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Professional Certification NJRPA encourages all individuals working in the field of parks, recreation, and leisure services to achieve appropriate professional certification for their position. NJRPA participates in the National Certification Plan for recreation and park professionals, a three-level program established by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Leisure and Recreation. Individuals wishing to become certified under this program must evidence appropriate education and experience. Application is accepted through the NJRPA Office. Candidate applications are reviewed and approved by the NJRPA Certification Board. Candidates for Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification must then take the National Certification Exam. NJRPA also cooperates with other certification programs. The New Jersey Board of Recreation Examiners provides a New Jersey specific certification for Recreation Supervisors and Recreation Administrators for public park agencies. Certification in this program is achieved by presentation of and passing the State Recreation exam. NJRPA hosts the exam annually at its Annual conference. The exam and certification process are administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Office of Recreation. Click here to reach the Website of the Office of Recreation. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification provides an independent certification program for individuals working in recreation therapy services. Certification is achieved by presentation of required experience and passing a national exam. Click here to reach the Website of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification All of the above certification programs require formalized continuing education to maintain the credentials. NJRPA provides yearlong opportunities for earning Continuing Education Units in support of renewal of certification. NJRPA also annually hosts the National Recreation & Park Association's Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course. Individuals attending the two-day safety course may sit for a national examination to become Certified Playground Safety Inspectors. Once certified, CPSI's must retake the examination every three years to maintain the certification. Click here to reach the Website of the National Playground Safety Institute
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