American Farrier’s Association
Certification Program
Developed in 1981, the AFA’s Certification Program centers around standardized examination processes, designed to assess proper trimming and shoeing. In addition to testing these “hands-on” aspects of competency, the system also includes written examinations designed to test comprehension of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Certification provides an avenue for farriers to distinguish themselves—to themselves, to the horse owning public, and to others—and to establish that they have a quantifiable level of knowledge and competency in hoofcare.
Present levels of examinations include AFA Farrier, Certified Farrier, Certified Tradesman Farrier, and Certified Journeyman Farrier. There are also two specialty endorsements offered to Certified Journeyman Farriers: Therapeutic Endorsement and Educator Endorsement.
Levels of Certification
The AFA’s Farrier Certification Program consists of three categories:
Classification, Certification, and Endorsement. Within these categories, the Certification and Endorsement designations have associated options and levels of progression.
Certification is at the center of this program, but Classification and Endorsement are integral and valuable components, designed to make the program viable for the entire farrier community. The Classification component provides opportunities for entry-level farriers, while the Endorsement component provides opportunities for farriers who have completed the highest level of Certification.
Candidates at each level are expected to display hoof trimming skills and techniques to meet everyday demands of correct hoof care, the skills to apply horseshoes and other appliances to exacting prescriptions, forging skills needed to modify or make a variety of horseshoes, and a knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology. Testing and evaluation are critically applied to maintain the highest standards of workmanship and professionalism.
AFA Farrier Classification (AFA Farrier)
The entry-level component of the Farrier Certification Program, this classification focuses on basic concerns associated with safe, sound farriery, relieving the candidate from certain time constraints and higher level forge work associated with certification. The AFA Farrier Classification requires that candidates successfully complete written and practical testing, including the creation of a brief horseshoe display. This classification is not a pre-requisite for any subsequent certification level.
Certified Farrier (AFA CF)
The Certified Farrier exams, which constitute the first level of AFA Certification, are open to farriers who have at least one year of horseshoeing experience, and have demonstrated knowledge and skill to perform hoof care on a professional basis. The Certified Farrier process requires successful completion of written and practical testing, as well as the creation and explanation of a horseshoe display.
Certified Tradesman Farrier (AFA CTF)
The Certified Tradesman Farrier exams, which constitute a second (optional) level of AFA Certification, are open to farriers who have at least two years of horseshoeing experience and have completed the CF level. The Certified Tradesman Farrier process requires successful completion of written and practical testing, including the forging and fitting of a handmade shoe within a prescribed time limit.
Certified Journeyman Farrier (AFA CJF)
The Certified Journeyman Farrier exams, which constitute the highest level of AFA certification, are open to candidates who have at least two years of horseshoeing experience and have completed the CF level. Farriers sitting for this level of certification are expected to display in-depth knowledge and highly developed performance skills evidencing a level of professional artistry. The process requires successful completion of written and practical testing, as well as the forging of a specific bar shoe within a prescribed time limit. The shoe must fit a pre-determined foot pattern.
SPECIALTY ENDORSEMENTS
Certified Journeyman Farriers have the opportunity to continue their pursuit of education and professional development through the Specialty Endorsement component. Some areas of hoof care require highly specialized knowledge and skill. These may involve working with particular breeds, activities, or disciplines, or working with equine veterinarians to provide relief from suffering by horses that have been neglected, received inadequate hoofcare, or have been affected by disease or trauma.
A Specialty Endorsement at the Certified Journeyman Farrier level is available for the Therapeutic Endorsement. A general overview of this program is provided on pages 25-28 of the American Farrier's Association™ Certification Guide: 5th Edition, 2008. More specific details and requirements are available through the AFA office.