MPHIA  Professional Interpreter Accreditation

Professional Interpreter Accreditation

MPHIA's Professional Interpreter Accreditation formally recognizes the knowledge, experience and interpretive skill of individuals working as licensed guides in the Mountain National Parks.

Businesses operating with an interpretive day hiking license in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho are required to have 2/3 of their programming done by accredited Professional Interpreters.

In order to become a Professionally Accredited Interpreter, applicants must:

1) Fulfill the educational and interpretative experience requirements (See Chart).

2) Demonstrate their knowledge of interpretation, human history, geology, ecology and park issues by passing a written exam and demonstrate their interpretive skill by passing an oral exam .

Note: With sufficient experience, guides can challenge the oral and written exams. However, it is strongly recommended that guides take the 5-day (40 hr) professional interpreters course.

This course is designed to prepare guides for the exams and most course participants find this course very helpful and enjoyable.

The professional interpreter accreditation process is an important step in the quest to provide better interpretation and quality visitor experiences while encouraging environmental stewardship and ecological integrity.

Professional Interpreter Course Content

Through a combination of lectures, workshops and field trips, the professional Interpreter course covers the following:

1. A. Geology & Geography of the Rockies.
2. B. Ecology of the Mountains.
3. C. The History & Heritage of National Parks
4. D. Ecological & Commemorative Integrity and Park Management with Parks Canada.
5. E. Fundamentals of Interpretation.

*Sections may be taken individually.

Professional Interpreter Course Dates and Locations

Course Fees