Welcome to our training program!
The Interpretive Guides Association offers a series of training courses and exams designed to provide guides with skills and knowledge to effectively communicate our unique local natural and cultural heritage to visitors. We provide training focused on sharing the natural and cultural heritage of the areas we work for hiking guides, museum interpreters, bus tour guides, information centre staff, rafting guides, horse packing guides, scuba guides, mountain guides and anyone interested in learning more about the the areas we teach. We also offer group management training for interpretive hiking guides.
Our courses range from 4hrs – 40 hrs in length to suit the needs of different individuals from mountain enthusiasts to professional guides. Our public courses are scheduled in May, June, November and February each year and are available in English, French, and Japanese. If you have a group of 10 or more we may be able to schedule a private course to fit your schedule. Please explore these pages to learn more about our courses and certification options for interpretive guides and interpretive hiking guides.
Tous nos cours de certification sont disponibles en français. Veuillez nous contacter si vous souhaitez en savoir plus.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policy if you are planning to sign up for this course.
If you cancel three weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a full refund minus a $30 administration fee. If you cancel two weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a 50 percent refund minus a $30 administration fee. If you cancel with less than 2 weeks notice no refund will be issued. The interpretive Guides Manual costs $45 for members. If you received a copy of the manual as part of your course fees the $45 fee will be subtracted from any refund amount.
If you are sick on one or more days of the course you must prove your sickness (i.e. a doctors note) and get in touch with the instructor immediately. We will place you in an alternate course if we have space available, otherwise you will need to re-register and pay.
If the Interpretive Guides has to cancel a course due to low numbers, you will have the choice of being given a full refund or transferring your registration for another course.
Currently Available Courses & EventsCalendar View
June 02, 2020
Lake Superior Apprentice Interpreter
This course includes two full days of interpretation. No local content is included so anyone who is interested in learning about and becoming certified in thematic interpretation can take this course. If you are registering under the Lake Superior Conservancy, they have secured funding, which will reduce your course fees. Contact us for more details.
Course Details Register NowDate: June 2nd, 4th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 2020
Times:
Day 1 - 5:30 - 9:30 pm EST
Day 2 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 3 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 4 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 5 - 5:30 - 9:30 pm EST (includes 1 hour test)
Location: Online through Zoom.
Please note: This course includes two full days of interpretation. No local content is included so anyone who is interested in learning about and becoming certified in thematic interpretation can take this course. If you are registering under the Lake Superior Conservancy, they have secured funding, which will reduce your course fees. Contact us for more details.
Registration: Please contact us for more details. People must register and Pay through the Lake Superior Conservancy.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- This course is being taught on Zoom and we highly recommend you download the Free Zoom app on your desktop or laptop before the cousre start date.
- We will send out all course materials (inlcuding the course manual, at least one week in advance. The Zoom link that allows your to join the meeting will be included in the course agenda. Make sure you know how to join before the first session.
- You must receive 70% or more on the exam to become accredited.
- 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. Have a look here.
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. Working video camera (on your device or set up seperately)
3. Working microphone (on your device or you can use ear buds or headphones connected to your device).
Click on this video to learn more about Zoom and see if it is something you are comfortable using:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY
June 06, 2020
3 season Group Managment Refresher
For IGA members who have already taken a Group Management Course
Course Details Register NowGroup Management Refresher Workshop (3 Season (Spring/Summer/Fall) focus)- This workshop has been set up for those of you who have taken a group management course with us in the past and would like to review some materials that were covered. It is easy to forget the details of the certifications that we take and although we don’t require individuals to re-certify every few years, we have been hearing from our members that they would like to update their skills. You asked, we listened.
During this session we will cover your certifications Scope of Practice, legal liability, client care, client management throughout the 3 seasons, understanding and managing risk, understanding the environment you are guiding in as well as trip preparation. These elements are all crucial to us as guides, ensuring the experience we provide for our guests is safe, comfortable and sets the required foundation for inspirational interpretation!
You must be an IGA member in good standing that has already taken an IGA group managment course to sign up for this refresher.
Course Details:
Cost: 50% off during during Covid, only 39.95
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2020
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm MST
Location: Online through Zoom
Requirements:
1.You must have a Zoom account (accounts are free and easy to join on any device - laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone).
2. Working video camera (on your device or set up seperately)
3. Working microphone (on your device or you can use ear buds or headphones connected to your device).
Click on this video to learn more about Zoom and see if it is something you are comfortable using:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY
June 06, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter: Canadian Rockies, FRENCH June 6-7, 2020
Online via Zoom Meetings, June 6-7, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings
Cost: $360 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.
- 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.
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST
Location: Online through Zoom
Cost: $31.50 for current IGA members.
If you are not a member, you can still join!
