Certification is an important component of the program. It ensures
program support, provides access to resources such as free or low-cost basic
equipment, and it is especially important for mainting quality assurance and quality control.
Groups can become certified if they are West Virginia residents (this includes part-time residents, students, and
other regional groups at the discretion of the coordinator) and they agree to the program's memorandum of
understanding (MOU). The volunteer group must agree to the terms and conditions of the MOU in order to
be eligible to receive a biosurvey kit. In order to maintain certification, groups must meet the following
minimum criteria.