December 11-19, 2023
Instructor: Stephanie Ambrosia
Registration Cost: $235 (The certificate is an additional $165)
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering an online training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites. This course will be a combination of online instruction and virtual meetings with your instructor. Note, this course is designed to cover all the same material and requirements as the in-person Certified Interpretive Guide course and the certification awarded is the same as our face to face offerings. Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructor on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting.
Please note: if you register for this course less than two weeks prior to the start, you may receive your CIG Workbook late due to current shipping times. Please make sure your shipping address is up-to-date on your account.
Course Options
There are two options for this course.
Option one: take the course without obtaining the CIG certificate.
Option two: take the course and add the certificate as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for the certificate. The CIG lasts four years and comes with a complimentary one year membership. If you are already a member of NAI we will add your complimentary membership onto the end of your current membership.
The CIG Program
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation techniques. The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.
This virtual course includes:
- The history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
- Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
- How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
- The 2 requirements needed to obtain a CIG (program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).
Member Discount
Those choosing to apply for certification will receive a complimentary one year membership to NAI. Memberships will become active within a couple of weeks of registration and will allow you to make NAI purchases and other registrations at the discounted member rate. Once memberships become active, you will receive a receipt via email letting you know that you are all set up. Current NAI members will receive a one year extension on their current membership.
Course Schedule
This virtual course is live and interactive. It includes course content instruction, collaboration, discussion, activities, independent work time, coaching and, importantly, rejuvenation breaks.
Mon. 12/11 – Thurs. 12/14 from 1:00-6:00 pm Pacific Time. Instruction.
Mon. 12/18 from 1:00-6:00 pm Pacific Time. (If pursuing CIG) One-on-one coaching, presentation prep.
Tues. 12/19 from 1:00-6:00 pm Pacific Time. (If pursuing CIG) Presentation Day!
You must attend all sessions, including watching your classmates’ presentations on the final day if completing the CIG certificate. While online learning allows for more convenience and flexibility, participants are still expected to engage in class with their cameras on, just as you would be present in a classroom. Technology and virtual tools also come with hiccups, so a little patience goes a long way! Access to a laptop or desktop with a strong internet connection is required; use of a mobile device to participate is not appropriate.
Further Information
Stephanie has facilitated CIG trainings for numerous organizations such as the Tahoe Science Center, Sacramento History Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, California State Parks, and Brisbane City Council in Australia.
You will receive further info as the course date approaches. In the meantime, if you would like to contact the instructor with questions about the course or hosting a custom CIG workshop for your site, email her at sa.ambrosia@gmail.com.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Participants are allowed to transfer one time at no charge. Cancellation and transfer requests cannot be made by phone and must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by November 26. Cancellations processed before the cancellation deadline will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee (if fees paid are less than $60, no refund will be processed). Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund. Emailed cancellations and transfers should be sent to certification@interpnet.com.