Certified Interpretive Trainer™

The Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT™) professional certification recognizes experienced individuals with expertise in developing and delivering training programs and who regularly train other interpreters, including volunteers, students, and staff.

The Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) credential is required to teach NAI’s Interpretive Guide (CIG™) or Interpretive Host (CIH™) courses.


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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To become a CIT, you should have an advanced knowledge of:

  • The history of the interpretive profession
  • The principles of interpretation
  • Current literature in the interpretive field
  • Developing and delivering training programs
  • Writing measurable objectives
  • Effective facilitation and training techniques
  • Evaluating and coaching interpreters

Applying for Professional Certification

To become a CIT, 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

CIT 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 training outlines with student evaluations from an original training you created
  • 20-30 minute video of an entire segment of an interpretive training 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
  • If sanctioned to teach CIG/CIH courses, you must teach two courses for which you hold the sanction

Interested in Leading CIG or CIH Courses for NAI?

The Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) credential is required to teach Interpretive Guide or Interpretive Host courses. If you want to be sanctioned to teach these courses then you need to attend a CIG or CIH Train the Trainer™ course. Learn more about CIG Train-the-Trainer and CIH Train-the-Trainer courses.