Frequently
Asked Questions
About IFGA
The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) is a certification body that recognises and rewards exceptional guiding. IFGA sets a new standard by emphasising both technical expertise and the essential soft skills that define world-class guest experiences, such as storytelling, communication, environmental awareness, and professionalism.
IFGA’s tiered certification system, based on a 1-100 score, offers clear visibility into a guide’s capabilities, providing an unmistakable measure of their skills and experience. This system helps guides distinguish themselves in a competitive industry and gives lodges confidence that they are hiring skilled, and guest-focused professionals. This clarity is what makes IFGA a respected certification, providing a transparent measure of a guide's skills and experience.
IFGA certification is available to all individuals and organisations across various stages of their guiding profession.
This includes aspiring field guides pursuing student certification, qualified and practising guides seeking to validate their expertise, and experienced professionals looking to become IFGA-certified assessors. In addition, established training providers can apply for certification to align their programs with IFGA’s standards.
CATHSSETA is a statutory body that training providers are required to be registered with to offer qualifications that are legally recognised for guiding in South Africa. IFGA is not a training provider, so is not required to be registered with CATHSSETA.
IFGA certification serves as an additional recognition that complements the CATHSSETA qualification, which is the only legally required certification for guiding in South Africa. While CATHSSETA focuses on technical skills and knowledge, IFGA goes beyond that by assessing a guide’s soft skills – such as communication, guest experience, and professionalism. This ensures guides meet higher industry standards, showing their ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
IFGA certification allows guides to stand out in a competitive industry, giving lodges confidence in hiring professionals who exceed the basic statutory qualifications.
IFGA was established in 2023 by a group of industry professionals who identified a critical gap in the guiding industry. Their extensive expertise guides the association's rigorous standards and strategic direction. Their collective experience ensures that IFGA's certification remains a trusted benchmark for excellence within the field.
IFGA certification allows guides to demonstrate their full potential and stand out in a competitive industry. It clearly reflects a guide’s capabilities across both technical and interpersonal areas, such as guest experience, communication, ethical conduct, and environmental awareness, ensuring they are equipped to deliver world-class, guest-focused experiences.
Recognised by safari lodges, guiding organisations, and travel agencies, IFGA certification is highly regarded by employers seeking top-tier talent. While not a statutory body, IFGA complements the CATHSSETA qualification, which remains the only legal requirement for guiding in South Africa. Whereas CATHSSETA verifies technical competence, IFGA highlights guides who exceed these minimum standards and provides lodges with a reliable benchmark of quality.
Over recent years, Bushwise has witnessed the need for guides to have the ability to differentiate themselves in the industry. In 2023, it played a foundational role in the establishment of the International Field Guide Association (IFGA). Drawing on its experience and commitment to excellence, Bushwise helped shape the certification framework.
Following this, IFGA was more formally established by professionals from across the safari and hospitality industry and operates as an independent body, separate from any single organisation.
IFGA itself does not charge any fees to join. Fees for assessments are determined by your assessor and differ between countries. Contact us to speak with an IFGA representative to get an accurate estimate.
IFGA is a certification body and does not offer funding or direct training services. IFGA’s role is to assess and recognise field guides who meet our global standards of professionalism, ethics, and guest experience.
Qualified guides may apply for an IFGA assessment. A once-off assessment fee is applicable, but unlike many other industry associations, IFGA does not charge an ongoing annual membership fee.
Student certification
Anyone with a passion for nature and an interest in guiding can apply to join a field guide course and work towards becoming a certified IFGA guide. While the minimum age requirement to join most field guide courses is 18, you must be 21 to become a certified IFGA guide. This is aligned with industry standards for professional driving permits and other requirements for professional guides. You can still earn your entry-level guiding certification, country dependent, at 18 (ie, CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 in South Africa).
Our certified training providers, such as Bushwise in South Africa, host in-person training courses to give students the necessary skills and experience to take the IFGA Assessments. These assessments are then held by qualified assessors to determine your level of proficiency.
On average, field guide courses take six months to complete, plus an optional additional six months work placement. These courses are designed to provide you with essential training, theory, soft skills, and knowledge to excel as an IFGA guide.
IFGA offers three certification levels based on your graded performance: IFGA Guide (60-75%), IFGA Advanced Guide (76-85%), and IFGA Ambassador (86+). Each level is awarded based on the candidate’s performance in their assessment, which covers areas such as guided experience, technique, and knowledge.
IFGA certification allows you to specialise in areas like Vehicle Guide, where you lead wildlife tours in vehicles, or Trails Guide, where you can conduct nature walks. Advanced specialisations, such as the IFGA Advanced Trails Guide for Dangerous Game, enable you to lead extended walks in dangerous game areas.
IFGA assessments evaluate guides across three key areas: guided experience, technique, and knowledge. Each guide is graded on these areas, and their certification status is based on the overall score. Specialisation-specific assessments are also required, with the score for each specialisation appearing on the issued certificate.
Guide certification
If you are an existing guide who is interested in getting IFGA certified, the first step is to reach out to an IFGA assessor in your geographic area to get evaluated. Contact us using the form below for us to put you in touch with an assessor. Our assessors will determine whether you have met the listed requirements to proceed to the RPL assessment stage.
IFGA itself does not charge any fees to join. Fees for assessments are determined by your assessor and differ between countries. Reach out to us using the contact form below to get an accurate estimate and to speak with an IFGA representative.
Depending on your level of experience and qualification, as well as the number of specialisation requirements you have completed, an RPL in-person assessment should take approximately 2-3 full days per candidate.
There is no expiration date on your IFGA certification, there are also no annual fees to join IFGA. Becoming IFGA-certified boosts your employability – all without the annual fees and membership renewals of other guiding associations.
IFGA offers three RPL certification levels based on your graded performance: IFGA Guide (60-75%), IFGA Advanced Guide (76-85%), and IFGA Ambassador (86+). Each level is awarded based on the cumulative scores from assessments in areas such as guided experience, technique, and knowledge.
Assessments evaluate guides across three key areas: guided experience, technique, and knowledge. Each guide is graded on these areas, and their certification status is based on the overall score. Specialisation-specific assessments are also required, with the score for each specialisation appearing on the issued certificate.
Assessor certification
The time frame depends on meeting the necessary requirements, attending the assessor workshops, and completing five supervised assessments (or five ARH and five trails assessments). On average, the process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your experience and availability.
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 five supervised assessments before receiving full certification.
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 also change depending on your location, experience, and chosen certification type. Please contact IFGA directly to get more detailed cost information.
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.
Vehicle Guide Assessors focus on assessing IFGA Vehicle Guide Trainees. Trails Guide Assessors assess both Trails Guide Trainees and the Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) component, covering more specialised and advanced skills related to dangerous game encounters.
Field Guiding qualifications in South Africa
To legally work as an entry-level guide in South Africa, you need the Cathsseta Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification. While some lodges may mention other providers like FGASA in their job postings, CATHSSETA is the legal requirement for the industry.
No, FGASA is not required to guide in South Africa. The only legal requirement is the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification, which you can earn through a training provider like Bushwise. To further distinguish yourself, IFGA certification is highly recommended.
In addition to your CATHSSETA qualification, you’ll need a valid first aid certificate, a Professional Driving Permit (PrDp) for vehicle-based guides, a valid driver’s licence, and registration with the National Department of Tourism (NDT).
IFGA certification sets a global standard of excellence, distinguishing you from other guides with its focus on immersive guest experiences and ethical guiding practices. This certification can open doors to more prestigious opportunities and broaden your career prospects internationally.