Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

Demonstrate your commitment to parks and recreation and take your career to the next level by becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Whether you want to make a bigger impact on your community, keep your expertise fresh, or improve your professional status, becoming a CPRP will open the door to bigger and better opportunities.

Why Become CPRP?

  • Join an elite group of more than 6,100 CPRPs who have committed to advancing our field.
  • Increase the confidence outside groups and the community have in you and your organization.
  • Show your employer that you’re a valuable member of the team and that you’re willing to learn new things.
  • Gain an edge over other candidates when that promotion opportunity pops up or your dream job calls.

CPRP Eligibility

The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is designed for the beginning to mid-level professional. Candidates for the CPRP must meet requirements of education and experience*. You may qualify for the exam if you:

  • Have received, or are set to receive, a Bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT)

-OR-

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from any institution in recreation, park resources, or leisure services, and 1 year of full-time experience in the field

-OR-

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a major other than recreation, park resources, or leisure services, and 3 years of full-time experience in the field

-OR-

  • Have an Associate's degree and 4 years of full-time experience in the field

-OR-

  • Have a high school degree or equivalent, and 5 years of full-time experience in the field

*Qualifying documentation is not required at the time of initial application; however, some applications will be randomly selected for audit to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data provided. Learn more.

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How Do You Become a CPRP?

To become a CPRP you must meet the eligibility requirements, complete an application and pass the exam.

Apply Online

Apply by Mail


Individual Application and Exam Fees

$250 for students (Please contact certification@nrpa.org for eligibility and requirements)

$270 for NRPA members

$314 for non-NRPA members

Applicants will receive an email notification from NRPA within one month of applying, verifying the completion of the application process and instructions on how to schedule the exam.

Learn More About the Exam


Group Discount Packages

Apply for group discounts on CPRP application fees and study materials.

Agency Package Application

University Package Application


CPRP Prep Materials and Resources

Looking for study materials and other CPRP resources? Learn more about the CPRP certification with our prep materials and handbooks, and access special testing accommodations forms.

CPRP Prep Materials and Resources