Certification is one way to achieve individual recognition, enhance self-esteem, and gain respect of parks and recreation peers and the public. Certification enhances the credibility of the individual and the profession as well as providing a reward system for those individuals who achieve a high level of professionalism.

Professional certification is the term applied to the process whereby an individual voluntarily submits his or her credentials for review based upon clearly identified competencies, criteria, or standards. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that personnel employed in recreation, park resources, and leisure services meet high standards of performance.

The National Recreation and Park Association instituted a national certification plan in 1981. The purposes of this plan are:

• to establish national standards for certification in the recreation, park resources, and leisure service profession;
• to provide recognition of individuals who have qualified; and
• to afford a guarantee to employers that certified personnel have attained stated education and experience qualifications.
• Check the IPRA Calendar
• Study at IPRA anytime during the week - days or evenings. Simply call ahead for an appointment

How Do I Become Certified?

The National Recreation and Park Association facilitates the certification process and more information can be found online at www.nrpa.org.

Is There Study Assistance?

IPRA offers the following options for studying assistance:

• Purchase the NRPA Study Guide
• Study Session at annual conference in January
• Study nights offered at the IPRA headquarters in Oak Brook Terrace, IL; an opportunity to study alone, or create a study group. IPRA has several textbooks in the study guide bibliography available in our library
• Check the IPRA Calendar
• Study at IPRA anytime during the week - days or evenings. Simply call ahead for an appointment