in the leisure services profession ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATION Professionalism in the leisure services profession ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATION

Profession A group of people with specialized knowledge or training includes a governing body that determines membership criteria a discipline requiring extended education over a common and specific body of knowledge a group with a common mission

A professional one recognized by some combination of their skill, training, education and experience to be well qualified for their position (may be certified) someone who gives back to the profession someone who contributes above and beyond the basic job requirements (their own time & money) someone motivated by service & goals of profession a member of a professional organization

Benefits of belonging to a profession organization Services professional development (conferences, workshops) networking career growth - job placement Information (newsletters, bulletins, video, and technical assistance common advocacy (strength in numbers)

Additional benefits personal fulfillment fellowship recognition (awards) research aids in growth and development as a professional leadership (hold office)

Certification NRPA certification site applies to individuals in the recreation and park field, individuals can become certified at several levels CPRP (certified park and recreation professional) CPRE (certified park and recreation executive) mid level mgrs

CPRP (certified park and recreation professional) You may be eligible to become a CPRP if you: Have just received, or are set to receive, a Bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation (Students who have not yet graduated from an COA accredited program with a major in recreation, park resources, and leisure services but are in their final semester on campus may be able to qualify for exam status)   Have a Bachelor’s degree from any institution in recreation, park resources, or leisure services; and also have no less than 1 year of full-time experience in the field   Have a Bachelor’s degree in a major other than recreation, park resources, or leisure services; and also have no less than 3 years of full-time experience in the field   Have a high school degree or equivalent, and have 5 years of full-time experience in the field   *1 year of part-time work experience in the field (20 hours+ per week) = 6 months of full-time work experience in the field

Continuing Education An important part of certification is continuing education Professionals (CPRPs) must continue their professional development by earning 2 CEUs (continuing education units) every 2 years one CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of instruction

EXAM Requirements Must apply to either NRPA or the state affiliate with a certification plan Kansas has just moved its certification to the national/NRPA office application fee is approximately $40 exam fee is $175 - $200

Accreditation applies to the institution in other words, the curriculum/program is reviewed to ensure that it complies with national standards National standards are set by the Accreditation Council areas reviewed include faculty, courses to ensure they result in certain competencies, budget, facilities, and program philosophy

Accreditation options Leisure Services Management Leisure Recreation Program Delivery Natural Resources Recreation Mgmt Therapeutic Recreation

Process of Accreditation application school conducts an extensive self study where it addresses each of approximately 150 standards schools hosts a visitation team which reviews self study and overall program for 3 days and submits a report to council if approved, must be renewed every 5 years