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Have you ever found yourself wondering why Continuing Education Units (CEUs) mean so much to certain professionals or why organizations might prioritize sending certain professionals to conferences during challenging times? The answer may very well be certification.

The NRPA Annual Conference and your local state affiliate annual conferences provide individuals the opportunity to achieve the necessary CEUs by participating in education sessions. These CEUs are then used to renew their hard-earned certifications. Some examples of these certifications include the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO). To apply attained CEUs, individuals must successfully complete the certification examination prior to attending a conference or educational event. This means you need to apply today if you plan to sit for an examination before the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta. Please visit nrpa.org/Certification.

As individuals are studying to attain certification, they often identify opportunities for improvement either as a professional or within their organization. Carrying this knowledge through to conference preparation is a great way to ensure you are pursuing knowledge that will be most beneficial for the growth of both.

If you are already certified, please don’t forget to join us for the Best of the Best event on Wednesday, October 9, at 6 p.m. We use this time to recognize new CPRPs and CPREs from the previous year. This is a great time to show your support for individuals who are continuing to demonstrate their commitment to the park and recreation field.

Julie Boland is Vice President of Credentialing and Member Operations at NRPA.