All FGASA electives evidenced
Birds, trees, geology, herp, marine, etc.
Certified · Professional Mastery
Professional Field Guide
FGASA's exclusive professional designation. Senior practical and theoretical mastery — and the obligation to mentor.
At a glance
Certified · Professional at a glance
- Designation
- FGASA exclusive (beyond national NQF)
- Logged days
- 520+
- Electives
- All elective subjects required
- Entry
- Certified Field Guide (NQF 4 + 260 days)
- Awarded by
- FGASA based on portfolio + Assessor sign-off
Richard says
“Professional Field Guide is the point at which you stop being assessed and start assessing. The job changes shape — the bush is still the classroom, but you're holding the chalk.”
Voice draft from session-1 scoping notes; will be replaced with a direct quote from Richard before broader release.
By the end
Outcomes you'll be assessed against
- Demonstrate mastery across the full FGASA elective range.
- Interpret complex sightings — predator/prey, breeding behaviour, ecological succession.
- Mentor junior guides (Apprentice + NQF 4 candidates).
- Contribute evidenced research, citizen science, or training material to the profession.
Before you begin
Prerequisites
- Certified Field Guide (NQF 4 Nature Site Guide + 260-day logbook complete).
- Active guiding role with regular access to DG areas.
- A portfolio of evidence in development.
A week in the life
What a typical day on Certified · Professional looks like.
No two weeks are the same — but the rhythm is.
- 01
Pre-dawn
You're often the senior guide on a multi-vehicle game drive — and the safety call.
- 02
Mid-morning
Mentor a junior: walk a Level 1 student through a practical exercise.
- 03
Midday
Elective evidence — birding survey, tree census, or specialist photography.
- 04
Afternoon
Lead a paying expedition; debrief with the team.
- 05
Evening
Contribute to the reading you ask juniors to do — a paper, a chapter, a note.
Indicative module list
Modules
Professional-level material is reading-list-led more than module-led — most candidates already have a deep reading habit. Tingala points to the books Richard recommends rather than re-writing them. Scaffold lands as students reach this designation.
Senior interpretation — multi-day expedition guiding
Mentorship logbook — formal record of juniors trained
Reading list — primary FGASA + ecological references
Portfolio of evidence — sighting logs, training notes
Optional: contribution to FGASA assessment material or training
Assessment
How Certified · Professional is assessed
Portfolio + Assessor sign-off + electives evidenced. Awarded by FGASA centrally; Tingala prepares and supports.
See accreditation for the SAQA → CATHSSETA → FGASA chain. See consent for what data your twin holds about your progress.
Next step
Ready to start Certified · Professional?
We're keeping the first cohort small. Tell us where you are on the FGASA path and where you'd like to be 12 months from now.
Request an invitation