What Education and Certification Programs Does the American Fence Association Offer?

The American Fence Association (AFA) offers education and certification through AFA University (AFAU), which includes online courses, defined career pathways, schools, certification testing, and a network of approved education providers. If you work in the fence, gate, or perimeter security industry — or want to enter it — these programs are the main way to build credentials through AFA. Training scholarships are also available through the AFA Education Foundation for those who need help covering costs.

AFA University (AFAU)

AFAU is the association's education arm. According to the AFA site, it covers:

• AFAU Online — online education courses you can access through the site.
• Career Pathways — structured routes for progressing through the industry.
• Schools — in-person or organized training events (for example, chapter-hosted "Fence Foreman School" sessions listed on the AFA calendar).
• Certifications — formal credentialing, including Certification Testing.
• Approved Education Providers — a directory of providers whose training AFA recognizes.

The subject matter is specific to the industry: fence, gate, and perimeter security education.

Certification

AFA lists Certifications and Certification Testing as separate sections under Education & Certification. That structure tells you the process has two parts: identifying the certification you're pursuing, then sitting for a test. The site does not publish certification names, exam fees, or eligibility requirements on the pages reviewed here, so confirm those details directly through the AFAU portal or by contacting AFA before you plan around a specific credential.

How to Access the Programs

1. Go to americanfenceassociation.com.
2. Use the Education & Certification menu to reach AFA University, Career Pathways, Schools, Certifications, Certification Testing, and Approved Education Providers.
3. For online coursework, use AFAU Online; for member-specific content and records, the site references a MyAFA Portal and Login.
4. Check the Events calendar for scheduled schools and education sessions — recent listings include chapter events such as the NY/LI Chapter Fence Foreman School and a Texas Chapter education night.

Expected result: you either land in an online course, register for a scheduled school, or reach the certification testing path. A common snag is that some areas (portal, online courses) sit behind a login, so set up or confirm your account access first.

Scholarships and Funding

The AFA Education Foundation offers Academic Scholarships and Training Scholarships, and accepts donations to fund them. If cost is a barrier to a course or certification, this is the route to check. The site does not state award amounts or deadlines in the material reviewed, so verify current terms with the Foundation.

Who This Is For

• Contractors and installers wanting formal training or foreman-level education.
• Companies sending staff through AFAU or chapter schools.
• New entrants following Career Pathways into the trade.
• Anyone seeking an AFA-recognized certification or an approved education provider.

AFA describes itself as the largest resource in the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry, with 1,800+ member companies across 50 states and 15 countries — so the education network is broad, but much of it is organized through membership and chapters. If you're not yet a member, check whether a specific course or certification requires membership before enrolling.