The certification mark, as used by persons authorized by the certifier, certifies that the services have been provided by a professional whose academic background, professional training, work experience and expertise area(s) meets the standards of the certification program and that are expected of a practicing wetland professional, provides acknowledgement to his or her peers of adherence to standards of professional ethics with regard to the conduct and practice of wetland science. This certification program serves the public's needs to identify qualified individuals to assess and manage the Nation's wetland resources by certifying qualified professional ecologists, hydrologists, botanists, soil scientists, educators, researchers, government professionals, non-governmental professionals, consultants, and others who practice wetland science.