Course Registration

Course content includes theme development, Sam Ham's 4 qualities of interpretation and lots of hands-on practice so you can create engaging, meaningful, memorable experiences for your guests. After completing this course and passing the exam you will become certified with the Interpretive Guides Association as an Interpretive Specialist.

Date: April 19, 22, 26, 29, 2021

Price: Members = $320; Non-members = $399

Times: 

• April 19: 2:00 pm - 6:30pm MST
• April 22: 2:00 pm - 6:00pm MST
• April 26:  2:00 pm - 6:00pm MST
• April 29: 2:00 pm - 6:30pm MST (note: the course ends at 5:00 pm and then you will complete your exam from 5:30 -6:30 pm)

Location: Online through Zoom.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• This course is being taught on Zoom and you will need to download the Free Zoom app on your desktop or laptop before the course start date.

• You must have a very good internet connection as we must see you on video throughout the course. Participation is mandatory to become certified!

• You will get an email right after you register and pay with the course materials (including the course manual). If this email does not come through, please send an email to programs@interpretiveguides.org.

• That email will also include The Zoom link that allows you to join the meeting. Save this to your calendar so you have it handy for the start of the course and make sure you know how to join before the first session.

• This course includes an exam and you must receive 70% or more on the exam to become certified.

• A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course for individuals registering as non-members as well as the How to Interpret IGA course manual. Once you have registered, you will have access to the members' section of our website. This section gives you access to your certification (s), membership card, course files, course manual, pro-deal information, receipts and more. Have a look here.

• If you are already an IGA member you can save money by registering at the member rate.

• You must pay membership fees yearly in order to keep your certification in good standing so mark one year from your registration date onto your calendar. Emails will be sent as reminders so make sure your email address is kept up to date.

Online Course Requirements:

1.You must have a Zoom account (accounts are free and easy to join. Our course is optimized for the desktop or laptop experience).

2. A working video camera (on your device or set up separately)

3. And a working microphone (on your computer or you can use earbuds/ headphones connected to your computer).

Watch this video to learn more about Zoom to make sure you are comfortable using it before you register.

Cancellation/Refund policy:

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

Location: This course will be held online via Zoom Meetings. You must have a good internet connection so you can participate via video throughout the course and the zoom app to participate in this course.

Course Cost:
$720 plus GST 

What's Included:

2 Course handbooks:

• How to Interpret
• Canadian Rockies Natural and Cultural History 6 days of online sessions (lectures, workshops and field trips)

Coaching and feedback for one 5-minute interpretive program that you will present on the final day. Handouts and activity sheets  

Course Schedule:

• Day 1:  Fundamentals of Interpretation Instruction/Workshop (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
• Day 2: Fundamentals of Interpretation Instruction/Workshop (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
• Day 3: Geology and  Ecology of the Canadian Rockies Lecture (9:00 am - 5:30 pm)
• Day 4: Geology and Ecology Field Trip - done online (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
• Day 5:
  • Park Management, Ecological & Cultural Integrity Classroom session(9:00 am - 1:00 pm)
  • Sense of place lecture (2:00 pm - 5:30 pm)

     • Day 6:

• • Park Management Field Trip Session presented online (9:00 am - 1:00 pm)
  • Interpretation Workshop (1:00 pm - 5:30 pm)

This course is designed for those individuals who have experience working as an interpretive naturalist/interpretive guide in the Canadian Rockies. It goes much deeper into the material than the Apprentice Interpreter Course. 

Please note: This is only a course and does not include the final testing leading to certification. In order to become certified as a Professional Interpreter, you must pass a written exam and the Design, Develop and Delivery Project.

In order to take the exam and complete the project, you must qualify with enough hours of experience and expertise by applying using our application package. You will be emailed a copy of the Professional Interpreter application package when you register and pay for this course. Make sure to go through it and submit your application to us well before the exam start dates.

To see if you qualify, please read through the application package before you register. 

Exams and Project Evaluations take place in May, June, September, November, December, January, and February each year. We highly recommend that you take your exam and complete your project within 6 months of completing the course so you remember all the requirements and materials. 

Exam and project evaluation fees are separate from the course costs.

• Written exam cost: $50 plus GST.
• Project evaluation cost: $120 plus GST

Please email courses@interpretiveguides.org with your completed application package if you are interested in taking the written exam and completing the project and make sure to book your two dates at that time.

Prior to signing up for this IGA online course, please ensure your equipment and wifi are compatible with the Zoom platform by going to this website.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if cancelling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

Times:    

• Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
• Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: This course is online via Zoom Meetings.

You must have a stable connection where we can see your video and hear your audio throughout the exam. 

Cost: $399 plus GST  

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks.
• Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
• You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited so make sure to read the sections of the course manual that are laid out in the pre-reading.
• A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. Once you have registered, you will have access to the members' section of our website. This section gives you access to your certification(s), membership card, course files, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more. 

To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification: If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

3 Season Group Management Course 

Dates: May 15-16, 2021

Cost: $299 plus GST

Times and Locations

• Day 1: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm - Online Zoom Instruction.
  
  
• Day 2: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm – Full Day Hike.

The hiking portion of this course will be in Banff National Park. Trail location TBD based on weather and trail conditions. 

Zoom Requirements

Your wifi connection must be good enough to be able to keep your camera on throughout the first day of the course. Attendance and participation are mandatory so we need to know you are online throughout the session, which means you must have your camera turned on throughout the course.

Please contact us at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.

Course pre-requisites

1. Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 16-hour Standard First Aid)
2. Hiking resume. Details for the hiking resume can be found in the pre-course package that will be sent to you upon registration.

Hiking resumes and 1st aid certificates must be sent to courses@interpretiveguides.org prior to day one of the course.

