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Best recreation specialist certifications
Recreation specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an recreation specialist to employers. However, not all recreation specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a recreation specialist are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO).
Below is a list of the best recreation specialist certifications. Obtaining an recreation specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
7 best certifications for recreation specialists
| Rank | Recreation specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 3 | Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) | NRPA |
| 4 | Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) | NRPA |
| 5 | Certified Protection Officer (CPO) | IFPO |
| 6 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
| 7 | Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification (MOS) | MS |
7 best recreation specialist certifications
1. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO)
The NRPA AFO program is an advanced, state-of-the-art educational training program for those persons managing and operating aquatic facilities. The AFO program is fast becoming the leading training opportunity for pool operators and aquatic facility managers in the United States and to date has certified over 6,000 aquatic facility operators.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
NRPA's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the park and recreation profession. For people now in the field, the CPRP certification tells your peers and your employer that you have met the certification's high standards of education, expertise and experience. In a phrase, you are a committed professional! Many park and recreation agencies recommend or require CPRP certification when hiring for certain positions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
The CPO program is designed for protection professionals intent on improving their individual security skills. Successful CPO's are finding that the program significantly improves job performance and job enjoyment by providing a broader understanding of the roles, duties and responsibilities of the protection officer.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Child Development Associate (CDA)
A Child Development Associate (CDA) is able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification (MOS)
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master certification helps demonstrate an individual's overall comprehension and expertise of Microsoft Office programs. Microsoft Office Specialist Masters have more than a working familiarity with Microsoft Office programs-they are technically skilled to take advantage of the breadth of features efficiently and effectively.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a recreation specialist?
The best recreation specialist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this recreation specialist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for recreation specialists?
The most in-demand recreation specialist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this recreation specialist certification will give you access to more recreation specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a recreation specialist career and salary?
The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification will help you to secure a recreation therapist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A recreation therapist's average salary is $44,277 whereas recreation specialists make an average salary of $39,186.
The most common combination of recreation specialist certifications include: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO).
Online courses for recreation specialists to earn certifications
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