A novice trainer is defined as being at a stage in the learning process in which following explicit rules is required to perform tasks. They are not yet fluent in making nuanced judgments or adapting to unique situations. They rely heavily on guidelines and step-by-step instructions, as they're still building a foundational understanding of the subject or skill.

This content designated for this level is appropriate for all levels and is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Volunteer
• Intern

An advanced beginning trainer is defined as a learner who has moved beyond the novice stage but is still working towards understanding of the broader context. Advanced beginners are starting to recognize recurring patterns and situations, allowing the process of making more independent decisions. At this stage the decision-making process remains rule-based and the learner is working towards building full comprehension of the underlying principles. Prior experiences tend to guide actions. Complex or unfamiliar scenarios can be challenging.

This content designated for this level is appropriate for levels 2-5 and is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Assistant Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member
• Associate Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member
• Seasonal Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member
• Temporary Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member
• Part Time Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member

A competent trainer is defined as having a deeper understanding of the tasks and situations encountered. Prior experiences are drawn upon to assess situations, make judgments, and adapt actions to specific contexts. Guidelines and rules are relied upon to some extent, greater flexibility and judgment is used in the decision-making process. Competent trainers are more proficient and efficient.  Highly complex or unpredictable scenarios may prove challenging.

This content designated for this level is appropriate for levels 3-5 and is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Full Time Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member

A proficient trainer is defined as having a deep understanding of the underlying principles and can effectively navigate a wide range of situations. Rules or guidelines are no longer relied upon; instead, rapid and accurate judgments, often based on years of experience, can be made under many different contexts. Proficient trainers are capable of effectively adapting approaches, even in complex or unpredictable scenarios.

This content designated for this level is appropriate for levels 4-5 and is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Senior Zookeeper or Animal Care Staff Member

Advanced proficient trainer is defined as having an intuitive and deep understanding of the field, this allows for complex decisions that are made quickly and effectively. Explicit rules or guidelines are not required; instead, decisions are informed by a vast wealth of experience and a profound grasp of underlying principles. Advanced Proficient Trainers can effortlessly handle even the most intricate and uncertain situations, often finding innovative solutions. Such expertise enables this level of learner to adapt, anticipate, and even reshape the field itself. This level of learner also contributes significantly to the advancement of the industry.

The content designated for this level is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Subject Matter Coordinator, Officer,  or Manager (Animal Welfare, Training, Enrichment, etc.)

A supporting stakeholder is defined as individual who may not regularly be directly involved in training animals, but it has been demonstrated there is value to the organization if the stakeholder participates in professional development regarding knowledge and/or practical application about training.

The content designated for this level is specifically recommended for positions such as the following:

• Section Assistant Curator, Manager, or Supervisor
• Veterinary Technician
• Veterinarian
• Section Curator, Manager, or Supervisor
• General Curator or Manager
• Subject Matter Coordinator, Officer, or Manager (not related to training)