Non-member price = $62.95 plus gst
Requirements:
1.You must have a Zoom account (accounts are free and easy to join on any device - laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone).
2. Working video camera (on your device or set up seperately)
3. Working microphone (on your device or you can use ear buds or headphones connected to your device).
Click on this video to learn more about Zoom and see if it is something you are comfortable using:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY
June 13, 2020
Decision Making Workshop
Join us to learn how experienced guides prepare for guided trips and make decisions during the trip. Topics will include preparing before the trip, meeting clients, mitigating hazards and dealing with issues along the way.
Course Details Register NowDecision Making Workshop - This workshop discusses the decision making process and steps that go into a sucessful outing with guests. Topics will include preparing before the trip, meeting clients, mitigating hazards and dealing with issues along the way. The goal of this workshop is to give you the tools to plan and execute a success trip with guests so you and your guests can say, "That was a great day!
Course Details:
Cost: Free for members during Covid
39.95 for non-members
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm MST
Location: Online through Zoom
Requirements:
1. You must have a Zoom account (accounts are free and easy to join on any device - laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone).
2. Working video camera (on your device or set up seperately)
3. Working microphone (on your device or you can use ear buds or headphones connected to your device).
Click on this video to learn more about Zoom and see if it is something you are comfortable using:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY
June 17, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter, Canadian Rockies, June 17-18
Likely online via Zoom Meetings, June 17-18, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org
Cost: $360 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.
- 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.
June 20, 2020
3 Season Group Management - June 20 and 21
June 20-21
Day 1 online via Zoom, Day 2 on the trail.
Course Details Register NowDates: June 20-21, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: Day 1 online via Zoom, Day 2 on the trail. 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 manditory so we need to know you are online thoughout the session.
Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum Standard First Aid)
- Hiking resume. Details for the hiking resume can be found in the GM pre-course package.
Hiking resumes and 1st aid certificates must be sent to Colin Murton at 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.
Location:
- This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings. You must have a good internet connection to be available by video throughout the course and the zoom app to participate in this course.
Course Cost: $649 plus GST
Course Schedule:
Day 1:
- Fundamentals of Interpretation Lecture (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
Day 2:
- Geology and Ecology of the Canadian Rockies Lecture (9:00 am - 5:30 pm)
Day 3:
- Geology and Ecology Field Trip - done online (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
Day 4:
- Park Management, Ecological & Cultural Integrity Classroom and Field Trip Sessions all done online.
- Morning: Interpretation workshop (9:00 am – 12:00 pm).
- Afternoon: History and Climate Change in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Day 5:
- Interpretation Workshop (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Day 6:
- Interpretation Workshop (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
- Sense of place (2:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
This course is designed for those individuals who have experience working as guides in the Canadian Rockies. It goes much deeper into the material than the Apprentice Interpreter Course. You may find the IGA How to Interpret and Natural and Cultural History of the Canadian Rockies handbooks helpful in preparing for this course. You can purchase them here
Please note: This is only a course. In order to become accredited as a Professional Interpreter, you must pass the oral and written exams. In order to take both exams, you must qualify with enough hours of experience and expertise. You will be emailed a copy of the Professional Interpreter application package when you register and pay for this course. Please read through it to find out if you qualify to take the exams. Exams will take place in December, January, Feb, May, June and September each year. Exams each cost an additional $75 plus GST. Please email courses@interpretiveguides.org with your completed application package if you are interested in taking these two exams and make sure to book an exam date at that time.
Date: June 23rd, 12 noon to 4 pm MST
Location: online through Zoom
This 4-hour workshop has been designed to help people craft good quality themes, work with themes and development these themes into interpretive programs they can use when guiding their guests.
This workshop is for people who have taken an IGA interpretation course, have had an introduction to thematic interpretation, and have had experience with thematic program development/delivery but want more practice crafting strong, effective themes and building them into well-structured interpretive programs.
*** please bring one or two themes to work on ***
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.
Purchase pdf Group Management Handbook
Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
Course Details Register NowPurchase a PDF of the Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
Purchase a PDF version of the Interpretation Handbook
Basic Online Course - Jasper
The on-line Basic Knowledge Course covers the same content and is the same cost as the in-person course. The on-line version is best viewed with a high-speed internet connection, but it is possible to view with a dial-up connection. You may complete this course over a couple of days or sittings if you wish. You can also stop the course at any time to take a break, or get a snack!
You can take the exam as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Course Details Register Now
Basic Online Course - Banff
The on-line Basic Knowledge Course covers the same content and is the same cost as the in-person course. The on-line version is best viewed with a high-speed internet connection, but it is possible to view with a dial-up connection. You may complete this course over a couple of days or sittings if you wish. You can also stop the course at any time to take a break, or get a snack!
You can take the exam as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Course Details Register NowCourse Cost: $89 plus GST
