Microcertification as an Avenue to Diversify Pathways and Opportunities for AFS Professional Certification.

The article discusses the relevance of professional certification in the field of fisheries and proposes the idea of microcertification as a way to address changing skill requirements. It suggests that academic institutions and the private sector have started offering certifications and microcertifications to bridge the knowledge and skill gap for professionals who earned their degrees a decade or more ago. The article envisions the American Fisheries Society (AFS) leveraging its existing Continuing Education Program to offer microcertifications, which could benefit AFS financially, enhance member services, and increase the value of its Professional Certification Program. The use of technology and digital badges is also proposed to improve the delivery and recognition of microcertificates. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for a diverse skill set in the fisheries profession and suggests that a portfolio of microcertificates can make certification more equitable and inclusive. [Extracted from the article]