Product Description

Informal visitor contacts are key to providing enjoyable visitor experiences. They provide the most personalized service in a park. As the first of the ten benchmark interpretive competencies identified by the National Park Service, effective Informal Visitor Contacts are critical to ensuring enjoyable visitor experiences. This course helps develop knowledge and skills through interactive chapters, activities, and site-based assignments.

The sections of this course include:

• Following the Interpretive Continuum
• Providing Excellent Customer Service
• Assessing Visitor Needs
• Knowing Your Site
• Selecting Appropriate Techniques

Recommended Prerequisite: Successfully completing the free Foundations of Interpretation course provides essential background information for this course.

Length: 5 hours (Basic); or 10 hours (Advanced)

Basic Credit: A certificate of completion may be earned by successfully completing the objective assessment at the end of the course.

Advanced Credit: A course credential (offered only to NPS employees or partners) may be earned by having activities reviewed by a registered coach. If selecting the Advanced credit, please see the Interpretive Coaching section in the Help Center for details.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): For a minimal fee, CEUs are offered upon the completion of this course. They will be provided to you after you receive an 80% or higher on the course assessment.

Cost: Registration fee is $59; a discounted rate of $29 is given to National Park Service employees and partners*
*Contact your local or regional chief of interpretation for discount codes.