Everything You Need to Know About WIO-COMPAS Certification
Whether you’re just starting your MPA career or advancing to the next level, we’ve answered the most common questions to help guide your journey through the WIO-COMPAS certification process.
WIO-COMPAS (Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals) is the first regional programme that certifies the competence of professionals managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Western Indian Ocean. It is designed to recognize and elevate practical experience, ethics, and leadership in marine resource management.
MPA professionals working in the Western Indian Ocean region, including rangers, site managers, planners, policymakers, and technical specialists. There are three levels of certification tailored to different career stages and responsibilities.
Level 1 – Marine Field Operations
Level 2 – Site Management
Level 3 – Strategy and Policy
Each level targets a specific tier of professional responsibility and leadership in MPA management.
Certification is valid for 5 years. After that, candidates may undergo a recertification process to maintain their MPA PRO status.
Yes. Candidates who are not accepted or who do not pass are given guidance on professional development areas to address before reapplying.
Yes. Self-assessment tools are available for each level to help candidates determine their readiness.
Entry is based on a combination of years of experience in MPAs, language proficiency, and educational background. Certification at a lower level may substitute for academic qualifications.
Candidates are assessed using various tools including portfolios, written tests, case studies, patrol simulations (for Level 1), and interviews. Assessments evaluate competence, ethics, performance, and professional experience.
Submit an application through the WIO-COMPAS website. Once reviewed and approved, you will be invited to participate in the certification assessment event.
No. Fees are only paid after you are accepted into a certification event.
Certification fees vary depending on donor support and location. There is also a renewal fee of USD $100. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for qualifying candidates.
Still have you any problem for solutions?
WIO-COMPAS is endorsed by leading global organizations such as IUCN WCPA Marine, WWF South Africa, the Game Rangers Association of Africa, and the International Rangers Federation.
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