Frequently Asked Questions
Certification
Why Certify? Certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, safety, and excellence in wilderness guiding, risk management, and outdoor expertise. Becoming certified sets you apart, enhancing your credibility and increasing trust among employers, clients, and industry peers. It provides evidence of your specialized knowledge, adherence to industry standards, and your dedication to ongoing professional development. Whether you're working in guiding, outdoor education, expedition logistics, film and television production, or related sectors, certification supports your career advancement, reduces professional risk, and elevates industry standards.
Are our certifications recognized? Our certifications align with recognized industry standards and best practices while uniquely specializing in jungle and tropical environments, and operating in harmony with the local population. Operating in Jungle environments is typically much more complex, and this organization has been developed by specialists in the industry to help everyone involved navigate these complexities. This certification is the first to specifically integrate and support the knowledge of remote Indigenous communities who live in jungle regions. It focuses on the specialized skills and insights required to navigate jungle-specific challenges, aspects that broader wilderness certifications typically do not fully address, and is the product of jungle guides and local populations requests for a body that works specifically for them.
How will certification help me? Certification boosts your marketability, making you stand out in a competitive industry. It helps attract more clients by showcasing your professional standards and expertise, building trust and confidence. Additionally, certification can offer legal aid by demonstrating adherence to recognized safety and risk management standards, potentially reducing liability risks. Ultimately, certification enhances your reputation, drives business growth, and solidifies your professional standing.
Membership Information
How do I become a member of the association?
You can become a member by joining our members area. While only certified guides and instructors can have a say in certification matters, use logos and issue certificates, anyone can become a member and benefit from the many other perks such as discounts, free publications, and news letters.
Who is eligible to join the association?
Our membership is open to anyone. Professionals, organizations, and students involved in outdoor industries, wilderness guiding, risk management, and related fields benefit the most. People interested in enhancing their outdoor adventure skillsets and knowledge also benefit from our program.
What benefits do I get as a member?
Members receive access to professional resources, publications, training discounts, networking opportunities, policy updates, and exclusive member newsletters and updates.
Does membership provide discounts for professional training and certifications?
Yes, members enjoy exclusive discounts on courses or certifications.
Can organizations or groups become members, or is membership for individuals only?
We offer both individual and organizational memberships. Organizational membership allows multiple representatives from your group to access our resources and benefits. Contact us on how to set this up.
Membership Management
How can I renew my membership?
Membership renewals can be completed easily online through your member portal. Reminders will be sent via email when your renewal date approaches.
Can I update my membership details online?
Yes, you can update your personal and professional information directly via your secure member profile page.
What should I do if I forgot my login information?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the member login page, or contact us directly for assistance.
Association & Governance
What is the primary purpose of the association?
Our association aims to promote best practices in Jungle guiding, outdoor education, and jungle risk management, ensuring the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and environmental responsibility while working together with local populations to develop best practices and infrastructure in the growing jungle tourism sector around the world.
Who oversees the association?
Jungle Guides International is based in Nova Scotia, Canada, and is the legal entity behind the initiative. The Volunteer Association is overseen by an elected board of directors composed of experienced industry professionals who volunteer their time.
How often does the association hold meetings or events?
We hold regular meetings, along with regular workshops, networking events, and training sessions throughout the year. Eligible members are encouraged to participate actively.
Why is a jungle-focused organization based in Canada?
Operating an international organization from Canada helps us effectively navigate the complex social, legal, and bureaucratic challenges often present in tropical developing countries. Our partners and local communities specifically encouraged us to base operations externally, enabling smoother processes, greater transparency, and wider recognition. Additionally, international clients often seek certifications from organizations based in stable jurisdictions, providing greater confidence in certification quality and standards. This structure allows us to responsibly bridge global standards and local expertise.
Policy & Standards
Where can I find the association’s code of conduct and professional standards?
All relevant policies, guidelines, and codes of conduct are available for download in the members area, or to read on the homepage.
Does the association provide insurance or guidance on liability and risk management?
While we don’t provide direct insurance coverage, we offer guidance, industry-standard resources, and recommended practices for managing liability and risk in outdoor and wilderness settings.
How are membership fees utilized by the association?
Membership fees directly support the creation and provision of educational resources, advocacy, research, member events, professional development, and operational administration costs.
General Support
Who can I contact if I need technical support or additional questions?
As we are also leading training and expeditions, and operate globally in 4 languages, we operate solely through email. Please reach out to us through our contact forms or directly via email at info@jungleguides.org. We are happy to assist you!