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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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