Certification
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The responsibilities of a park and recreation administrator in the 22nd century are far greater than the administrative ability to plan and design facilities and to develop and operate programs. The ability to work with personnel, citizens groups, volunteers, and business leaders in determining needs, conducting community-based research, creating partnerships, and building consensus is essential to success. An understanding of politics is also important. The park and recreation administrator must possess knowledge of funding methods for leisure services, such as program fees, taxation, grants, and rental charges, while augmenting this with innovative funding strategies beyond those typical of a governmental entity. Other desirable qualities include marketing skills, entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and other skills similar to those needed to manage a business.
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A park and recreation professional should
be academically prepared to undertake the unique task of administering
park, recreation and cultural services. He/she should remain current
on trends, issues, and technology that affects the quality of these
services by engaging in professional continuing education programs,
attending professional conferences and seminars, and reading
appropriate professional publications. Those individuals who commit
themselves to improving their community through park and recreation
leadership should be professionally certified through their
appropriate state certification board. |
1. What is certification?
Certification is the pro-active process where an individual voluntarily submits his or her credentials for review based on clearly identified competencies, criteria or standards. The Mississippi Park and Recreation Certification Board is the body officially approved in Mississippi to administer the National Certification program by the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Professional Certification Board.
2. Why become certified?
Certification is a tool for you to use. It shows that you have met the standards of the profession. You have made a commitment to continue your education. You have made a commitment to your profession. You have made a commitment to your organization's participants to give them the best you possibly can.
While certification is a voluntary practice, more and more employers are listing it as a desirable qualification of potential employment. Also the certified practitioner raises the quality of service nationwide and aides in public recognition of the profession.
3. Where is certification good?
The Mississippi certification plan has been approved by the National Certification Board based on the NCB model plan. This means that your Mississippi certification is recognized nationally and can be transferred to any other state participating in the National plan as you move through your career.
4. Who is eligible?
Anyone with a GED or higher degree and who is working full-time in the parks and recreation field is eligible to apply for certification. Based on your educational experience and number of years full-time work experience after you received your degree you can apply for different levels of certification.
5. How to apply?
1) See if your qualify for
the exam
2) Fill out and return the Application
for the NRPA Computerized CPRP Exam with your fee
3) Make sure you are prepared for the exam. Read
what to expect during the exam and be sure to look through the
CPRP Candidate Handbook.
Please contact Will
McNeer,
certification board chair, with questions [Olive Branch Parks and Recreation
(662) 893-5219] or any of these committee members: David
D’Aquilla
Please note that an official transcript must accompany your application.
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Quality of life is important to individuals. For this reason, many communities invest significantly in park, recreation and cultural services. The result is citizens who are content with where they live, work and play. They enjoy activities that renew them both physically and emotionally. Other benefits are also derived beyond that of the individual citizen. Quality park and recreation services aid the economy by sales of recreation equipment and clothing, by improving property values, by attracting visitors, retirees and new business and industry. Recreation programs provide a setting for ethnic and cultural diversity, an alternative to delinquent behavior, and opportunities for socialization. Parks provide a comfortable area for the enjoyment and appreciation of the natural environment.
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Because of the specific professional skills required for park and recreation leadership in the 21st century, the National Recreation and Parks Association and Mississippi Recreation and Parks Association recommend that cities, towns, counties, and special districts entrust the administration of their recreation and parks service investment in those persons who are properly educated, professionally trained and certified. |