Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) | Certification | National Recreation and Park Association

Park and recreation professionals provide essential services to their communities. Becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) will not only keep your skills sharp, but also give you prominence in the field. Earning your CPRE will bring you to the pinnacle of the profession and demonstrate you as the true leader you are.

Why Become a CPRE?

The CPRE certification is the highest level a park and recreation professional can reach and will give you many career advantages, including:

Demonstrating leadership in all aspects of managing a park and recreation department.
Mastering policy development and the management of fiscal, property and personnel resources.
Gaining an edge over other candidates when a promotion opportunity pops up or your dream job calls.
Joining an elite group of more than 400 CPREs who have committed to advancing our field.

Eligibility

The CPRE certification is designed for professionals at the mid-level or above. CPRE candidates must meet education and experience requirements to qualify for the exam.* Please review the CPRE eligibility requirements, and contact Certification Staff with questions.

*Qualifying documentation is not required at the time of initial application; however, some applications will be randomly selected for audit to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data provided.

How to Become a CPRE

To become a CPRE, you must meet the eligibility requirements above, submit an application and pass the CPRE exam. To get started, complete the online application and pay the application and exam fee. CPRE certification is valid for three years.

Apply Online

Apply By Mail

Not a CPRP? No problem, sign up for both exams at the same time for a discounted rate. Applicants must qualify for both exams, please complete and submit the CPRP & CPRE Dual Application.

Individual CPRE Application and Exam Fees

$345 for NRPA Members
$404 for non-NRPA members

Learn More About The Exam

Group Discount Packages

Apply for group discounts on CPRP application fees and study materials.

Agency Package Application

Potential Funding Resources

The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act update (H.R. 1151 - Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain postsecondary credentialing expenses as qualified higher education expenses for purpose of 529 accounts) has opened 529 funds for use on eligible credentialing programs. All of the NRPA certification programs are identified as eligible credentialing programs. If you are the beneficiary of a 529 fund, please contact the organization that manages your fund for more information.

NRPA certifications are also listed on numerous Department of Defense (DOD) COOL databases which may provide DOD military and civilian employees with access to certification funding. Please visit the DOD COOL site for more information.