Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I)

Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) Certification

The World Parks Academy recognizes that there are park professionals who impact the international profession. The Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) is the highest designation achieved through the World Parks Academy. All interested individuals must currently hold a CPP either through a letter of articulation or through direct application with the World Parks Academy.

Beyond the CPP, the CPP-I has its own unique set of eligibility criteria and certification requirements.

Senior Professional Clause:

The World Parks Academy provides a Senior Professional Clause for the Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) certification. Well-experienced park professionals will be considered for direct CPP-I award upon completing their CPP-I application.

All CPP-I applications will be considered for the Senior Professional Clause based on the following eligibility criteria:

  1. *Currently holds World Urban Parks professional membership, for 2 years
  2. Holds or is eligible for CPP (or national variant) and has 10 years of senior professional park-related experience that is assessed as meeting at least 3 of the 4 CPP-I Competencies
  3. Has achieved 4 different activities from the following options:
    1. World Urban Parks congresses or regional conferences,
    2. Service in international consultancies, schools, or field trips,
    3. Studied international park and recreation operations through workshops, seminars, classes, programs, technical visits, etc.,
    4. Served on professional committees or task forces of an international nature
    5. Published an international-related journal article,
    6. Conducted international parks research, or
    7. Other professional park activity

*All successful applicants will receive 1 year free World Urban Parks membership

CPP-I Eligibility

The following eligibility criteria must be met in order to apply for the Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) status:

Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) program:

1. Currently holds a CPP designation directly from World Parks Academy or a recognized professional certification from a national association that has an articulation with the academy (e.g. CPP-F, CPP-SA, CPLP-AU, CPRP, CPRE, CPP-Mexico, etc. or any other national variant)

-AND-

2. Two or more years as an World Urban Parks “Professional Membership” designation.

-AND-

3. Four years of park management experience, with two at the senior professional level (e.g., supervisor, consultant, senior planner).

-AND-

4. A completed CPP-I application and self-assessments.

CPP-I Application Procedures

Applicants are required to apply for Certified Park Professional International status unless they are associated with an organization that has entered into a letter of articulation with the World Parks Academy. Those who are not associated with an organization must meet the eligibility requirements and then:

  1. Contact eplyhelp@iu.edu to begin user registration. Please use subject line “Registration for Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) program”, and also include the following information in your email:
    • Your full name
    • Your email address
    • Your full street address, including postal code and country
    • Your organization
  2. Please wait for an email with instructions to complete a competency self-assessment.
  3. Contact eplyhelp@iu.edu to make payment arrangements for your certification application. The CPP-I processing fee is $275.00 USD.

CPP-I Competency Framework

Beyond the foundational (or the universal) park management competencies, there are competencies that will serve as the focus of the World Parks Academy. These competencies transcend cultural parameters and represent a holistic view of, and approach to, international park management. The four parent competencies and child competency areas for a Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) are listed in the following tables.

C1.1Enabling and Founding Parks and Protected AreasAwareness and understanding of the history of parks, public lands, and protected areas including the evolution of the conservation and protection movement and how enabling legislation influences decision making regarding policies, procedures, and operational matters.
C1.2Managing for Sustainability and StewardshipAn understanding of the spectrum of resources utilized in parks and recreation around the globe is imperative for utilizing industry best practices for global sustainability.
C1.3Operational Functions for Parks and Protected AreasInternational leadership requires an intimate knowledge of operational functions and industry standards. Understanding cross-cultural trends and approaches will create a well-rounded international manager.
C1.4Ability to Work on International (or Multicultural) TeamsInternational (or multicultural) teams are an absolute necessity for a global operation. The fundamental requirements are valuing and integrating cultural diversity to create a competitive advantage and win/win situations.

C2.1Sensitivity to Different CulturesThe vital keys to cultural sensitivity are based upon resolving two fundamental issues of human relationships: human equality and ethnocentrism.
C2.2Adaptability in New SituationsThe key element of adaptability is being comfortable with not being in control of how situations naturally evolve, particularly where chaos appears to be occurring. The skill is to let go and trust the process.
C2.3Language SkillsIt is an inevitable necessity that any global manager be multilingual, particularly with those countries where s/he conducts regular business. It should be a necessity for those expatriates residing in countries (or cultures) where the language is different from their native language.
C2.4Political Systems and Power FrameworkOperating in a parks and recreation setting is inherently political, and the sense of political power can vary from country to country. It is imperative to be able to identify types of political systems and to successfully operate within various political contexts.

C3.1Research and Best Practice ApplicationsPossess a variety of means for influencing people across a range of international contexts. Capacity to extend understanding into new and unfamiliar fields. Overcome working practices that conflict with their own sense of best practice.
C3.2Measuring OutcomesThere are many inherent benefits of parks and public spaces to those who manage and/or work around these places; however, articulating outputs requires systematic metrics for measuring outcomes. In order to garner support and convey vital information, whether to political affiliations, constituents, potential partners, etc., measuring outcomes is paramount.
C3.3Operational Functions for Parks and Protected AreasParks and protected areas vary from country to country; however, it is necessary to be able to identify local, regional, and international enterprises that share common practices and understand how to implement best practices that reflect a multicultural working knowledge.
C3.4International NegotiatingThe essential competency in negotiation is to find a solution or an agreement that benefits everyone involved. A successful negotiation is a win/win situation for everyone. Additionally, the ability to identify and form global coalitions is imperative to address larger-scale industry issues.

C4.1CosmopolitanismUnderstand that global industry professionals share common goals and values. It is necessary to be sensitive to the need for a careful and systematic approach to group facilitation and teamwork to ensure that different cultural perspectives are not suppressed.
C4.2Strategic AwarenessThe fundamental requirements of this competency are the continual acquisition of information and the ability to synthesize that information to produce new knowledge.
C4.3Adaptability to Accelerated ChangeThe most important element of adapting to change is a transformation in mindset from a resistant survival-based response to the realization that change is a continual opportunity to mold the future, rather than a crisis for movement. Industry agendas and policy changes are typically the leading changes that require adaptation.
C4.4Global Public IssuesUnderstanding how global environmental issues such as climate change and global warming affect parks and public lands will aid in decision making and overall park operations. Other global public health issues include obesity, lifestyle choices, and the roles of community groups, parks, recreation, and public lands.
C4.5ConsultingUnderstand and implement consulting assistance in benchmarking, global economy and commerce, communication and media, and scientific inquiry and research practices in supporting parks and public lands organizations and initiatives.

CPP-I Re-certification

The Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) certification is valid for three years from its issuance. In the three-year span, Certified Park Professionals International must meet the following two criteria:

  1. Maintain World Urban Parks membership status
  2. Complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

To achieve 30 hours, please refer to the WPA Renewal Guidelines to determine how your work and accomplishments may count toward CPD hours.

Download the complete re-certification application to record your CPD hours.

All applicants seeking renewal must:

  1. Submit an educational and professional portfolio (including dates, times, and names of trainings attended)
  2. Submit a completed application and pay the applicable fee:
    • Contact eplyhelp@iu.edu to begin CPP-I re-certification. Please use subject line “Re-certification for Certified Park Professional International (CPP-I) program”, and also include the following information in your email:
      • Your full name
      • Your email address
      • Your full street address, including postal code and country
      • Your organization
    • Please wait for an email with instructions on how to complete your re-certification.
    • Contact eplyhelp@iu.edu to make payment arrangements for your re-certification application. The CPP-I re-certification fee is $65.00 USD.