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Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is a national benchmark for park and recreation practitioners who are committed to delivering high-quality, community-centered programs and services.
Facilitated by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and supported by mParks, CPRP certification affirms your expertise, experience, and commitment to professional growth. CPRPs bring credibility to the field and help shape welcoming, responsive, and well-managed recreation services across Michigan.
Why Become a CPRP?
Candidates must:
Getting Certified
To earn the CPRP designation, candidates must apply through NRPA, meet eligibility requirements, and successfully pass the CPRP exam. Certification is valid for two years, with ongoing continuing education required to maintain active status.
Facilitated by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and supported by mParks, CPRP certification affirms your expertise, experience, and commitment to professional growth. CPRPs bring credibility to the field and help shape welcoming, responsive, and well-managed recreation services across Michigan.
Why Become a CPRP?
- Strengthen your foundational knowledge in operations, programming, leadership, and communication
- Demonstrate your readiness to lead and adapt in a changing professional landscape
- Increase your visibility and advancement potential within the field
- Reinforce your commitment to continuous learning and public service
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet educational and/or professional experience requirements outlined by NRPA
Getting Certified
To earn the CPRP designation, candidates must apply through NRPA, meet eligibility requirements, and successfully pass the CPRP exam. Certification is valid for two years, with ongoing continuing education required to maintain active status.
Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credential is designed for experienced professionals seeking to expand their leadership and strategic impact. This mastery-level certification focuses on high-level competencies in policy, finance, operations, personnel management, and executive decision-making.
Developed by NRPA, the CPRE designation represents the highest achievement in the parks and recreation field—positioning leaders to shape the future of public service in parks, open spaces, and recreational environments.
Why Become a CPRE?
Eligibility
The CPRE is intended for professionals in mid- to upper-level roles. Applicants must meet a combination of education and professional experience requirements. Documentation is not required at application submission but may be requested through a random audit process.
To earn the CPRE credential:
Developed by NRPA, the CPRE designation represents the highest achievement in the parks and recreation field—positioning leaders to shape the future of public service in parks, open spaces, and recreational environments.
Why Become a CPRE?
- Signal your leadership in overseeing complex operations and community systems
- Strengthen your ability to manage budgets, guide staff, and shape organizational vision
- Enhance your competitiveness for executive-level positions
- Join an elite network of certified executives across the country
Eligibility
The CPRE is intended for professionals in mid- to upper-level roles. Applicants must meet a combination of education and professional experience requirements. Documentation is not required at application submission but may be requested through a random audit process.
To earn the CPRE credential:
- Review and confirm your eligibility
- Submit your application through NRPA
- Pass the CPRE exam
- Certification must be renewed every three years with continuing education credits and professional contributions.
