Accreditation

AAPF/IAPF FARRIER ACCREDITATION^SM

Welcome to the International Association of Professional Farriers AccreditationSM Program - a foundation of the IAPF. This program recognizes and awards farriers with an accreditation platform that illustrates education, experience, specific interests, and dedication. From student level to the seasoned farrier, accreditations are earned through education and experience.

In 2015, the AAPF submitted an application to the United States Trademark and Patent Office to trademark "Farrier Accreditation".  In 2017, the USPTO approved our trademark/service mark application with the definition of:  Testing, analysis, and evaluation of the services of others to determine conformity with certification standards; Testing, analysis, and evaluation of farrier services to determine conformity with certification standards. 

These earned accreditations are then maintained through a commitment to continuing education. By committing to a minimum of 24 IAPF Continuing Education Credits per year, accredited farriers at all levels will maintain their accreditation and illustrate their deserved recognition within the industry. The IAPF is proud to recognize farriers who have and will continue to dedicate and educate themselves to the farriery profession.

BRONZE AWARD - Awarded for 3 Consecutive Years of Achieving Accreditation Status

SILVER AWARD - Awarded for 6 Consecutive Years of Achieving Accreditation Status

Purpose of AAPF/IAPF Farrier Accreditation^SM:

• Provide recognition of a farriers experience, education and dedication to public and professional sectors of the equine industry.
• Promote, encourage and support Continuing Education (CE) for farriers and veterinarians.
• Educate public, professional and other alliances to recognize and support Accredited farriers.

Levels of Farrier Accreditation^SM:

• AAPF/IAPF Accredited Farrier (AF)
  • After completing two years of education and/or experience, applicants will be awarded the title of Accredited Farrier (AF).  Farriers will be required to maintain this level for the next three (3) years.  During these three years, they must obtain the minimum yearly CE requirements. NOTE:  A Farrier who has graduated from a farrier school or veterinary college where the owner or instructor is an AAPF/IAPF Regular Member in good standing may qualify for AF status immediately upon graduation.  In addition, a Farrier who has less than two (2) years of experience and who has earned the Certified Farrier (CF) status from the American Farriers Association, may also qualify for AF status.
  • Education & Experience:
    • Two or more years, but less than 5 years, of hands-on farriery experience in the industry.
  • Continuing Education Requirements:
    • Members must earn a minimum of 24 CE Credits per year of approved AAPF/IAPF Continuing Education (clinics, seminars, symposium, conventions, webinars, podcasts, books, mentoring, and/or other pre-approved events).
    • Members will be required to work with the AAPF/IAPF staff to ensure that the appropriate number of credits have been recorded on the farrier's membership profile.
• AAPF/IAPF Accredited Professional Farrier (APF)
  • Applicants are awarded Accredited Professional Farrier (APF) accreditation who have been working as a farrier for five (5) or more years.  To maintain their status of APF, farriers must continue to obtain the minimum yearly CE requirements.
  • Education & Experience:
    • Five (5) or more years of hands-on farriery experience in the industry.
  • Continuing Education Requirements:
    • Members must earn a minimum of 24 CE Credits per year of approved AAPF/IAPF Continuing Education (clinics, seminars, symposium, conventions, webinars, podcasts, books, mentoring, and/or other pre-approved events).
    • Members will be required to work with the AAPF/IAPF staff to ensure that the appropriate number of credits have been recorded on the farrier's membership profile.
• AAPF/IAPF Accredited Farrier or Accredited Professional Farrier with Foundation Credential (AF-I or APF-I)
  • Applicants are awarded Accredited Farrier or Accredited Professional Farrier with Foundation Credential (APF) accreditation who have successfully completed the AAPF/IAPF Foundation Credential.  To maintain their status of AF-I or APF-I, farriers must continue to obtain the minimum yearly CE requirements.