To CPRP or to not CPRP? That is the Question Presented by: André Pichly, M.S., CPRP Recreation Superintendent City of West Sacramento
LEARNING OBJECTIVES Why do we love what we do? Each person will attempt to articulate why they love or want a career in the field of parks and recreation Identify what it takes to qualify for the CPRP exam, the cost and process Motivation: Why pursue certification?
When you leave... You will have a better understanding of the CPRP process and if it s right for you Take material from this session and discuss with your coworkers the value of certification and if it s a direction you and staff want to pursue
What is a CPRP?
Small Group Discussion Passion....... Have you ever struggled to describe what you do for a living or feel you have to provide some justification for what you do? If so, why do you think that is? Why do you love the field of parks and recreation? Be specific.
In short... This is why I love what I do the people, programs, and parks this is my passion
Meet Harry...
Why would you want to get certified? Professional Pride? Having the CPRP letters behind your name? Job requirement? Potential for promotion or pay increase? Strengthen your résumé and help you get a job? Increase justification for more education and to go to more conferences? Opportunities to become a CAPRA or COAPRT site visitor? You need a challenge?
How do you feel certification has benefited you as a professional? CPRP has help our staff take a deeper look at their profession beyond their areas of expertise. It s made training and continuing education a priority and is a point of personal and professional pride. Jason Mangum, Director City of Novi Parks & Recreation (Michigan) Because I need to maintain certification my with continuing education training, I use the CPRP as a tool to assure that I stay up to date on the latest trends, practices and policies that effect how we do business. Kim Conrad, Director Grove City Parks & Recreation (Ohio) I believe one of the most positive aspects of certification is the requirement to obtain CEUs. This keeps one current in the field or opens up new areas of interest. It announces that you will continue learning and not be satisfied with the status quo. Sandra Whitmore, Director (retired) Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (Virginia) I think certification has lent credibility to my work. It demonstrates that I have a professional commitment, a level of intelligence to pass the test, and I am continuing to improve my education by earning CEUs. Dirk Richwine, Accreditation Specialist City of Henderson Police Department (Nevada) Former Recreation Superintendent There is no money and no fame in getting the CPRP; just the personal satisfaction that I have a fundamental understanding of the national standards in parks and recreation. Best. Career. Ever. Susan Yerkes, Director Nash County Parks & Recreation (North Carolina) When things get really busy or money gets tight, it s easy to see training go out the door. When you have your CPRP it s always on your mind to try to find ways to get to a training that offers CEU s. It may be a conference or it may be a local organized day trip. It definitely forces you to remember that we NEED to get out there to learn and mingle with others who do what we do so that we can continue to be better at what we do. Kaisa Miller, Recreation Supervisor II City of West Sacramento Parks & Recreation I would have to say validation. In a profession that is frequently minimized, the certification shows a level of professionalism that is only measured by a test and prescribed process. My certification has also been very helpful at budget time, allows me to compete with the public safety departments. Mike Jefferis, Recreation Superintendent St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation (Florida)
You are eligible to become a CPRP if you: Have received, or are set to receive*, a Bachelor s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). *Students who have not yet graduated from an COAPRT accredited program with a major in recreation, park resources, and leisure services but are in their final semester on campus may be able to qualify for exam status **1 year of part-time work experience in the field (20 hours+ per week) = 6 months of full-time work experience in the field
You are eligible to become a CPRP if you: Have a Bachelor s degree or higher from any institution in recreation, park resources, or leisure services, and also have no less than 1 year of fulltime** experience in the field. Have a Bachelor s degree in a major other than recreation, park resources, or leisure services, and also have no less than 3 years of full-time** experience in the field. **1 year of part-time work experience in the field (20 hours+ per week) = 6 months of full-time work experience in the field
You are eligible to become a CPRP if you: Have an Associate's degree and have 4 years of fulltime** experience in the field. Have a high school degree or equivalent, and have 5 years of full-time** experience in the field. **1 year of part-time work experience in the field (20 hours+ per week) = 6 months of full-time work experience in the field
How to Apply: 1. Complete the Application (by Mail or Online) 2. Submit the Application Fee - $235 for students/$255 for NRPA members/$299 for non- NRPA members* * Application fee includes the examination fee ($195) and designated application fee. 3. Provide Proof of Education Bachelor s Degree official transcript or Copy of High School Diploma 4. Complete and submit Work experience form (if applicable)
What to Expect: Applicants will receive an email notification from NRPA within one month of applying, verifying the completion of the application process. This email will include: information for scheduling your exam with the professional testing company, the candidate handbook, and information on how to prepare for the exam (study guide and practice exam). Applicants have one year from application processing to sit for the exam.
Exam Content 1. Sample questions to familiarize you with the exam structure and computerized testing (not scored) 2. 150 test questions, including 125 upon which your score will be based, and 25 randomly inserted questions that will not be scored, but are being validated for possible future exam use 3. Content areas include finance (11%), human resources (23%), programming (33%) and operations (33%)
Passing Score for the Exam Passing scores are re-evaluated annually and are based on how difficult that year s test is determined to be by subject matter experts. This means that the number of correct answers needed to pass may vary slightly from year to year; the number of correct answers to pass the test over recent years has generally been within a few points of 85 (out of 125 questions). Test results are provided to you on-site. You will receive a separate score per content area, and a total score; you will not be provided individual question results.
To learn more about the CPRP and to begin the process go to www.nrpa.org
How to Prepare for and take the CPRP Exam Study the Handbook Think about preparing for the exam with a study buddy When taking the exam... Round 1: answer what you know Round 2: read and select the best answer Round 3: what does common sense tell you?
For newly certified employees I have a brief pinning ceremony in front of my staff. This is my way of honoring them and sends the message that certification is valued. When I applied for the Director job I have now, CPRP wasn't even preferred, but I think it helped me obtain the position. Nobody in our department is currently certified, but I have encouraged our two managers to obtain it. Certification sets you apart from other professionals. People know you have a certain level of knowledge based on passing the exam. Sean Fletcher, Director Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation (Michigan) If I were interviewing two candidates for the same job and they were fairly equal, the one with the CPRP would have the advantage because of their commitment to learning and development. Dirk Richwine, Accreditation Specialist City of Henderson Police Department (Nevada) Former Recreation Superintendent
Maintaining Your CPRP All CPRPs must recertify every two (2) years by earning 2.0 CEUs. That s the equivalent of 20 hours course work and/or educational sessions. Conference educational sessions, college course work, and webinars are just some of the ways to earn the minimum amount of CEU s needed to renew. Don t assume all educational sessions provide CEUs. Check before you register. Track earned CEUs. If you are audited by NRPA, be prepared to show proof of CEU completion.
What is a CPRE? The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative and executive parks and recreation professionals. This mastery-level credential focuses on the practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today s changing park and recreation environment.
What Other Opportunities are Available to CPRPs & CPREs? CAPRA COAPRT
My CAPRA Experiences If you want to become a trained CAPRA or COAPRT site visitor.......................................................... you must be CPRP or CPRE Certified
Small Group Discussion Motivation....... Should you pursue certification? If yes, why? If your boss asks you why certification is important to you, what would you tell them? Your employer says they will not pay for your certification, are you willing to pursue it anyway? If not, why?
The Decision I want to become certified. Answer the yes or no by checking the appropriate box If you answered no, then you re done. If you answered yes, then please take a moment to fill in the blanks on 1, 2 and 3.
Thank you! Presented by: André Pichly, M.S., CPRP Recreation Superintendent City of West Sacramento (916) 617-4627 andrep@cityofwestsacramento.org : www.linkedin.com/in/andrepichly Department website: www.westsacfun.org