2021 Accreditation Standards and Related Policies
2021 Accreditation Standards and Related Policies (PDF)
The complete standards for zoos, aquariums and related facilities applying for AZA accreditation and certification (115 pp.).
2020 Accreditation Standards and Related Policies - translated into Spanish (PDF)
Maximizing Occupational Safety of Elephant Care Professionals at AZA-accredited and AZA-certified Facilities (PDF)
Policy revised by the AZA Board of Directors in 2014 (5 pp.). (These requirements are now contained in Standard E.4.2.1.)
Accreditation Documents
2021 Guide to Accreditation of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (PDF)
The complete guidelines for zoos and aquariums applying for AZA accreditation and certification (52 pp.).
2021 Accreditation Questionnaire (Application) (DOC) (33 pp.)
2020 Accreditation Visiting Committee Report Form (DOCX) (27 pp.)
Certification Documents
2021 Certification Questionnaire (Application) (DOC) (32 pp.)
2020 Certification Visiting Committee Report Form (DOCX) (27 pp.)
Inspector's Handbook
Visiting Committee Members may download the 2020 edition of the Inspector's Handbook (PDF) (67 pp.) or contact the AZA office at 301-562-0777 to receive a hard copy of any accreditation/certification materials.
Accreditation Standards & Process PowerPoint
For more information on the accreditation process, several PowerPoint presentations are available. These presentations cover pointers for institutions going through the process, institutions considering applying for accreditation, and accreditation inspectors. You may obtain copies of the most up-to-date presentations by contacting the AZA office at AZAAccreditation@aza.org.
Accreditation Rack Card for Visitors
Show your visitors what your AZA accreditation means! Download the Accreditation Rack Card (PDF).