Competences & Standards

The Programme focuses on seven core competence areas in which MPA professionals need to meet certain standards of skills and knowledge. The three levels of certification all share these seven core competence areas. However the specific competences and standards vary between the levels of certification. Below is a list of these seven areas and an illustration of one standard under each. There are a total of 66 standards upon which a Level 2 candidate is assessed (A detailed explanation of Level 2 competences and standards is available in the programme handbook or application package). Level 1 has 39 standards. Level 3 competences are not finalized.

Seven competence areas (with one example of multiple standards for each area):

Policy, Legislation, and Compliance
Standard: Ability to pursue correct legal processes associated with enforcement activities

MPA Concepts and Establishment
Standard: Sound understanding of different institutional models for MPA management

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Standard: Sound understanding of importance of effective and positive engagement with stakeholders to build a support base

Financial Management and Fundraising Standard: Ability to develop and manage budgets associated with MPA management operations

Management Operations
Standard: Ability to identify appropriate infrastructure, equipment and materials for effective management of the MPA

Biophysical and Social Environments
Standard: Thorough understanding of the key threats to the ecological processes and species in the MPA and the implications for management

Leadership and Ethics
Standard: The ability to identify real issues and opportunities - then to select and apply appropriate approaches, tools and interventions to achieve positive results through exhibiting personal leadership qualities of self-motivation, pro-activeness, innovation, adaptability, and ethical conduct. Also the ability to encourage these qualities in others.