Become an IFGA-Certified Assessor
Help shape the future of guiding.
Earn your IFGA Assessor certification and become a trusted authority in evaluating the next generation of guides for their ability to deliver immersive, guest-centred experiences.
As IFGA grows as the benchmark for excellence in field guiding, assessor status enhances your reputation as a senior professional, recognised for both your expertise and your ability to mentor and uphold globally transferable standards.
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring the guiding profession continues to evolve — raising the bar on soft skills, interpretive communication, and guest engagement. This certification is ideal for guides who want to move into more senior, evaluative roles without stepping away from the values that make guiding meaningful.
There are currently two types of assessor certifications: IFGA Vehicle Guide Assessor and IFGA Trails Guide Assessor. Assessor certification is reserved for experienced professionals who meet the qualification requirements outlined below.
Requirements:
IFGA Vehicle Guide Assessor
Certified assessors are qualified to evaluate IFGA Vehicle Guides. Guides seeking to become IFGA Vehicle Guide Assessors must meet specific criteria before moving to the assessment stage, as determined by IFGA during the application process.
Any outstanding requirements will be communicated to the applicant. Assessor workshops, held via Zoom and in person, ensure consistency in assessments.
During candidacy, it’s required to attend these workshops to meet IFGA assessors and become familiar with the assessment standards.
*Senior Guide: A senior member of a guiding team who has contributed to the development of junior guides.
*Training: Can take place in a lodge setting, through a training provider, or via external on-site training programs.
Application form with CV: Required
IFGA Certification: Minimum IFGA Lead Guide
Age: 30+ years
National Guiding Certificate: Required (country specific)
Years Guiding at 5-Star Lodge (or Private): 5 +
Years as a Senior Guide: 2 +
Years Training Guides: 2 +
Assessor Workshops: Required
Conduct 2 assessments (supervised by a current IFGA Assessor)
Requirements:
IFGA Trails Guide Assessor
Certified assessors are qualified to evaluate the IFGA Trails Guide component. Guides seeking to become IFGA Trails Guide Assessors must meet specific criteria before moving to the assessment stage, as determined by IFGA during the application process.
Any outstanding requirements will be communicated to the applicant. Monthly assessor workshops, held via Zoom, ensure consistency in assessments.
Candidates are required to attend these workshops to meet IFGA assessors and familiarise themselves with the assessment standards.
*Senior Guide: A senior member of a guiding team who has contributed to the development of junior guides.
*Training: Can take place in a lodge setting, through a training provider, or via external on-site training programs.
Application form with CV: Required
IFGA Certification: Minimum IFGA Lead Guide
IFGA Trails Guide: Required
Age: 30+ years
National Guiding Certificate: Required (country specific)
Years Guiding at 5-Star Lodge (or Private): 5 +
Years as a Senior Guide: 2 +
Years Training Guides: 2 +
Assessor Workshops: Required
Conduct 2 trails guide walks (supervised by a current IFGA Assessor)
The IFGA App for Assessors
Once you become an IFGA assessor, you gain full, free access to a digital ecosystem designed to drastically streamline your administrative and logistical requirements.
The IFGA app makes your job easier on the ground, allowing you to focus entirely on the evaluation itself.
Paperless Administration
Digitising the entire assessment and reporting process—no physical paperwork required.
Digital Booking Infrastructure
Seamlessly schedule assessments with guides and lodges using our online booking system.
Historical Performance Data
Arrive prepared. Before an assessment, you can access a candidate's historical performance metrics and logged experience for highly targeted and accurate evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time frame depends on meeting the necessary requirements, attending the assessor workshops, and completing two supervised assessments. On average, the process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your experience and availability.
How long does it take to become an IFGA Assessor?
First, you need to submit your application with the required documents, including your CV and certifications. After your application is reviewed and approved, you'll attend monthly assessor workshops to familiarise yourself with assessment standards. Then, you will conduct two supervised assessments before receiving full certification.
What is the process to become an IFGA Assessor?
IFGA doesn’t charge anything to become certified. There are costs associated with assessments, including assessor fees and the costs of meeting each requirement. This will change depending on your location, experience and chosen certification type. Please contact IFGA directly to get more detailed cost information.
How much does it cost to become an IFGA Assessor?
The monthly assessor workshops, held via Zoom, are designed to ensure consistency in assessments and maintain high standards. They provide candidates with the opportunity to meet IFGA assessors, familiarise themselves with the assessment process, and ask any questions they may have.
What is the purpose of the monthly assessor workshops?
Vehicle Guide Assessors focus on assessing IFGA Vehicle Guides, which are vehicle-based guides. IFGA Trails Guide Assessors assess IFGA Trails Guides that are guides conducting walking-based guiding in Dangerous Game Areas. IFGA Wilderness Trails guide assessors assess IFGA Wilderness Trails Guides that conduct multiday backpack trails in dangerous game areas.
What’s the difference between an IFGA Vehicle Guide Assessor, IFGA Trails Guide Assessor and IFGA Wilderness Trails Guide Assessor
Absolutely.
Can I be an IFGA assessor and a FGASA assessor?
Requirements:
IFGA Wilderness Trails Guide Assessor
IFGA Wilderness Trails Guide Assessors are qualified to evaluate both the IFGA Trails Guide and Wilderness Trails Guide components.
​
Any outstanding requirements will be communicated to the applicant. Monthly assessor workshops, held via Zoom, ensure consistency in assessments.
​
Candidates are required to attend these workshops to meet IFGA assessors and familiarise themselves with the assessment standards.
*Senior Guide: A senior member of a guiding team who has contributed to the development of junior guides.
*Training: Can take place in a lodge setting, through a training provider, or via external on-site training programs.
Application form with CV: Required
IFGA Certification: Minimum IFGA Lead Guide
IFGA Wilderness Trails Guide: Required
Age: 30+ years
National Guiding Certificate: Required (country-specific)
Years Guiding at 5-Star Lodge (or Private): 5 +
Years as a Senior Guide: 2 +
Years Training Guides: 2 +
Assessor Workshops: Required
Conduct 2 wilderness trails with a IFGA Wilderness Trails Guide Assessor
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How to get certified
Please fill in the form to enquire about becoming an IFGA-certified assessor.
