Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course – National Association for Interpretation

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Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course – National Association for Interpretation

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Parker McMullen Bushman 757-824-5636 ext 107 cparkermcmullen@gmail.com

CERTIFIED INTERPRETIVE GUIDE TRAINING COURSE – NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR INTERPRETATION

If you work (or would like to work) at nature centers, parks, tour and cruise companies, zoos, museums, aquariums etc. helping visitors connect with our natural or cultural heritage this 32 – hour course is for you! The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) offers a professional certification program to recognize individuals who exhibit knowledge and skills necessary to assure quality interpretive services to all audiences. The goal of the CIG program is to provide consistent, high quality training for staff and volunteers on the basics of presenting interpretive programs. Certification is a way to document that you possess skills and knowledge that allow you to perform effectively in the interpretive profession.

 

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REGISTRATION COSTS FOR INDIVIDUALS

CIG Courses w/Certification Fee – $380 (includes instructor fee, cert fee, 1 year NAI membership, and workbook)
CIG Courses w/out Certification Fee – $230 (includes instructor fee and workbook)

THE CIG PROGRAM
The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive programs to the public. It combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills in delivering quality interpretive programming to varied audiences.

This 32-hour workshop offers background and skills including:

  • History, definition and principles of interpretation.
  • Making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized and thematic.
  • Programming emotional and intellectual ideas into your presentations to connect audiences to the resource.
  • Tailoring your programs for diverse audiences and various learning styles.
  • Presentation and communication skills.
  • Interactive group activities, demonstrations and individual sessions with instructor.
  • All materials, course workbook and the supplemental text.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CIG COURSE 
Anyone with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. The cost of your course registration includes a 1-year NAI membership. You may elect to take the training to become certified or without becoming certified.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Volunteers and docents who lack experience or education background in the field of interpretation.
  • Students or others who are interested in pursuing a career in interpretation
  • Contract teachers in natural or cultural history programming
  • Newly hired full-time or part-time interpreters, long time interpreters with no formal interpretive training.

WHY BECOME A CIG?
The CIG is an internationally recognized professional certification. Many potential employers and volunteer recruiters actively seek certified interpreters.

WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO

All participants must attend all four days of training. Successful students will complete 32 hours of training, pass a written exam with a minimum score of 80%, and demonstrate use of skills acquired in the training course.

  • Attend entire workshop.
  • Provide your own lunch.
  • Take a 50-question open book literary review.
  • Produce a one-page presentation outline.
  • Deliver a ten-minute thematic interpretive talk on the last day of the workshop.

SCHEDULE

Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. each day. Lunch (1/2 hour) and breaks. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and eat in community with their classmates. Weather permitting, come prepared to head outside.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Class size is limited to 15 to ensure individual attention. There are no prerequisites for this training workshop other than a desire to learn new skills for connecting people to your natural and cultural resources.

 

 

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