CERTIFICATION LEVELS

The following is a brief summary of the certification levels offered through the Academy. A more detailed description can be found in the Certification Examination Requirements section.

Surgical Research Anesthetist (SRA)
The SRA certification is intended for the technician who works as an anesthetist who also has responsibilities as part of the surgical team that include aseptic preparation and peri-operative care of surgical patients. The SRA candidate must have documented experience with at least two species as reflected in an anesthetic case log.

Surgical Research Technician (SRT)
The SRT certification is intended for technicians who perform minor surgical procedures, such as peripheral vessel cannulation, indwelling pump implantation, subcutaneous implantation, etc. A minimum of two different procedures need to be documented in a surgical case log.

Surgical Research Specialist (SRS)
The SRS certification is intended for the surgeon who performs major surgical procedures, such as those which penetrate a body cavity, or orthopedic manipulations, vessel and/or nerve anastomosis, etc. A minimum of two different major procedures in two species need to be documented in a surgical case log. If the majority of work is performed in rodents, then 4 different procedures need to be performed.

Holding Multiple Certifications
The SRA certification may be held in conjunction with either the SRT or SRS certification. However, the SRS and SRT certifications cannot be held simultaneously since the SRS certification builds on knowledge required for the SRT level, and therefore supersedes it. It is not necessary to obtain the SRT certificate prior to sitting for the SRS exam.