Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To become a CIP, you should should have an advanced knowledge of:
- The history of the interpretive profession
- The basic principles of interpretation
- Current literature in the interpretive field
- The interpretive planning process and facilitating interpretive planning
- Assessing natural, cultural, and operational resources
- Cost estimating and market analysis
- Development of thematic and media guidelines
- Writing measurable objectives
- Formative and summative evaluation
How do I become a CIP?
To become a CIP, 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 a 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
CIP 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 three of five essay questions (500 words or less)
- Two examples of interpretive plans you created
- Two examples of non personal media from an interpretive plan you created
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