The certification process starts with the application phase and ends with a multi-day assessment event where assessors formally evaluate candidates' competences. Candidates must complete several activities prior to attending the assessment event. The specifics of these activities, their timeline and the assessment instruments used vary between the Levels (Figure 2). For example, Levels 2 and 3 must attend an assessment event that is either national or regional, while Level 1 assessment events are national or sub-national, and are held at an MPA site when possible.
WIO-COMPAS



Level 1 ~ Marine Field Operations                        Level 2 ~ Site Management                              Level 3 ~ Strategy, Policy and Planning

Application

Pre Event Tasks
Application

Pre Event Tasks
Application

Pre Event Tasks

Description  of Core Activities  Document

Workplace  Case Study                                                         Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio

Regional Assessment Event
National Assessment Event                                                    National/Regional Assessment


Assessments                                                                         Assessments

Assessments

Presentation
Personal Interview
Presentation Personal Interview Quiz
Field Simulation/Observations
Presentation Personal Interview Written Assessment
Field Simulation/Observations
Professional Development

Training on Emerging Issues
Networking
Professional Development                                                  Professional Development
Career Guidance
Leadership  and Ethics Code
Training on Emerging Issues
Networking
Career Guidance
Training on Emerging Issues
Networking
Career Guidance
Leadership  and Ethics Code                                                   Leadership  and Ethics Code



Figure 2. Comparison of the Process for Certification between Levels