No prob Dog i feel its hugely important! To be certified in a department you get 7 books to study. And yes you do have to pass a test, closed book 100 ?'s. No raise until you pass two departments (4 possible: Aquatic, avian, small animal and reptile) I'm currently avian certified and im studying aquatics now. And to answer your next ? yes, the knowledge required is very extensive as far as what you would imagine and if u fail u can try again but u cannot fail and still get certified. Out of 100 u have to score 90% to pass BTW.