Certification

Professional Certification

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. Somer certifications will require training and completion of an exam. Below are the links to some common certification programs.

Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator Licensing/ Certification

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

DEMONSTRATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VALUE AND RECOGNITION TODAY! BECOME CERTIFIED!

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

The CPRP certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources, and leisure services profession. The certification is designed to elevate your professional value, enhance your experience and performance, and showcase high standards of knowledge and education. In order to achieve CPRP certification, applicants must meet minimum qualifications and successfully complete the national examination. To learn more and see if you meet the requirements visit www.nrpa.org/cprp

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)

The CPSI is a certification ensures that individuals are qualified to inspect playgrounds for safety hazards and to make sure all playgrounds complies with the current national standards for safety. The national standards are developed by the ASTM and CPSC. CPSI certification is obtained by successfully passing the CPSI certification examination. In order to prepare for the exam, we recommend taking the two-day CPSI educational course. There are no prerequisites to attending the course and taking the exam, only the desire to make playgrounds safe and fun for children everywhere! To learn more visit www.nrpa.org/cpsi

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)

The AFO program is an advanced, state-of-the-art certification program for those persons managing and operating aquatic facilities. Individuals who obtain the AFO credential are knowledgeable in the systematic approach to pool operations including pool chemistry, management, pool safety and risk reduction. AFO certification is obtained through successful completion of the AFO certification examination. In order to prepare for the exam, we recommend taking the day-and-a-half AFO educational course. To learn more visit www.nrpa.org/afo

Agency Accreditation

The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) provides quality assurance and quality improvement of accredited park and recreation agencies throughout the United States. CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies, and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community.

RESOURCES

Online Certification Registries - In the Spring of 2010 NRPA launched registries for each of the certification programs that provide information on currently certified professionals including their name, general location (city/state), email, certification number, and certification expiration date. The registries were created to provide professionals, state affiliates, employers, and public with a convenient method of verifying certification status, expiration dates, etc. The certification registries can be found on the NRPA website on each of the certification pages

Certified Park and Recreation Professional at:

Click Here

Aquatic Facility Operators at:

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Certified Playground Safety Inspector at:

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Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association

The Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Association is a professional non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and improvement of all recreation and park services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.