ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (PICP)
This program formally recognizes the knowledge, experience, and interpretive skill of guides who have been in the profession for at least two years. Professional Interpretive Guides have demonstrated the ability to transform an average walk in the park to a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors.
This advanced-level program can take up to a year to complete. It is open to anyone interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of interpretation, park management, geology, ecology, and the history of the Canadian Rockies. It is specifically designed for individuals with previous interpretive guiding experience who want to advance their careers.
Tous nos cours de certification sont disponibles en français. Veuillez nous contacter si vous souhaitez en savoir plus.
Please note: To become certified, you must attend all modules and pass the oral and written exams with a 70% or higher. You have one year from starting the program to complete and pass everything. Please ensure you can attend everything and complete it in a year before you register and pay.
Watch a testimonial from an IGA-certified Professional Interpreter!
COURSE COSTS
Professional Interpreter Certification Program (PICP) = $1175 plus GST
- Includes all required modules, two electives, 1 hr of oral exam coaching, and the two exam fees.
- After paying the above fee, you will be given a coupon code that you can use to register for each core module (IS Course, PI Vignette Workshop, 4x PI Lectures) and granted free entry into select elective modules. Please note that some elective modules will be more expensive than others and require an additional fee. We cannot guarantee that all elective modules will have space for all PICP students, so early registration is recommended.
- The coupon code system is not automated and may take 1-2 business days to be sent to you.
Other Costs:
- You must be a member of the IGA to become certified. Please purchase and pay your membership fees if they are not current and up to date.
- If you do not pass the written or oral exam, there are additional fees to retake the exam ($99 written [full exam]Â or $50 [one section], $125 oral exam).
Individuals who are certified as Professional Interpreters and are interested in refreshing their knowledge may sit through sections of the course a second time for a discounted rate when space is available. Contact us for details.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
- Apprentice Interpreter course
- Complete and send in the PICP Application form showing how you have the points required to take the exams.
If you do not have your Apprentice Interpreter certificate but have substantial (5+ years) Thematic Interpretation guiding experience in the Canadian Rockies, you may contact us for a possible exemption.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
You must have enough knowledge and experience as an interpretive guide to become certified at the professional level. Your knowledge and experience are assessed and turned into points. You must have 120 points to complete the two program exams; at least 50% of those points must come from direct interpretive work experience. Please take a look at the attached table for more details.
If you want to take the course or become certified at the professional level, please read through the application package and complete the application form.
Only individuals who have completed the PICP (100% attendance is mandatory) and have 120 points are eligible to take the exams.
Additionally, to receive your certification at the professional level, you must:
- Be a current member in good standing (professional dues paid and at least 10 hours of professional development submitted).
- Complete both exams within 1 year of starting the PICP.
- Achieve a minimum of 70% on the written and oral exams (note: you must achieve 70% overall and 70% on each of the five sections of the written section).
- Adhere to IGA’s Code of Ethics.
The Canadian Rockies Version of the PICP Certificate requires completion of the following modules:
- Interpretive Specialist Course
- Professional Interpreter Vignette Workshop
- Canadian Rockies Lectures – Geology, Ecology, Parks Management, History
- Two Elective Modules
**** We are working on developing a non-Rockies version. Reach out to us if you are interested in learning more ****
PROFESSIONAL HIKING GUIDE
To become certified as a Professional 3-Season or 4-Season Interpretive Hiking Guide, you must also complete the IGA’s 3-Season or 4-Season Group Management Course.
COURSE Details
The following topics are covered in the Canadian Rockies PICP:
- Geology & Ecology of the Canadian Rocky Mountains
- Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay National Park Management and Local History
- Advanced-level Thematic Interpretation & Training
The PICP will have its core modules and electives offered twice yearly – Spring (March-May) and Fall (November-December).
**You must complete all modules and electives within one year of starting the program.
The core modules include the Interpretive Specialist course, the 4 PI lectures (geology, ecology, parks management, and history), and the PI Vignette Workshop.
The Electives: examples - Â Impact Storytelling, Leadership, Climate Change for Interpreters, Geology/Ecology Field Trip....
PICP Elective Modules offer a broad perspective for upcoming Professional Interpreters. The IGA will strive to provide a variety of elective modules throughout the year. However, most will be provided in the Spring. Each elective will have an assignment you must complete at a professional level before becoming certified.
You can see the list of currently available options (here).
WORK OUTSIDE OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES?
We are developing a program to meet the requirements of this course for people in other parts of Canada. Contact us if you're interested in learning more.
EXAMS
There are two exams for the PI course: a written and an oral exam. These exams are taken separately and must be completed within 1 year of completing all course modules and electives. The written exam has a time limit of 4 hours, covers the five sections of the core course (geology, ecology, interpretation, parks management, and history), and is closed-book.
Note: The written exam will not include any content from the elective modules.
The oral exam is a 5-minute interpretive vignette that you deliver to a live audience (your exam clients) via Zoom. The live audience is the evaluators. The Interpretive Specialist course and PI Vignette workshop teach you all the components you will be examined on during the oral exam. Each registrant receives 1 hr of coaching to mentor them as they produce their final programs.
If you completed the PICP but did not complete the two exams within a 1-year timeframe, you will have to retake the core modules.
Several exam dates will be scheduled for each course. If you'd like to take an exam outside the planned sessions, we may be able to arrange a private exam. However, additional fees will apply to bring staff in to proctor and mark the tests. For more information, please email info@interpretiveguides.org.
Check here for upcoming exam dates.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Please read the full Cancellation & Refund Policy if you are planning to sign up for a course.
It is important to understand that we cannot transfer funds paid for one course or program to another.
Please note: Once purchased, membership fees and handbooks are non-refundable. Please make sure you want to join the association and/or take a course before joining and paying these fees.
UPCOMING COURSES AND EXAMS
