ABOUT THE APPRENTICE INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION
The Apprentice Interpreter Course is available as a one-day interpretation course for students who live outside the Canadian Rockies, or a two-day course containing one day of Interpretation and one day of Canadian Rockies content. People who work in the Canadian Rockies must complete the two-day course to guide in that area.
If you are unsure which course is right for you, contact courses@interpretiveguides.org to find out more.
The one-day course will introduce you to skills in thematic interpretation, helping you become an engaging and memorable communicator.
The two-day course will introduce you to thematic interpretation while also teaching you about the geology, ecology, human history, and national park management of the Rockies.
Both courses are a great place to start your journey as an interpretive guide.
While these courses are designed for individuals relatively new to interpretive guiding, they are appropriate for anyone who wants to be a great leader, guide, and communicator.
The Apprentice Interpreter course is taught virtually and in-person in the following locations:
- Canmore, Alberta, in April, May, June, November, and February
- The Netherlands - in partnership with Voshaar Outdoor & Education
- Iceland - in partnership with Silversea Cruises
If there is demand, we can offer this course anywhere! Contact us if you'd like to bring this course to your area.
ABOUT THE APPRENTICE HIKING GUIDE CERTIFICATION
To become certified as an Apprentice Hiking Guide, you must take and pass both the Apprentice Interpreter course and the 3 or 4-season Group Management Course.
The Apprentice Interpreter certification is intended as a stepping stone to the Interpretive Specialist or Professional Interpreter certification. We encourage you to continually learn and improve your guiding skills and knowledge to make interpretive guiding your career.
APPRENTICE INTERPRETER • COURSE CONTENT
Interpretation Portion - part of the one-day-only course and the two-day course
Introduction to Interpretation
- Introduction to Interpretation and Thematic Communication
- The basics of effective communication
- How to build a thematic interpretive program
- Thematic interpretation program development and delivery
Canadian Rockies Content - 2-day course only
Natural History
- The basics of Canadian Rockies Geology (sedimentation, mountain building, erosion, rock types)
- Introduction to glaciers and mountain weather
- Introduction to mountain ecosystems (Typical mountain habitats, species interactions and ecosystem connections)
History and Park Management
- Eras of human presence in the area
- Evolution of the concept of park- from playground to goal of ecological integrity
- Current park management issues & initiatives
Certification Requirements: To become certified as an apprentice interpreter and/or apprentice hiking guide, you must participate in all portions of the course and pass the final exam with a mark of 70% or greater, as well as 70% per section of the exam. The classroom portions of the course contain essential information, group work, and discussion that are invaluable for learning and certification requirements.
NEW TO THE ROCKIES?
If you are new to the area and feel like you would benefit from learning a little about the geology, ecology, park management and history of this place before this course, we have a great deal for you.
We are offering anyone taking the Apprentice Interpreter course an incredible discount on our online Basic Knowledge course. Pay for your Apprentice Interpreter course, and you can take the Basic Knowledge course for 40% off.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact courses@interpretiveguides.org
COURSE COST
- 2-Day Apprentice Interpreter Course: $380
- 1-Day Apprentice Interpreter Course: $195
- IGA membership fee: $89
Course costs include:
- Classroom or virtual training sessions.
- A digital copy of the course handbook
- Final in-class exam.
- Certificate and certification as an apprentice interpreter for those who complete all components of the course and pass the final exam.
- Your membership also includes many benefits—check out our member section for more info.
All individuals who participate in this course and become certified MUST be members of the Association, so professional dues must be paid during registration.
ESSENTIAL EXAM INFORMATION
Apprentice Interpreter:
You must score 70% or higher on the exam as well as 70% per section of the exam to earn your Apprentice Interpreter certificate. If you do not, you may re-write the exam a maximum of 2 more times at a cost of:
- $70 plus GST for the full exam or
- $30 plus GST for each section
Please note that if you do not pass all sections of the exam on the third attempt, you will need to retake the course. You have up to 6 months to become certified. If you have not completed and passed the exam within that time frame, you will have to re-take the whole course and exams to become certified.
TO MAINTAIN YOUR CERTIFICATION
To maintain an active certification, you must:
- Pay the Interpretive Guides Association professional dues yearly.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hrs of professional development (PD) per year and submit them through your profile.
Read more about Professional Development requirements in this document: Professional Development (PD)
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Make sure to read our Cancellation & Refund Policy if you are planning to sign up for a course.
Please understand that we cannot transfer funds paid for one course or program to another.
If you cancel three weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a full refund minus a $30 administration fee and a $45 digital handbook fee.
If you cancel two weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a 50 percent refund minus the $45 handbook fee.
If you cancel with less than 2 weeks' notice, no refund will be issued.
The interpretive Guides Handbooks cost $45 each for members and are sent digitally. Once they are sent, we cannot refund you for that cost.
It is essential , and your responsibility, to keep yourself safe, healthy, and injury-free before a course. Refunds are not given if you fall ill or have an accident that prevents you from participating. If you are sick on one or more days of the course, have a valid doctor’s note, and contact us immediately, we might be able to place you in an alternate course. This, however, is not always possible and will depend on whether extra space is available for you in the next course.
If the Interpretive Guides Association has to cancel a course due to low numbers, you will have the choice of being given a full refund or transferring your registration to another course.
This policy includes, but is not limited to:
- illness
- work changes
- injury
- level of interest
- feeling unprepared
- transportation challenges
- internet challenges
- You slept in
- incorrect scheduling
- Your partner or a family member falls ill or hurts themselves
- You could not find childcare
- You've been given an opportunity to go somewhere or do something
- etc.
Please keep all these reasons in mind when booking and paying for a course. Our ability to offer and run these courses depends on the number of registrants. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible for registrants, and knowing our participant numbers in advance and guaranteeing them are essential to the operation of this member-based not-for-profit. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us before signing up. Your health, your availability, your work, and your preparedness are your responsibility!
UPCOMING COURSES
Apprentice Interpreter (Interpretation only) – Silversea – October 14, 2026
Apprentice Interpreter (Interpretation only) – Silversea – October 16, 2026