The Professional Development Committee (PDC) was formed to help provide opportunities for zoological registrars to develop skills and acquire the knowledge to integrate best practices in records and information management at their facility. The PDC manages the process of evaluating all proposals for professional development opportunities submitted to the Committee by ZRA members. They also oversee the process for awarding the Professional Development Committee Scholarship (for reimbursement), by reviewing applications and submitting final recommendations to the Board of Directors. The PDC is responsible for administering and updating the ZRA Training Certificate Program (TCP). The PDC also strives to locate and advertise professional development opportunities to the members of ZRA.

The PDC is currently updating the content and format of the ZRA Training Certificate Program (TCP). Along with the update, the TCP will be transitioning into a new learning management system, Thinkific.  This massive undertaking will ensure that the content of the training is current best practice, and will also allow for easier administration of the program. The new learning management system will be more dynamic, and engaging for the learners. Once the transition is complete, the PDC will begin to market this program at zoological conferences to reach targeted audiences.

The PDC is compiling a comprehensive list of professional development opportunities to advertise, along with the scholarship notifications to help members reach their professional goals. The committee is creating resources and templates to assist members in asking for facility funding to support their development.