Overview
COAPRT and recreation education
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredits undergraduate degree programs in parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields. CHEA-recognized.
The Credential
COAPRT and the CPRP
A COAPRT-accredited degree is a direct path to certification. Graduates of a COAPRT-accredited program can sit for the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) exam through the NRPA right away; graduates of non-accredited programs typically need a related degree plus experience first. The CPRE (Executive) is the leadership-level credential.
Don’t Confuse
COAPRT vs. CAPRA
Two similar NRPA-affiliated systems get mixed up: COAPRT accredits college programs (education), while CAPRA (the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) accredits park and recreation agencies (the departments and organizations themselves). For a degree, look for COAPRT.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits parks and recreation programs? The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), which accredits undergraduate degree programs. It is CHEA-recognized.
- How does COAPRT connect to the CPRP? A COAPRT-accredited degree lets you sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam right away; non-accredited graduates typically need a related degree plus experience first.
- What is the difference between COAPRT and CAPRA? COAPRT accredits college programs (education); CAPRA accredits park and recreation agencies (the organizations themselves). For a degree, look for COAPRT.
- What is the CPRP? The Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification from the NRPA, the national standard for recreation professionals.
- Is parks and recreation a licensed field? No. It is certified (CPRP/CPRE via NRPA) rather than licensed; COAPRT accreditation supports the fastest certification path.
- What levels does COAPRT accredit? Undergraduate parks, recreation, tourism, and related degree programs.
- Is COAPRT recognized by the government? COAPRT is CHEA-recognized.
- How do I verify a recreation program? Search the COAPRT list of accredited programs via the NRPA.