Frequently Asked Questions - ARPro
ARPro changes
What is ARPro?
- ARPro accreditation acknowledges an individual’s professional accomplishments in the recreation industry. It helps you to gain recognition from your employer, peers and the public. ARPro certification is an internationally recognised programme.
Why is ARPro changing?
We have reviewed ARPro and made improvements to the accreditation scheme, with two key outcomes in mind:
- Ensuring ARPro is comparable to international standards.
- Reflecting the unique characteristics of the Aotearoa recreation sector.
What's changing with ARPro?
We're making two major improvements:
- Three-Level System: We're introducing a staircase of three levels for achieving ARPro. This allows members to join earlier in their careers and receive support as they work towards the highest level of ARPro.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points: When revalidating, we are implementing a system of CPD points. Members can earn these points by participating in various professional development activities. To revalidate, a minimum of 30 CPD points must be accumulated over a three-year period.
When will this change take place?
The official launch will be on 1 July 2024. From this date, anyone interested in applying for accreditation at any level can do so. New participants in the scheme will need to earn 30 CPD points over the subsequent three years to qualify for revalidation.
Current ARPro holders will transition to the new revalidation requirements over a staggered two-year period.
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2021, you will revalidate as the current process stands in 2024. The next time you revalidate in 2027, you will need to show evidence of 30 CPD points.
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2022, you will need to show evidence of 30 CPD points earned prior to your next revalidation in 2025.
How will I be affected as a current ARPro holder?
On 1 July 2024, all ARPro holders will automatically be placed at ARPro Level 3 – Te Puawānanga.
Becoming an ARPro Assessor:
You will be eligible to become an ARPro assessor for those seeking accreditation at Level 1. To become an assessor, you will need to complete a short workshop to understand the requirements and standards, which will also earn you CPD points.
Revalidation Requirements:
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2021, you will revalidate as per the current process in 2024. For your next revalidation in 2027, you will need to show evidence of earning 30 CPD points.
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2022, you will need to show evidence of earning 30 CPD points prior to your next revalidation in 2025.
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2023, you will need to show evidence of earning 30 CPD points prior to your next revalidation in 2026.
- If you achieved ARPro or were last revalidated in 2024, you will need to show evidence of earning 30 CPD points prior to your next revalidation in 2027.
Achieving ARPro
What are the levels that have created and what is the meaning behind them?
Our scheme is aligned with the growth of pua wānanga, the native clematis flower.
Taumata Tuatahi (Level 1):
- Representation: Te Pūtake, the base of the plant.
- Meaning: This level acknowledges that everyone comes with knowledge and experience. Candidates are embedding a solid foundation of recreation professional skills.
Taumata Tuarua (Level 2):
- Representation: Te Aka Tipu, the sprouting vine.
- Meaning: At this stage, aspiring professionals are learning, growing, and reaching across and up, symbolising the development and expansion of their skills.
Taumata Tuatoru (Level 3):
- Representation: Te Puawānanga, the clematis flower that blooms in spring/summer.
- Meaning: This peak level is symbolised by the highly visible and radiant clematis flower, representing professionals who have undergone significant growth and are now guiding lights in the sector. The journey from seed to full bloom takes two to three growing seasons, underscoring the hard work and dedication required to reach this level.
Who is eligible to apply for ARPro?
ARPro is open to everyone who is a paid Recreation Aotearoa member. The table below provides guidelines for eligibility at each of the three levels. These guidelines are meant to help you self-assess your current operating level and determine the most appropriate level for your application. We encourage everyone considering applying to use this table for a thorough self-assessment.
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
Taumata Kotahi | Taumata rua | Taumata toru | |
| Recommended work experience | Two years in sector Entry level position Showing leadership in the workplace | Four years in sector Two years' experience as a leader or in technical role Leading others | Six + years in sector Five years' experience as a leader or in technical role Leading significant projects, workstreams, teams |
| Recommended qualification level or equivalent experience | Certificate or Diploma Level 3 -5 (or equivalent industry qualification) | Diploma or bachelor’s degree Level 4- 6 (or two qualifications within the industry) | Degree, postgraduate degree or qualification Level 5, 6, 7 + (or multiple qualifications within the industry) |
Once you’ve been assessed, Recreation Aotearoa will provide feedback and let you know if you have passed and achieved your ARPro level, or if you need to resubmit any portions. Recreation Aotearoa can assign a mentor to assist you through this process.
How do I move up Levels?
To move up Levels, you need to undergo the assessment process again at the higher level. You can choose to do this before your three-year revalidation period is completed. Once you’ve been assessed to a new level, your three-year revalidation period is reset.
Example:
- Sam sits and receives ARPro Level 1 in 2025.
- In 2027, she sits and receives ARPro Level 2. Unless Sam levels up to the third level, she will need to demonstrate she has earned 30 CPD points by her anniversary in 2030.
Revalidation and CPD Points
What are CPD points?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is a requirement for many professionals across various sectors to maintain their certifications and licenses. CPD points are earned through participation in service to the sector, work outputs, and professional development opportunities.
Why is CPD important?
CPD helps professionals stay current on the latest trends and developments in their field. It also allows you to improve your skills and knowledge, leading to better job performance and higher wages.
What are some examples of CPD activities?
CPD activities may include attending conferences, taking online courses, attending wānanga, reading books or articles, and participating in webinars. Professionals can also earn CPD credits by volunteering, serving on professional committees, and giving presentations.
Please see our list of CPD activities. This is not an exhaustive list, and you are welcome to provide evidence of other activities that you consider worth credits. We are very open to widening the scope of CPD credits.
Can you get Recognition for Prior Learning or Activity recognised in your CPD points for revalidation?
The purpose of CPD points is to encourage ongoing professional development. Therefore, we don’t recognise activities outside of each three-year period. However, we are open to a broad range of professional development events that may be awarded CPD points. Talk to us if you’re unsure what you can submit.
I have reduced my hours of work from when I first acquired my ARPro. Will I need to attain 30 CPD points in three years for revalidation?
There are circumstances that may require an extension for revalidation. This will be done on a case-by-case basis and may include events such as parental leave for primary caregivers or significant injury or illness.