Thanks for your interest in the NC Environmental Education Certification Program!
Please read the following information before you enroll. Select the links for general information about the program and requirements.
Time Commitment
The NC Environmental Education Certification Program is a self-directed, experiential program that encourages exploration of the state and its many environmental education programs, facilities and resources. It will require a total of at least 200 professional development hours, which includes workshops, programs, teaching, a community partnership project, and site visits to environmental education centers. The 200 hours must be completed within 4 years of the enrollment date. Candidates may also count previous qualifying workshops, classes and other experiences that have occurred one year prior to enrollment. Many enrollees do complete the program in less than 4 years, depending on their individual circumstances.
Associated Costs
Many of the credit experiences are free, but note that some workshops, programs and classes may have fees to cover cost of materials, entrance fees, facility use fees, etc. While some content and workshops are online, the completion of Criteria I, II and III will require travel to parks, gardens, forests, museums, nature centers, an other sites in North Carolina considered "environmental education centers."
Timely Submission of Credits
Program enrollees are expected to submit credits using an Environmental Education Experience Form on a regular basis, preferably one or a few at the time as the activities are completed. This helps us track your progress and give you accurate and timely feedback..
Technology Requirements
Enrollees need easy access to a computer, and an active email account that can be associated with their online account which keeps a record of credits. This also allows us to contact you if we have any program updates or questions about your credit submissions. This should be the same email used to send EE Forms to the EE Certification Program Managers. Access to a scanner or scanning app for a mobile device is helpful in submitting EE Forms. Some workshops, programs, and classes may require a smart phone or similar mobile device. Many workshops and programs are outside, so they may require appropriate footwear and clothing for conditions. Always check with your workshop or program provider if you have questions about clothing, equipment or accessibility.
North Carolina-based Program
Credit experiences from other states can be used toward certification as long as they met program guidelines, and there are no specific requirements that the enrollee reside in North Carolina. However, note that the North Carolina program has specific requirements for Criteria I workshops that may not be easily available outside of the state, and many professional development experiences in North Carolina have been developed with the EE Certification Program in mind. Out-of-state enrollees must still complete at least 5 of their site visit hours in North Carolina.
Prerequisite and Enrollment
If you are ready to enroll, go to this account link to set up your pending account. Before acceptance the to program, you must successfully complete and submit the online Basics of Environmental Education workshop. Once it is reviewed and accepted, your account will be activated and you will receive an enrollment confirmation by email. The completed Basics of Environmental Education will provide your first 10 hours of credit--you'll be on your way!
*You must 18 years of age or older may apply for certification. Contact the Program Administrators if you have any questions.