Chapter 5: Career Development
5.6 Certifications
Due to the breadth of diversity in the Recreation and Leisure industry, many niche fields require specific certifications to work in the field. They vary from short 4-hour courses to 30+ hours courses to gain a certification. Some certifications last a lifetime while others require recertification every few years.
Below is a list of certifications offered in Ontario, and often required in niche sectors of the industry. This list is only a small example of certifications available.
Common required certifications across many sectors of Recreation and Leisure Industry
- Smart Serve – AGCO
- Food Handler Certification – ON Ministry of Health
- National Lifeguard – Lifesaving Society
- Mental Health First Aid
Other possible more specialized certifications:
- Recreation and Parks – CPRA Professional Development Certification
- Recreation Programming – High Five
- Dementia Care – Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
- Dementia Care – Dementiability
- Recreation Facilities – Ontario Recreation Facilities Assoc (ORFA) Professional Certifications
- Camps/Outdoor Recreation – Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Assoc Courses
- Camps/Outdoor Recreation – Challenges Unlimited training
- Sports – National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)
Remember upon graduating from Recreation and Leisure Services program, furthering your education is always a choice open to you – whether now or in the future.
