Certified Heritage Interpreter™

The Certified Heritage Interpreter (CHI™) professional certification recognizes experienced front-line interpreters who have expertise in both presenting interpretive programs and developing non-personal interpretive media.


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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To become a CHI, you should have advanced knowledge of:

  • The history of the interpretive profession
  • The principles of interpretation
  • Current literature in the interpretive field
  • Developing and delivering thematic interpretive programs
  • Writing measurable objectives
  • Developing and designing engaging interpretive media
  • Interpretive writing

Applying for Professional Certification

To become a CHI, you will need to show proof of eligibility for the credential, complete an online application, and pay an application fee.

Eligibility

In order to apply for professional certification, you must demonstrate your eligibility either through work experience, academic study, or a combination of both.

  • Work experience: the completion of a total of four years (8,000 hours) experience in the category for which certification is requested
  • Academic experience: the completion of a degree in science, business, arts, or an area relevant/related to the field of interpretation
  • Combination of experience: the completion of degree in science, business, arts, or an area relevant/related to the field of interpretation and 5,000 hours of experience in the category for which certification is requested

Application Materials

CHI applicants will receive an application packet outlining specific requirements and instructions for completion. In general, applicants will need to submit:

  • Answers to a 50 question, open book literature review
  • Answers to four of six essay questions (500 words or less)
  • Two examples of non personal media you created
  • 20-30 minute video of a thematic presentation you conducted

Registration Rates

$125 NAI Member
$200 Non-member (includes a complimentary one-year NAI membership)

Payment must be made in order for you to receive your application packet.

Recertification

This certification is valid for four years. To recertify you must:

  • Obtain 40 continuing education hours every four years