Certification Journey
The WIO-COMPAS Certification Journey
A cycle of growth, recognition, and continuous development for MPA professionals
We bring years’ senior experience forging of
collaborations across government.
Years of Growth
Growth
A Continuous Growth Loop
This cycle reinforces the idea that certification is not a destination — it’s part of an ongoing journey of learning and leadership.
Many professionals will:
- Advance through certification levels over time (e.g., from Level 1 to Level 3)
- Contribute to the growth of others through mentorship or assessment
- Help raise the standards of MPA management across the Western Indian Ocean
Training and Work Experience
This is where the journey begins.
Marine professionals build foundational knowledge and skills through:
• Formal academic training (university or technical institutions)
• On-the-job experience in MPAs
• Fieldwork and early career exposure
• Formal academic training (university or technical institutions)
• On-the-job experience in MPAs
• Fieldwork and early career exposure
Application & Eligibility Review
Once professionals feel ready, they apply to the WIO-COMPAS Programme at the appropriate level:
• Level 1 – Marine Field Operations
• Level 2 – Site Management
• Level 3 – Strategy & Policy
Each application undergoes a detailed eligibility review, assessing: • Work experience and responsibilities
• Language proficiency
• Educational background
• Level 1 – Marine Field Operations
• Level 2 – Site Management
• Level 3 – Strategy & Policy
Each application undergoes a detailed eligibility review, assessing: • Work experience and responsibilities
• Language proficiency
• Educational background
Certification as MPA PRO
Successful candidates are awarded the MPA PRO title at the appropriate level.
This certification formally recognizes their:
• Practical competence
• Ethical conduct
• Experience and leadership in MPA management
Certified professionals are added to the WIO-COMPAS registry and become part of a growing network of MPA leaders across the region.
• Practical competence
• Ethical conduct
• Experience and leadership in MPA management
Certified professionals are added to the WIO-COMPAS registry and become part of a growing network of MPA leaders across the region.
Continued Competence Development
The journey doesn’t stop at certification.
MPA PROs are encouraged to pursue ongoing professional development through:
• Specialized training
• Peer learning and mentoring
• Field-based innovations
• Addressing identified gaps in competence
This stage ensures that certified professionals remain relevant, informed, and adaptable to the evolving challenges of marine resource management.
• Specialized training
• Peer learning and mentoring
• Field-based innovations
• Addressing identified gaps in competence
This stage ensures that certified professionals remain relevant, informed, and adaptable to the evolving challenges of marine resource management.
Become an MPA PRO.
Ready to Take the Next Step
in Your MPA Career?
Join a growing network of certified marine professionals working to protect and manage the Western Indian Ocean’s most valuable ecosystems.
Whether you’re on the frontlines or shaping policy, WIO-COMPAS certification recognizes your skills, experience, and commitment.
