For all the details download the latest version of the "Certification of Environmental Educators Program Plan". 

There are several steps involved in getting certified including:

Step 1. Pre-Assessment (word or pdf) and Initial Application (word or pdf)

The pre-assessment is a tool to help you gauge readiness to enter the program, and strengths and weaknesses as an environmental educator.  At this stage, applicants will select their level of certification. CAEE staff will ensure the application is complete and determine whether the applicant is ready to enter the program or should further develop their EE experiences, knowledge and skills.  Candidates not yet ready to enter the program will receive specific feedback, examples for improvement and information about available resources to encourage them to continue working toward certification.  Applicants will receive admission notification within one month of his/her submission.

Step 2. Optional Mentor Assignment
You have the option of working with a mentor to complete your application.

Step 3. Portfolio Development-

This certification process is a competency-based program - one where the applicant will demonstrate what they know and can do through a portfolio.  There are five themes that an applicant should be proficient in to achieve certification:  Environmental Literacy, Foundations of EE, Professional Responsibilities of the Environmental Educator, Planning and Implementing EE, and Evaluation and Assessment.  Each theme includes competencies — statements of what individuals are expected to be able to demonstrate.

What should a portfolio include?

A self-assessment (word or pdf) that lists the evidence you have included in your portfolio and any helpful information you want reviewers to know as they review your portfolio (i.e. page numbers to reference, etc.)

Anything and everything that demonstrates your achievements in environmental education and shows reviewers that you know each of the competencies. 

Get Started:  Here are some suggested assessments that meet the portfolio requirements to get you started.

Click here to see how the portfolio will be evaluated.

Click here for a list of resources that will help you complete your portfolio.

*Remember, if you are completing a master level certification, you must submit evidence for each of the competencies.  If you are completing a basic level certification, you do not need to submit evidence for the competencies written in blue.

Step 4.Submit the Final Application
When you feel your portfolio adequately addresses the competencies, submit an application form, portfolio, fee, current resume, and a signed copy of the Colorado Environmental Education Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Conduct

Click here for details on how to submit your final application.

Step 5. Application Review

A Certification Peer Review Panel, composed of trained certified educators, will review each application based on the rubrics.  Individuals appointed to the panel must exemplify high standards of professional judgment, competence and integrity and are required to have Level 1: Master Environmental Educator Certification. Click here for more information on who will review your submission.

Step 6. Notification
Certification will be confirmed or denied in writing from the Certification Peer Review Panel.

This certification program is a competency-based process.  In addition to the files above, applicants are encouraged to refer to the Guidelines for Environmental Educators in Colorado (CAEE 2005) for additional examples and specific information for each competency.