The Master Herpetologist Certification Program is offered at the Amphibian Foundation and online, and instructed jointly between the Foundation, GA DNR and the Orianne Society.

---

This intensive class provides an introduction to herpetology and equips participants with amphibian and reptile identification skills and general knowledge of frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards and snakes — their life histories, habitat requirements and biodiversity.

Course content includes classification and identification of amphibians and reptiles, 'herping' equipment, frog calls, attracting amphibians/reptiles and backyard wildlife habitat, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, breeding migration, and conservation. This course is a deep dive into the world of amphibians and reptiles, intended to create a foundation of herpetological knowledge upon which students can build.

---

The course fee includes lectures, exam, and certificate. For the IRL courses at the Amphibian Foundation, the fee also includes 2 field trips, a copy of Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia (Jensen, et al), and a graduation luncheon. Throughout the year, Master Herpetologists may be offered early bird or discounted registration for workshops and other reptile and amphibian events in and around Georgia, including opportunities for field work in conservation studies.

The class is intended for adults, but there is no age limit. Please contact us before registering someone under the age of 18

---

Master Herpetologists gather at Sweetwater State Park for the reptile field trip

Select a Semester Below See the Schedule and to Register

Dr. Chris Jenkins of the Orianne Society teaching the snake portion of the Master Herpetologist program.

---

The Amphibian Foundation is located at the beautiful, 30 acre, Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead (Atlanta, GA). The main building on the grounds holds 3 of the Foundation's research labs, office space and classrooms, as well as Atlanta Audubon Society, and the Blue Heron Nature Preserve's administration offices and classrooms. It is a hub for urban ecology and conservation right in Atlanta. The course will be held in the Amphibious AF Meeting Room, which is unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible.