What is Challenge Course Practitioner Certification (CCPC)?
First published by the Association for Challenge Course Technology in June 2007, the Challenge Course Practitioner Certification standards were intended to provide a resource for both facilitators and course managers to consistently measure practitioner knowledge and ability. Much in the way that Wilderness First Responder provides a benchmark for ones training and experience in the field of wilderness medicine; CCPC is designed to serve as a common language to describe a facilitators training and background in the challenge course industry. It is not, however, intended to replace solid hiring practices and thorough training.
Is the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) certifying me?
No, ACCT does not currently provide direct certification. Instead, ACCT publishes CCPC standards and then accredits Professional Vendor Members (PVM) to test to those standards. PVMs are submitted to a rigorous process that examines their background and ability to effectively, accurately, and ethically administer and manage CCPC testing. So what you have is a CCPC to ACCT standards not a ACCT CCPC clear as mud?
Are there different types of CCPC's?
Yes. CCPC is divided into several categories. Depending on the extent of your experience and your professional role in the industry, you can choose from Level 1, Level 2, and Challenge Course Manager.
Each of these levels are further divided into tracks, describing the type of courses that they apply to: Spotted-Only (also known as Low Courses), High-Only (belayed events at height), Full (a combination of both low and high courses), and Site/System Specific (pertains to a specific course or type of course).
In addition, belayed courses can be further broken down into the system, or type of belay used: static, dynamic, or both.
Will the same certification apply at different courses?
Yes and no. If you plan to work at multiple courses throughout your challenge course career, you will need to keep that in mind when you choose your certification. Each certification is transferable to the extent that the course where you are working matches the level, track, and system you tested for.
For example, if you have a Level 1, Full, Static certification, you can take that to another full course, as long as they utilize the static belay system, and your employer should recognize your certification. However, if you have a site or system specific certification of any level, it will only apply to that challenge course site or that particular system.
Regardless of the transferability of your certification, theres no substitute for solid training to local operating procedures wherever you may go.
Whoa - thats a lot to take in. Which leveltracksystem is right for me?
That depends on a few factors, such as experience, professional goals, and budget. Take stock of your experience, and what you may qualify for then consider your long-term plans in the field. The trick is to find a place to start (Level 1, Site Specific?) and develop a plan for where you want to go (Challenge Course Manager, Full!). Feel free to contact the Challenge Design Innovations office and ask for Katie shes our resident CCPC pro and can help you find the right fit for your needs.
What does Challenge Design innovations offer?
Challenge Design Innovations can train and test for all CCPC levels, tracks, and systems.
Where do I go to get certified?
While Challenge Design Innovations does occasionally offer open enrollment testing, often we work with programs to schedule testing at the program site.
Tell me about this test - what kind is it and how long does the test take?
There are two parts to the test: written and practical. The written test typically takes practitioners about an hour to complete. Practical test times depend on the type of course and number of practitioners testing, but you can typically expect the skills assessments to last 2-4 hours. Both tests are traditional scheduled the same day, but we do occasionally split them to accommodate travel.
What happens if I don't pass?
Written tests require a score of at least 80% and successful demonstration of each category of practical skills is required to receive the certification.
If you do not make a passing grade, you can retest within 90-days, though not the same day as the initial testing. For written exams, the whole exam must be taken again. For practical skills, only the missed skills will need to be performed again. After 90-days, if you opt to re-test, you will need to take both parts of the test in their entirety. Additional fees may apply for re-testing.
Can you accommodate practitioners with disabilities?
Yes, please notify us at the time of your application as to the nature of your disability and/or needs.
How much does it cost?
Prices for certification vary greatly based on the level of certification, group discounting, and travel expenses associated with on-site testing. Generally, costs range anywhere from $175 - 400 per person and include a copy of The Complete Ropes Course Manual, 4th Edition . The best way to determine the cost to you is to contact Challenge Design Innovations for a personalized estimate.
What are the qualifications for each type of certification?
The best resource for details regarding the certification criteria is the Association for Challenge Course Technology Challenge Course and Canopy Zip Line Tour Standards, 7th Edition. A copy of the standards is available for purchase online at www. acctinfo.org; however, for a big-picture look at the different certification levels, tracks, systems, and qualifications check out the CCPC Qualification Summary chart.
How long does each certification last?
Level 1 is valid for 1 year, Level 2 is valid for 3 years, and Challenge Course Manager is valid for 5 years.
I've been doing this stuff for years - cant I just jump right in?
Sure! The standards include a system for challenging-in to any level of certification. What this means is that if you are able to meet minimum qualifications through documented experience and training in a portfolio, then you can test to that level. Please note that the criteria for challenging-in may differ from the standard qualifications for each level. You may also benefit from additional review training prior to test day.
Will I need to create a portfolio from scratch?
No, Challenge Design Innovations has a template available for you, which you can download from the link at the right, or by visiting www.acctinfo.org.
Do I have to get all of my training from Challenge Design Innovations?
No, absolutely not. With documented training provided in your portfolio, you are welcome to take the test without a single day of Challenge Design Innovations training. We would, however, highly recommend at least a short review session with Challenge Design Innovations to make sure we are all on the same page. Many practitioners we have worked with have found this extremely valuable on test day.
What if I do not meet the minimum qualifications - or I'm not sure I'm ready?
No problem! Challenge Design Innovations offers personalized on-site training for all levels and we can put together a plan to help you work your way towards your desired level of certification.
Even if you do meet the qualifications, but have concerns about testing, Challenge Design Innovations offers pre-test reviews that can be scheduled prior to certification testing days. These review sessions can help answer your questions and have proven to significantly improve pass-rates among practitioners.
Great, I'm interested... now what?
The first step is to complete an application form (see link at right). This form helps us to determine, at a glance, what level and track you are eligable for. We may request additional information later, such as a resume and portfolio, but this gives us a good place to start.
From here we will help you determine best fit, and if you meet the CCPC qualifications, we will work with you to schedule your testing (and training if requested).
Two-weeks prior to testing day, your completed portfolio and resume are due so that they can be reviewed by the Challenge Design Innovations office and our trainer/testers. Note: this step may not apply for level 1 certifications if you are Challenge Design Innovations -trained.
You will receive the results from your certification test the same day. The Challenge Design Innovations trainer/tester will review the test with you, providing feedback and answering questions you might have. You can expect to receive your certification card within 3 weeks of your test day.
