World Parks Academy – Professional Certification

WPA -  Academy Professional Certification

The World Parks Academy (WPA) was established in 2013 by antecedent organisation International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration (Ifpra) in partnership with Indiana University’s Eppley Institute for Parks and Lands to recognise and develop the credentials of parks and recreation professionals around the world with an accreditation system comprising the:

·         Certified Parks Professional (CPP); and

·         Certified Parks Professional - International (CPP-I).

For an Overview Brochure of the Academy click here and for full information and to apply go to the World Parks Academy website.

The World Parks Academy encourages and recognises national certification or accreditation by national professional associations, such as the US National Parks and Recreation Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional and Certified Park and Recreation Executive, Japan Parks and Recreation Foundation's Qualified Parks Professional, New Zealand Recreation Association's Accredited Park and Recreation Professional, and the Canadian Recreation and Parks Association certification as a way of ensuring professional standards.

CPP is a national-level professional certification available to professionals in countries where no national or state certification is available. The World Parks Academy encourages certification by national associations, however under unique circumstances determined by the World Parks Academy Board the CPP can be awarded in addition to national certification countries that have an existing accreditation system in place. Where they do not have the capacity the World Parks Academy can provide a national version of CPP awarded jointly with the organisation. The World Parks Academy partners with the following national associations to offer variation of the CPP.

1. The Certified Parks Professional - France (CPP-F) is offered to French professionals in partnership with the French national association Hortis.
2. The South African Certified Park Professional (SACPP) is offered to South African professionals in partnerships with the Institute of Environment and Recreation Management (IERM).
3. The Certified Parks and Leisure Professional (CPLP) is offered to Australian professionals in partnership with Parks and Leisure Australia. 

CPP-I is an international-level professional certification provided directly by the World Parks Academy. Applicants must first hold their national-level certification, CPP, or demonstrate at least 10 years of senior professional park related experience at an international level that meets the CPP-I competencies. 

 “Obtaining the World Parks Academy’s Certified Parks Professional

credential has strengthened my credibility as a leading professional in the wide-ranging field of parks and

recreation as well as had a positive effect on my perceived integrity as a government employee from the public.

            - Adam Esch, Recreation Coordinator, Community Services, Municipal District of Greenview, Alberta, Canada

The benefits of certification include:

• Being recognised by a national or international professional body and your peers as meeting a professional  or senior international professional standard
• Institutions and recruiting employers have confidence in your credentials and that you maintain your professional development
• Become part of an international network of park and recreational professionals, participate in workshops, training and other opportunities for continuing professional development. 

World Parks Academy Certified Parks Professional (CPP)

This national-level credential is for professionals in countries with no relevant national or state credentialing.  The CPP is awarded to professionals who meet a number of competencies through their experience, qualifications, and training. If there are any gaps candidates have options to increase their competence in their home country or by on-line learning through the Academy. The CPP requires on-going commitment to professional development to be maintained. Applications are now open at the World Parks Academy.

The CPP also provides an indication of an international standard to national associations considering offering certification to their members.

To be eligible and be awarded CPP the following is required:

1.  Current World Urban Parks membership status (successful new applicants receive 1 year free World Urban Parks membership);

AND

2.  A.  University degree; and
     B.  Two years of park work experience as assessed as providing competency in at least three of the CPP competencies.

OR

3.  Five years of senior-level park management experience (e.g., supervisor, consultant, senior planner), and assessed as providing competency in at least four of the CPP competencies.

OR

4.  Five years of park management experience and completion of training as approved by the World Parks Academy Board of Regents that sufficiently meets at least five CPP competencies

Note that where competencies are not fully met an Individual Development Plan can be developed with the applicant to achieve competency through further experience or training.

World Parks Academy Certified Parks Professional International (CPPI)

The World Parks Academy offers a unique international credential for senior-level professionals who operate in an international environment, the CPP-I. The CPP-I is awarded to senior professionals who meet a number of internationally-focussed competencies through their qualifications, training and experience. Attending an international conference workshop is also a component. Applications are now open at the World Parks Academy.

