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Certification
The National Recreation and Park Association certification programs are governed by the National Certification Board;
HOWEVER the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association tracks the CEU's for its members as a member servie, and will aid members in taking and studying for thier CPRP and CPRE exams.
NRPA’s Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the park and recreation profession. According to Recreation Management magazine’s 2008 Salary Survey of more than 2000 individuals in the field, of those people who plan to seek new certifications, the most (40%) think they should become CPRPs.
Achieving your CPRP certification will provide you with recognition for your accomplishments, greater career opportunities with higher income possibilities, proof of your ability to meet or exceed national standards and a new level of commitment to the parks and recreation field.
5 REASONS TO BECOME A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
- Greater career opportunities and advancement
- Demonstration of your commitment to the parks and recreation profession
- Enhanced quality of parks and recreation services nationwide
- Recognition for your accomplishments and ability to meet national standards
- Expansion of your skills and knowledge through continuing professional development
The National Recreation and Park Association certification programs are governed by the National Certification Board;
For questions or further information on certification, please email us at certification@nrpa.org
The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources and leisure services profession who meet high standards of performance.
The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification can be achieved by individuals employed in the recreation, park resources and leisure services profession who meet high standards of performance at a mastery (middle to upper management level).
About CPRE
In 2010-2011, the National Certification Board (NCB) and the National Recreation and Park Association completed an analysis of the CPRP program and job tasks considered to be part of a CPRPs responsibility. As part of the analysis a survey was distributed to the field for input on professional job tasks for different levels of park and recreation management. The survey results were reviewed by three professional volunteer groups including the Job Task Analysis Committee, CPRP Certification Committee and the NCB. The committees and Board all agreed that an additional certification level was warranted in the field of parks and recreation. The Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification has been created and the first examinations are to be administered at the 2011 Congress.
Individuals who currently maintain a CPRP certification do not need to achieve CPRE certification unless they desire. The only change in the CPRP program is to the CPRP Content Outline (please see the CPRP Core Competencies and Job tasks at www.nrpa.org/cprp)
Value of the CPRE
The CPRE establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative and executive parks and recreation professionals.
This mastery-level credential focuses on the practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today’s changing park and recreation environment.
The CPRE is a demonstration of your dedication to competence, integrity, and professionalism in the parks and recreation field.
CPRE certification places you in the company of an elite group of parks and recreation managers and executives and connects you to the latest trends and information.
To earn a CPRE, professionals must hold a current CPRP certification, meet specific requirements for education and experience and successfully pass an exam covering a comprehensive set of topics, including communication, finance, human resources, operations and planning.
