Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is INCPA?

The Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska is a cooperative venture among Anchorage-area organizations to train local citizens to become better interpreters, environmental educators, and non-formal science teachers.

What are the goals of the program?

  • To develop a corps of community educators who have been trained to a rigorous standard in interpretive techniques, non-formal science education, and environmental education.
  • To link trained participants with volunteer and employment opportunities to meet specific needs within the Anchorage community.
  • To pool community training resources for non-formal science education into a comprehensive, coordinated program.
  • To promote science and environmental education in the Anchorage community and to foster a sense of stewardship in the audiences served.

How do I become certified?

You will become certified upon completion of all the requirements listed in the Certification Standards document. You begin the process by attending the Orientation Workshop. Upon completion, you may decide to pursue certification by enrolling in the program. Once enrolled, you will receive documentation journals correlated to the standards established for the program and a listing of approved local training opportunities to meet those standards. You are then responsible for completing the requirements by attending the training opportunities at your own pace and submitting your journals upon completion.

What are the Certification Standards?

The requirements for INCPA certification have been grouped into seven categories, or standards. They may be completed in any order. You may even register for the program and begin recording your experiences before you attend the orientation workshop (Standard I). It is designed to be useful to candidates who may have already begun the program. However, we do strongly recommend that you attend the orientation as close to the beginning of your experience as possible. Follow this link for an Overview of the certification requirements. Or follow the links below for more details on each of the standards.

I. Introductory Orientation Workshop
II. Education Knowledge and Techniques
III. Science Knowledge
IV. Field Techniques and Experience
V. Instructional Experience
VI. Stewardship Project
VII. Knowledge of Local Natural Resources and Facilities

Who are the Certifying Organizations?

The INCPA partner organizations are dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of Alaska's natural resources through education. This group includes the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage Waterways Council, BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, Eagle River Nature Center, Audubon Alaska, Trailside Discovery, and UAF Cooperative Extension Service. A committee made up of members from these organizations upholds the standards for the Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska and ensures that all workshops, lectures, trainings, and field experiences meet those standards.

What are the benefits to the participants?

Participants in this program will enhance their skills in science and environmental education, broaden their knowledge of local natural history, strengthen their understanding of science concepts and methods, and gain access to volunteer and employment opportunities with local science education organizations, science centers, and visitor centers. Other benefits include:
  • Free training in environmental education, science, and Alaska natural history.
  • Opportunities to network with community educators and scientists.
  • An opportunity to instruct and become comfortable with various audiences.
  • Opportunities to volunteer for the community in education programs, field research projects, and in organizing stewardship projects.
  • An opportunity to familiarize yourself with local organizations and resources.
  • Hands-on experience with science curriculum and scientific surveys.
  • Recognition and a resume-enhancing certificate.

What is an "Interpretive Naturalist?"

An Interpretive Naturalist is someone who understands science and scientific methods and can effectively communicate the joy, wonder, and details of the natural world to a variety of audiences. It is someone who understands the resources of an area, both natural and institutional, that they can use to satisfy their curiosity about local natural history. It is someone with enthusiasm for the natural world and the process of sharing their discoveries.

Why an Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska?

Presently there are no set standards for non-formal science or environmental education in Anchorage. This program seeks to fill that need, to develop a core group of community educators trained to a rigorous standard, and to promote stewardship. By raising standards in science and environmental education in Alaska, the quality of life is raised in the community and for future generations.

Is this program for me?

This program is for the nature enthusiast, college student, classroom teacher, tour guide, or interested community member who would like to learn more about resource education, Alaska natural history, and how to share their knowledge with others. No previous experience is necessary. It is for anyone wanting to gain additional science and environmental education training and experience, get a better understanding of local education programs, or improve his or her outreach skills.

What does this program cost?

Training and certification is essentially provided to you free of charge. During the course of your enrollment, you will "give back" by leading a stewardship project and by volunteering at participating organizations. Although training is free, a one-time processing fee of $50.00 is required upon enrollment into the certification program.

What is the time commitment?

Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. Actual hours spent will vary depending on programs chosen, but it may approximate 200 hours. There is no set time limit for completion.

Is this a class? Is there a teacher?

This is not a traditional class, although you may take classes to fulfill some of the requirements. You are your primary teacher. This is a self-directed program. A partial list of opportunities and options for fulfilling the requirements is provided, but when and how you pursue them is up to you. This program will not teach you the "facts." Rather, it will certify that you are experienced enough to know which facts and skills you need to lead an education program and that you are familiar with local resources.

What does "certification" mean?

Certification under this program is a documentation of experience. It means you have completed a rigorous training in environmental education and Alaska natural history. Local organizations that are involved in environmental, resource, and science education are aware of the INCPA requirements and of the INCPA partner organizations that ensure that certification standards are upheld.

What if I am already knowledgeable some areas of Environmental Education and/or Alaska Natural History?

Although no prior experience is necessary, you may be eligible to waive certain requirements. Details can be found in the Waiver Policy section of this website. This program is designed for candidates with a variety of knowledge and expertise.

Who may I contact if interested?

For more details, contact the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center at 267-1247 or through the mail at:

INCPA c/o the BLM CCSC
6865 Elmore Road
Anchorage, AK 99507

How do I find out about training opportunities to meet the standards?

Regularly review the INCPA Opportunities section on this website. The Certification Standards document and Program Partner Information provide information on contacts and some opportunities. Upon registration, you will be invited onto the INCPA list serve. Opportunities are posted there by the partner organizations. Most importantly, be aware of events in the community. Pay attention to notices and flyers. Call the organizations participating in INCPA and others in the community on a regular basis. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with everything happening in the field.