Why Get IFGA Certified?
Whether you've been guiding for a few years or a few decades, IFGA certification helps you stand out in a competitive industry. Through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, experienced guides can be assessed against a globally relevant standard that reflects the qualities today’s lodges and guests value most.
IFGA adds a layer that recognises how you apply your skills in the field. From interpretive storytelling to situational awareness and guest connection, IFGA certification highlights what makes a guide truly exceptional.
Developed in collaboration with leading lodges, this certification was created in response to industry demand for a new benchmark – one that prioritises guest experience, not just textbook knowledge. With no annual fees and a tiered scorecard to showcase your strengths, IFGA gives you a powerful tool to unlock new opportunities, build credibility, and further your career.
Types of Certification
IFGA Certification comes in three levels: IFGA Guide, IFGA Advanced Guide, and IFGA Ambassador. The type of certification a guide is awarded depends on the cumulative grade they receive from a series of assessments covering guided experience, knowledge and technique. Certifications are also specific to a specialisation, such as Vehicle Guide or Trails Guide.
IFGA Vehicle Guide
Assesses the guest-facing and interpretive skills demonstrated during vehicle-based safaris – including storytelling, ecological knowledge, and the ability to engage guests across topics like mammals, botany, birding, and track & sign.
IFGA Backup Trails Guide
A Backup Trails Guide (second rifle) can accompany an Advanced Trails Guide (first rifle) on walking safaris in dangerous game areas. IFGA assessments focus on guest interaction, communication, support given to the lead guide, situational awareness, crisis management, sensitivity to the environment, and contribution to a safe, immersive experience.
IFGA Advanced Trails Guide (Dangerous Game)
IFGA Advanced Trails Guide (Dangerous Game)
An Advanced Trails Guide can legally walk as the first rifle (country dependent) to conduct extended trails walks in dangerous game areas, and to actively follow and view potentially dangerous animals.
IFGA evaluates the behavioural, leadership, and guest experience skills of experienced guides in high-pressure walking environments.
Specialisations
IFGA specialisations allow a guide to demonstrate their world-class knowledge and skills in a specific guiding area. These specialisations include vehicle, trail and dangerous game. Additional specialisations will be added in the future.
Theory Assessment
For candidates undergoing the RPL process, theoretical knowledge is assessed based on a minimum of one year of demonstrated guiding experience.
Practical Assessment
The IFGA practical assessment is divided into three categories: Guided Experience, Technique, and Knowledge, with each assessed separately. This structure ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a guide's skills and abilities across all key areas.
IFGA RPL Assessment
*There are additional requirements to become certified depending on the specialisation you choose, such as a driving assessment. These are detailed below.
Grade: 40-59
IFGA Trainee Guide
Grade: 60-75
IFGA Guide
Grade: 76-85
IFGA Advanced Guide
Grade: 86-100
IFGA Ambassador
Requirements: IFGA Vehicle Guide RPL
During the application process, IFGA will determine if the listed requirements have been met in order to proceed to the RPL Assessment stage. Should any of the requirements be outstanding, IFGA will communicate further with the applicant.
Application form: Complete with CV and references
Active guiding: Minimum 1 year
IFGA Driving Assessment: Minimum 3 drives
National Guiding Certificate: Required (country specific)
Age: 21+
First Aid Certificate: Required
Requirements: IFGA Advanced Trails Guide (Dangerous Game) RPL
Lead walks in areas with dangerous game. IFGA will determine if the listed requirements have been met in order to proceed to the RPL Assessment stage. Should any of the requirements be outstanding, IFGA will communicate further with the applicant.
IFGA Advanced Rifle Handling: Required
IFGA Graded Assessment: Required
CyberTracker Tracker: Level 3 Required
Dangerous Game Encounters: 200* Required
Age: 21+
First Aid Certificate: Required
National Guiding Certificate (Walking): Required (country specific)
*In South Africa this includes elephant, rhino, buffalo and lion
Frequently Asked Questions
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 assesord. Our assessors will determine whether you have met the listed requirements to proceed to the RPL assessment stage.
How can I get a recognition of prior learning (RPL) to become an IFGA-certified guide?
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.
How much does an IFGA RPL Assessment cost?
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.
How long does it take to be assessed for IFGA RPL?
There is no expiration date on your IFGA certification, there are also no annual fees to join IFGA. Becoming IFGFA-certified boosts your employability – all without the annual fees and membership renewals of other guiding associations.
How long does an IFGA certification last?
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.
What are the different levels of IFGA certification?
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.
How are IFGA RPL assessments structured?
How to Get Certified
Please fill in the form to enquire about recognition of prior learning to become an IFGA-certified guide.
