In Pennsylvania, a taxidermist must be licensed by the PA Department of Agriculture. In the case of waterfowl or migratory birds, a taxidermist must also hold a federal taxidermy license.

PTACT stands for Pennsylvania Taxidermist Association Certified Taxidermist. This program is open to all taxidermists, whether or not they're a member of the PTA, and is renewed every 5 years.  The PTACT program has several goals: to promote the continuing education of taxidermists, to distinguish PTA Certified Taxidermists from non-certified taxidermists, and most importantly to educate the consumer about quality taxidermy and what to look for in a taxidermist.

The Certification program requires a certified taxidermist to have accumulated points, much like continuing education credits, by attending seminars, conventions, and taxidermy classes from Master Taxidermists.  Points are also earned by competing in PA taxidermy shows alongside some of the best taxidermists in the world.  Points are awarded by the place your piece earns.  The better the work the more points are earned.  A Certified Taxidermist (CT) must compete regularly and continue to improve upon his/her work in order to earn enough points to become certified.  This is one of the most important criteria in choosing your taxidermist.