0188 - Recreation Specialist Series

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers positions where the paramount requirement is for a general knowledge of the goals, principles, methods and techniques of the broad field of recreation in evaluating recreation needs and in planning, organizing, advising on, and administering recreation activities and programs that promote the physical, creative, and social development of participants.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the SOCIAL SCIENCE, PSYCHOLOGY, AND WELFARE GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 0101 - Social Science Series
  • 0102 - Social Science Aid and Technician Series
  • 0105 - Social Insurance Administration Series
  • 0106 - Unemployment Insurance Series
  • 0107 - Health Insurance Administration Series
  • 0110 - Economist Series
  • 0119 - Economics Assistant Series
  • 0130 - Foreign Affairs Series
  • 0131 - International Relations Series
  • 0132 - Intelligence Series
  • 0134 - Intelligence Aid and Clerk Series
  • 0135 - Foreign Agricultural Affairs Series
  • 0136 - International Cooperation Series
  • 0140 - Workforce Research and Analysis Series
  • 0142 - Workforce Development Series
  • 0150 - Geography Series
  • 0160 - Civil Rights Analysis Series
  • 0170 - History Series
  • 0180 - Psychology Series
  • 0181 - Psychology Aid and Technician Series
  • 0184 - Sociology Series
  • 0185 - Social Work Series
  • 0186 - Social Services Aid and Assistant Series
  • 0187 - Social Services Series
  • 0189 - Recreation Aid and Assistant Series
  • 0190 - General Anthropology Series
  • 0193 - Archeology Series
  • 0199 - Social Science Student Trainee Series

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) Is Not In Demand International Live Events Association (ILEA) someSome    
Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Group Fitness Instructor Is Not In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Health Coach Certification Is Not In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Basic Certified Casting Instructor Is Not In Demand Federation of Fly Fishers someSome    
Master Certified Casting Instructor Is Not In Demand Federation of Fly Fishers someSome    
Certified Heritage Interpreter Is Not In Demand National Association for Interpretation someSome    
Certified Interpretive Guide Is Not In Demand National Association for Interpretation someSome    
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Is Not In Demand National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Is Not In Demand National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Playground Safety Inspector Is Not In Demand National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) someSome    
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer-Exercise and Fitness Specialist (CPT-EFS) Is Not In Demand Academy of Applied Personal Training Education (AAPTE) someSome    
Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) Is Not In Demand Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) mostMost    
ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructors (ACSM-GEI) Is Not In Demand American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) someSome    
Board Certified Coach (BCC) Is Not In Demand Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) someSome    
Certified Safety Instructor Basic Level (WSO-CSI) Is Not In Demand World Safety Organization (WSO) someSome    
Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Is Not In Demand National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) someSome GI BillGI Bill  

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 0188 - Recreation Specialist Series. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Coaches and Scouts someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Park Naturalists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Recreation Workers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Recreational Therapists mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Social and Community Service Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation recognizes event professionals who have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability essential to perform all components of a special event. To qualify as a candidate for the CSEP exam, one must have a minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional employment in the special events industry. The CSEP Exam is a two part examination consisting of a multiple choice portion and a written portion.

Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) certification recognizes fitness professionals who use research-based techniques to help people of all fitness levels reach personal fitness goals. The ACSM-CPT facilitates motivation and adherence as well as develops and administers programs designed to enhance muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and/or any of the motor skill related components of physical fitness. ACSM-CPTs have the practical and scientific knowledge to work in a variety of facilities, including health clubs, gyms, university, corporate, and community or public fitness centers, and hold positions ranging from freelance to full-time. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and possess Adult CPR/AED certification to take the ACSM-CPT exam.

Click here to go to Group Fitness Instructor COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) certification is an entry-level health and fitness professional credential. GFI is recommended for those interested in leading fitness classes of any variety. Candidates must be over the age of 18, must have completed high school (or the equivalent), and must hold valid current adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) certificates. Candidates must take a written exam.

Click here to go to Health Coach Certification COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The ACE Health Coach Certification is an intermediate-level health and fitness professional credential. The ACE Health Coach Certification aims to foster a deeper connection with Health Coaches and their clients while opening new doors in fields like workplace wellness and health care. The Health Coach certification is for professionals in a variety of fields including but not limited to fitness professionals, registered nurses, physicians, registered dietitians, medical assistants, even corporate wellness program directors.

Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Personal Trainer Certification is designed for fitness trainers providing one-on-one or small-group fitness instruction. This is an entry level certification and requires applicants to pass the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification exam. Personal Trainer Certification exam validates the applicant's knowledge of risk factor screening, fitness assessment, nutrition, exercise science, exercise programming and progressions, instructional and spotting techniques, lifestyle modification and professional scope of practice. The applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years of age, and hold current adult CPR and AED certificate.

Click here to go to Basic Certified Casting Instructor COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Master Certified Casting Instructor COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Heritage Interpreter COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Interpretive Guide COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc., Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is designed to recognize qualified professionals in the field of recreational therapy. Recreational therapy utilizes activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions to aid in recovery and improve overall well-being. Recreational therapy is a process designed to aid clients in their functioning so they may more fully participate in life. Certification of a recreational therapist quickly communicates to employers and clients that the therapist has achieved certain standards of professionalism, education, and experience. To obtain a CTRS certification, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Playground Safety Inspector COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is an intermediate-level health and fitness credential for professionals who work with athletes. CSCSs apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance; conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field and must also have current CPR/AED certification.

Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) credential is an entry-level health and fitness certification. CPTs assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. CPTs design safe and effective exercise programs, provide guidance to help their clients achieve health and fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Candidates are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent and must also have current CPR/AED certificates.

Click here to go to Certified Personal Fitness Trainer-Exercise and Fitness Specialist (CPT-EFS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Academy of Applied Personal Training Education (AAPTE) Certified Personal Fitness Trainers-Exercise and Fitness Specialists (CPT-EFS) are fitness professionals proficient in the understanding of client assessment, exercise program design, physiology of human performance, biomechanics, nutrition, medical considerations and terminology, effective communication, and personal training ethics. The CFT-EFS exam assesses a candidate's essential knowledge in the exercise sciences and the application of the sciences in training the general population. Candidates must be at least 18 years old or a high school graduate, complete a human anatomy course or have active status NCCA accredited Personal Training Certification, and hold current CPR/AED certification.

Click here to go to Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) COOL Snapshot page.

The Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) certification is an intermediate-level credential for professionals with specialization in human services. To earn the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP), individuals must meet experience and education requirements and obtain a passing score on the HS-BCP Examination.

Click here to go to ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructors (ACSM-GEI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM-GEI) certification is for fitness professionals who teach, lead, and motivate individuals through intentionally designed exercise classes. ACSM-GEIs are high-achievers inside and outside the group studio with planning effective, exercise science-based group sessions for different fitness levels and possessing motivational and leadership techniques that help participants of classes achieve fitness goals. ACSM-GEIs have excellent communication skills that are used while working in gyms and health clubs, community, university, and corporate facilities. ACSM-GEI certification applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess Adult CPR/AED certification with a practical hands-on skills component. Applicants must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Board Certified Coach (BCC) COOL Snapshot page.

The Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential is an advanced-level certification for individuals who are practitioners in the field of life, wellness, career, and leadership coaching. Individuals who pursue the BCC must meet extensive educational and experiential requirements. BCCs are expected to have exceptional relationship skills, outstanding coaching interactions, and advanced knowledge of coaching approaches and techniques, and support upstanding ethical and professional practices.

Click here to go to Certified Safety Instructor Basic Level (WSO-CSI) COOL Snapshot page.

The WSO Certified Safety Instructor Basic Level (WSO-CSI) is an intermediate-level safety instructor credential. The WSO-CSI deals with the elementary aspects of instruction; this includes: basic public speaking, use and control of audio-visual aids, handling distractions and other difficult instruction-related challenges.

Click here to go to Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) COOL Snapshot page.

The NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) is an advanced, mastery-level credential designed for managerial, administrative and executive parks and recreation professionals. The CPRE focuses on the practical knowledge and skills necessary for the park and recreation environment.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Coaches and Scouts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Coaches and Scouts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Park Naturalists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Park Naturalists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Recreation Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Recreation Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Recreational Therapists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Recreational Therapists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Social and Community Service Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Social and Community Service Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials