CPRA Professional Development Certification

Working in the recreation and parks sector requires a unique and diverse set of knowledge, skills and attitudes. The CPRA Professional Development Certification (CPRA PDC) fosters the continual growth of these competencies through accessible professional development, creating a national standard that will strengthen the credibility and quality of its practitioners.

Through this certification, you will enhance your understanding of the issues facing the recreation and parks sector and will be further equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to design and implement innovative solutions. You will be part of a national network of professionals that will ensure the health of the sector and enhance the quality of its programs and services.

Please visit the CPRA PDC webpage for additional information: http://cprapdc.ca/.

Subscribe to the CPRA PDC newsletter for the latest news and information on the program.

Who is it for?

Professionals and Practitioners

The CPRA Professional Development Certification is recognised nationwide and demonstrates your commitment to professional development by strengthening your ability to deliver quality programs and services and advancing the recreation and parks sector as a whole. Its approach to personalized development gives professionals and practitioners in any stage of their career the skills needed to excel and forge new career opportunities.

Employers

Professional Development is vital for creating a healthy and adaptable workforce, increasing job satisfaction and reducing employee turnover. The CPRA Professional Development Certification helps employers unlock the potential of their staff, enhancing the quality of municipal and organizational services and programs.

Learn how the certificate could improve your organization

Who is eligible?

The Certification is available to all Canadian parks and recreation professionals and practitioners who are active members of a provincial or territorial recreation and parks association.

Core Competencies

Core Competencies are the building blocks of the CPRA Professional Development Certification. They incorporate a unique set of skills, knowledge and attitudes essential to the continued growth of the recreation and parks sector.

Learn more about the CRPC Core Competencies

Registration

Registration for the 2017 Winter semester of the CPRA PDC is open! Both certification courses, Introduction to Core Competencies in Recreation and Parks and Current Issues and Trends in Recreation and Parks, will be offered, starting January 10, 2017.

Bursary’s and Grants

Harry Boothman Bursary
Parks and Recreation Practitioners can apply for an $1,000 Harry Boothman Bursary to support their participation in the CPRA PDC. Application deadline is March 31 each year.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation Leadership Grants Program
Staff of registered charities can apply for financial support through the PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation Leadership Grants Program. Support of up to $2,500 can be provided to participate in Professional Development opportunities. Call for applications happens each Fall.   

Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant
Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant, Non-Governmental Organizations (municipalities are not eligible) employing individuals interested in the CPRA PDC are eligible to receive a grant equivalent to 2/3s of the program’s course fees (registration fee is not covered), providing the individual has not registered for the course prior to their grant application.

CPRA PDC is a Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Initiative

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) is the national voice of a vibrant network of recreation and parks associations. Together they build healthy communities and enhance the quality of life of all Canadians. The CPRA Professional Development Certification is a CPRA initiative delivered by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). Visit the CPRA website.