After you register and pay for the course, an email will be sent to you with the PRE-COURSE DOCUMENT and HOMEWORK.

If you do not receive this right away, please check your JUNK MAIL and/or get in touch with us at courses@interpretiveguides.org. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if cancelling less than 3 weeks before your course start date.

For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

Thank you for the payment for your PI oral exam.

Now that you are registered for this exam make sure to complete the following as soon as possible: 

1. If you haven't already done so, email in your PI application package along with all documents to validate your points for approval.

2. Complete your oral exam outline and email it to Wendy Niven.

3. Contact Wendy to set your oral exam video submission date. 

Please note that video submissions dates are available in May, June, the first two weeks of July, November, December and January. 

Wendy Niven's email = programs@interpretiveguides.org

Once payment is received you have 6 months to complete this exam. If you have not started the exam process within these 6 months your exam fee will be forfitted and you will need to pay the exam fee again if you choose to do it at a later date. 

There are no refunds given on exam fees.

Times:    

• Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
• Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: This course is online via Zoom Meetings. You must have a stable connection where we can see your video and hear your audio throughout the exam. 

Cost: $399 plus GST  

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam.

If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.

You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited so make sure to read the sections of the course manual that are laid out in the pre-reading.

A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. Once you have registered, you will have access to the members' section of our website. This section gives you access to:

• your certification(s)
• membership card
• course files
• handbooks
• pro-deal information
• receipts
• and more. 

To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification: If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

3 Season Group Management Course 

Dates: June 8-9, 2021

Cost: $299 plus GST

Times and Locations

• Day 1: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm - Online Zoom Instruction. 
• Day 2: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm – Full Day Hike.

The hiking portion of this course will be in Banff National Park. Trail location TBD based on weather and trail conditions. 

Zoom Requirements

Your wifi connection must be good enough to be able to keep your camera on throughout the first day of the course. Attendance and participation are mandatory so we need to know you are online throughout the session, which means you must have your camera turned on throughout the course.

Please contact us at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.

Course pre-requisites

• Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 16-hour Standard First Aid)
• Hiking resume.

Details for the hiking resume can be found in the pre-course package that will be sent to you upon registration. Hiking resumes and 1st aid certificates must be sent to courses@interpretiveguides.org prior to day one of the course.

After you register and pay for the course, an email will be sent to you with the PRE-COURSE DOCUMENT and HOMEWORK. If you do not receive this right away, please check your JUNK MAIL and/or get in touch with us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if cancelling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

3 Season Group Management Course 

Dates: June 8-9, 2021

Cost: $299 plus GST

Times and Locations

• Day 1: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm - Online Zoom Instruction. 
• Day 2: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm – Full Day Hike.

The hiking portion will be in Jasper National Park. Trail location TBD based on weather and trail conditions. 

Zoom Requirements

Your wifi connection must be good enough to be able to keep your camera on throughout the first day of the course. Attendance and participation are mandatory so we need to know you are online throughout the session, which means you must have your camera turned on throughout the course. Please contact us at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.

Course pre-requisites

• Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 16-hour Standard First Aid)
• Hiking resume. Details for the hiking resume can be found in the pre-course package that will be sent to you upon registration.

Hiking resumes and 1st aid certificates must be sent to courses@interpretiveguides.org prior to day one of the course.

After you register and pay for the course, an email will be sent to you with the PRE-COURSE DOCUMENT and HOMEWORK. If you do not receive this right away, please check your JUNK MAIL and/or get in touch with us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if cancelling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.

Athabasca Glacier Icewalk Athabasca Glacier Icewalk Deluxe, 

Wednesday - June 23, 2021, @ 09:00 Meet at the Athabasca Glacier Parking Lot (nearest the glacier)  

This interpretive hike onto the Athabasca will help you discover the world of glacier ice. Peter Lemieux has been walking the glacier since the ice formed there at the start of the Holocene. He'd love to share a few secrets (about the ice, that is) with you on this five-hour hike to the lower icefalls. Easy walking.

Bring a lunch, warm clothes and chocolate.

Purchase our pdf Group Management Handbook

$40 for members

$55 for non-members

Purchase a PDF of the Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook

$40 for members

$55 for non-members

Achetez une version PDF du manuel d'interprétation

$55 pour les membres

$75 for non-members

Purchase a PDF version of the Interpretation Handbook

$55 for members

$40 for non-members

Course Cost: $94 plus GST

Course Details: This course covers the geology, ecology, parks management and history of Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. It will help to give you a basic understanding of these 3 Canadian Rockies regions and is a great place to start building your knowledge of this area.

Course Requirements: This is an online course so you will need a computer or device with internet access. The course contains videos, images, content and test questions that must be viewed and answered as you proceed through the sections.

You do not have to finish the course in one sitting. You can stop at any point and join back in at your convenience.

You have to complete all test questions and receive 85% or higher to pass the course and become certified at this basic knowledge level. You can take the course as many times as you need, to achieve the 85% requirement. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) after purchase. You will be given access to the course for two full months so you have lots of time to complete the material and test.  For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.  

Course Cost: $94 plus GST

Course Details: This course covers the geology, ecology, parks management and history of Jasper National Park. It will help to give you a basic understanding of this Canadian Rockies region and is a great place to start building your knowledge of this area.

Course Requirements: This is an online course so you will need a computer or device with internet access. The course contains videos, images, content and test questions that must be viewed and answered as you proceed through the sections. You do not have to finish the course in one sitting. You can stop at any point and join back in at your convenience.   You have to complete all test questions and receive 90% or higher to pass the course and become certified at this basic knowledge level. You can take the course as many times as you need, to achieve the 90% requirement.