Description

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is a national certification program through the National Recreation and Park Association, and it is designed for park and recreation professionals that wish to put their career on the path to success. Achieving and maintaining this nationally-recognized certification illustrates a commitment to professional growth as well as an intricate understanding of key concepts within the field of parks and recreation.

What is this program? The Discounted Exam Registration is a special program that allows IPRA, an affiliate member of NPRA, to offer IPRA Professional Members (only) the opportunity to register for the CPRP exam at a reduced rate. The purpose is to promote the CPRP designation and its importance for industry standards, and advocate for IPRA members to pursue the certification for career advancement.

How much does it cost? Thanks to the incredibly generous support of the Illinois Park & Recreation Foundation (IPRF), we are able to provide this substantially discounted early-bird and regular registration fees for the CPRP certification exam. Optional study guide, which is the same cost as ordering through NPRA, may be added to purchase. 

Early-Bird registration available January 1 – 31; register early and save $100!

How does it work? Registrant exam eligibility will be confirmed with NPRA monthly until March 31, and once confirmed, NPRA will provide candidates with information on how to schedule and sit for the exam. Upon approval, candidates have 1 year to take the exam. Please Note: IPRA does not approve eligibility nor schedule the exam for candidates.

When do I get the book? If you ordered a study guide, it will ship directly from IPRA Headquarters in LaGrange at the end of each month until March 31.

Candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements here (effective January 2023) or read below prior to registering for the exam:

Have received or is set to receive* a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council On Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredited program, and successfully pass the CPRP examination; OR

Have a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited education institution (from a non-COAPRT accredited program), with a major in recreation, park resources, or a related profession and no less than 1 year of full-time experience** in a recreation, park resources, or a related profession that encompasses each domain of the job analysis; and successfully pass the CPRP examination; OR

Have a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited education institution, with a major other than recreation, park resources, or a related profession and no less than 2 years of full-time experience** in a recreation, park resources, or a related profession that encompasses each domain of the job analysis; and successfully pass the CPRP examination; OR

Hold an associate degree from a regionally accredited education institution and no less than 4 years of full-time experience** in a recreation, park resources, or a related profession that encompasses each domain of the job analysis; and successfully pass the CPRP examination; OR

Hold a high school diploma or equivalency certificate from a regionally accredited institution and no less than 6 years of full-time experience** in a recreation, park resources, or a related profession that encompasses each domain of the job analysis; and successfully pass the CPRP examination.