education after completing a bachelor's degree at a university or university of applied sciences. At least one year of field experience and involvement with the subject matter is required to master this basic knowledge.
Application & advantages of BANU certificates
The testing requirements are part of the BANU project "Qualification and certification of species experts". The project defines nationwide testing requirements for various groups of organisms. The aim is to establish a common quality standard. Within the project, qualification events are also being designed with this in mind.
Target group & grading of the field ornithology certificates
The qualification and certification programme is aimed at all those interested in nature, students and staff in official and voluntary nature conservation and planning offices. Participation in an examination is independent of the place and period of knowledge acquisition.
There are three examination levels (bronze, silver and gold) as well as different examination modules at each level. The gold level covers the knowledge and skills that play an important role in professional practice. The bronze and silver levels represent achievable milestones on the way to gold level. They can be sufficient for many tasks and interests - especially outside of professional field ornithology.
The HSWT currently offers the certificate examination for Field Ornithology Bronze.
Voices of participants
"The species knowledge certificates are intended to be an opportunity to demonstrate and prove knowledge. Thanks to the three levels, everyone can start at their own level of knowledge - the certificate examinations are open to everyone, there are no registration requirements. The certificates can be used in application procedures, as a qualification for self-employment or simply as an incentive to work on species knowledge, either alone or in a group."
