Proficiency Programs

The Guild's education program offers three levels of increasing challenge and accomplishment. All new enrollees in the program start at the Student of Natural History level and earn cumulative proficiency points that ultimately apply to the two higher levels -- Integrative Naturalist and Master Integrative Naturalist -- as well. Note: individuals not interested in accreditation in any of these levels are still most welcome to enroll in any or all courses, tours, and single-session lectures.

For the individual interested in taking the first important steps in natural history education. Proficiency Points earned toward this level may be applied to the Naturalist and Senior Naturalist Programs, should the student wish to continue to those levels.

Requirements include:

1000 total Proficiency Points.

Successful completion of 600 Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned course classes. (One example: successful completion of two three-session courses.)

Successful completion of 400 Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned tours or lectures. (One example: successful completion of two daytrip tours and attendance at two lectures.)

For the individual eager to learn considerably more about natural history. Proficiency Points earned toward this level may be applied to the Master Naturalist Program, should the student wish to continue on to that level.

Requirements include:

Previous completion of all Student of Natural History requirements.

2,500 total Proficiency Points (an additional 1,500 points for students already qualified at the Student of Natural History level).

Successful completion of 600 additional Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned course classes. (One example: successful completion of two three-session courses.)

Successful completion of 400 additional Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned tours or lectures. (One example: successful completion of two daytrip tours and attendance at two lectures.)

The satisfactory completion of a supervised independent-research project (500 points).

Intended for the serious student of natural history who is either pursuing a career in environmental education or related fields, or who is interested in fulfilling a lifetime avocation in greater depth.

Requirements include:

Previous completion of all Integrative Naturalist requirements.

4,000 total Proficiency Points (an additional 1,500 points for students already qualified at the Integrative Naturalist level).

Successful completion of 600 additional Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned course classes. (One example: successful completion of two three-session courses.)

Successful completion of 400 additional Proficiency Points of Guild-sanctioned tours or lectures. (One example: successful completion of two daytrip tours and attendance at two lectures.)

The satisfactory completion of one additional independent-research project (500 points).

A passing grade of 70% or higher on the Summation Exam.