To be eligible and be awarded CPP-I under the standard process the following is required:

1.  Currently holds:

• a.  Recognized professional certification from a national, state, or international organization that is recognised by the World Parks Academy, OR

• b.  CPP designation directly from the World Parks Academy

AND

2.  Has Two or more years as a World Urban Parks “Professional Membership” designation; and

3.  Has Four years of park management experience, with two at the Senior Professional level (e.g., supervisor, consultant, senior planner); and

4.  Completes a competency self-assessment and is assessed as meeting at least 3 of the 4 CPPI Competencies (see diagram below); and

5.  Attends a World Urban Parks - World Parks Academy Workshop.

Note that where competencies are not fully met an Individual Development Plan can be developed with the applicant to achieve competency through further experience or training within three years.

A special Senior Professional Clause exists for well-experienced professionals to obtain CPP-I on a faster track. To see if you are eligible for direct award under this clause, please review the following criteria:

1. Currently holds World Urban Parks professional membership (Successful applicants receive 1 year free World Urban Parks membership); and

2. Holds or is eligible for CPP and has 10 years of senior professional park-related experience that is assessed as meeting at least 3 of the 4 CPPI Competencies; and

3. Has achieved 4 different activities from the following 7 options:

   • World Urban Parks Congresses or supported conferences,

   • Service in international consultancies, schools, or field trips,

   • Studied international park and recreation operations through workshops, seminars, classes, programs, technical visits, etc.,

   • Served on professional committees or task forces of an international nature

   • Published an international-related journal article,

   • Conducted international parks research, or

   • Other professional park activity

The CPP and CPPI competencies are shown in the following diagram. The relevance of these competencies has been validated by academics and professionals around the world.

*Click image for Competency Description

World Parks Academy Website

Administration of the World Parks Academy and the certification program is by Indiana University's Eppley Institute who maintain the World Parks Academy website launched in January 2014. The Academy is open for applications and the World Parks Academy Board has been awarding certifications.

Certification Register

The World Urban Parks and World Parks Academy websites will maintain a register of certification holders.

The World Parks Academy CPP Register is here and the CPPI Register is here . 

The following persons have been awarded certification by the World Parks Academy:

 Pictured: Professor Yoritaka Tashiro receives one of the first CPPI certificates from President Emanuel Trueb at the 2014 Malaysia Urban Green Space and Ifpra Asia-Pacific Conference in Penang June 2014.

Certification Register

Governance and Role of the World Parks Academy

The World Parks Academy and certification program is governed by a ten member Board, an international body of academics and practitioners independent of World Urban Parks' board. This is to ensure that the professional focus, rigour and further development of the international profession are the focus, and to separate the Academy's administration.

The World Parks Academy Board are in Table 1:

Table 1.

The role of the Academy is outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between World Urban Parks and the Eppley Institute.

World Urban Parks and the Eppley Institute will:

A.      Enhance the global awareness of international education opportunities afforded through certification, conference attendance, and advanced education.

B.      Create and monitor two new certification categories:

·         Certified Park Professional (CPP)

·         Certified International Park Professional (CPPI)

C.      Provide an Academy that will serve as the educational hub for advanced education.

·         Both organizations will collaborate on developing the curriculum for the World Urban Parks Academy as well as curriculum implementation.

D.      Create a Board to provide governance and perform administrative duties for the World Parks Academy.

·         The Eppley Institute will hold the role of Secretary.

E.       Develop Terms of Reference that will outline the structure and scope of the Board.

F.       Develop a competency-based academic curriculum to achieve the CPP-I certification.

G.     Promote the involvement between World Urban Parks members and the CPP/CPPI certifications; namely, through advocating for the World Parks Academy.

H.      Facilitate information exchange through the sharing of information on events and activities pertaining to the World Parks Academy.