A fisheries professional is an individual with specialized education in the sciences and technologies involving the structure, dynamics, and interactions of habitats, aquatic organisms, and humans.  The American Fisheries Society offers professional certification to anyone who meets specific education and experience requirements related to fisheries.  Professional development is required of all FP-Cs to keep abreast of developments in the field and to ensure continued enhancement of knowledge and skills. 

Evidence of professional development activities must be submitted both to achieve and to maintain certification.  A point system is used, with each FP-C required to obtain a minimum of 100 “professional development quality points” (PDQPs) in five categories over a 5-year period.  PDQPs are self-reported.