Description
Study Towards Your NQF4 Qualification While Working
This online course is tailored for ambitious guides already certified at NQF2 level. Through scheduled, live Zoom lectures led by experienced instructors, you’ll explore complex topics such as guest experience design, weather interpretation, advanced ecology, and professional guiding standards.
Learning Objectives
This course covers all 18 FGASA NQF4 Nature Site Guide modules, designed to advance your knowledge and professionalism as a guide:
- Designing a nature experience
- Guiding skills
- Ecology
- Animal behaviour
- Conservation management
- Weather and climate
- And much more
By the end of the course, participants will have mastered the theoretical requirements of the FGASA NQF4 qualification and will be eligible to complete the practical assessment.
Course Format and Structure
- Live online learning: Live lectures are on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, starting at 12:00 (GMT+2) (South African time)
- Interactive Lessons: Engage with experienced instructors, join Q&A sessions, and work through practical examples.
- FGASA-Aligned: Fully endorsed by FGASA, aligned with the national unit standards for NQF4 Nature Site Guide.
- Duration: 6-8 weeks
- Fee: Live online instruction
EcoTraining Online Theory Assessment
FGASA Online Theory Exam
Two-day practical assessment (within 150km of Hoedspruit; excludes travel beyond that or any conservancy/gate fees)
Modules and Lessons
The course covers 18 modules, including:
- Welcome and Introduction
- Designing a Guided Nature Experience
- Guiding Skills and Guest Experience
- Weather and Climate
- Biomes of Southern Africa
- Basic Ecological Processes
- Taxonomy
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Fish
- Arthropods
- Animal Behaviour
- Historical Human Habitation
- Conservation Management
Course Features
Explore the rich curriculum of EcoTraining’s field guide courses and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.
- Access to comprehensive FGASA-approved NQF4 learning material
- Live, interactive online lectures three times a week with expert instructors
- Theory reviews and workbook support throughout the course
- Certificate of Participation from EcoTraining
- Eligibility to write the FGASA Nature Site Guide NQF4 online theory exam
- FGASA registration and exam fee included
- Pre-assessment briefing and theory preparation support
Entry level requirements
- Full FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification.
- Must be an active FGASA member with no outstanding fees.
- Minimum of 260 days of experience recorded in FGASA Field Guide Logbook.
- Valid First Aid certificate.
- Access to a stable connection to the internet or WiFi.
- Basic understanding of English (speak, read, and write).
Course Specific Details
In this course, you’ll also benefit from the following:
- Covers all 18 FGASA NQF4 modules
- Access to mock exams and regular theory reviews
- Two compulsory electives + one elective of your choice (e.g. birding, biome, tourist destination)
- Q&A and workbook support sessions after lectures
- Practical assessment included (within 150km of Hoedspruit)
- Technical and student support throughout the programme
- Option to complete your FGASA practical assessment within 18 months
- Step-by-step guidance toward full FGASA NQF4 certification
Instructors and Expertise
Our expert instructors bring decades of hands-on field guide experience:
David Havemann
David’s career spans roles as a nature conservationist, environmental educator, and head instructor at EcoTraining’s Selati camp.
Richard Davies
With over a decade of guiding experience, Richard’s passion for nature and education shines in every lecture.
Brett Heasman
Drawing on years of guiding and training experience, Brett’s love for the bush and commitment to people come through in every camp he oversees.
Kate Douetil
Uniting academic expertise and field experience, Kate delivers high-level training that empowers the next generation of guides.
Certification and Accreditation
Upon completion of the Online NQF4 Field Guide Bridging Course and successful passing of the FGASA online theory exam, students will have fulfilled the theory component of the FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF4) qualification. Certificates are issued within 6 to 8 weeks post-exam.
This course is fully endorsed by FGASA and includes registration, exam fees, and access to official FGASA materials via the FGASA Campus platform.
Students who complete the theory component through this course are eligible to complete their practical assessment with EcoTraining, bringing them one step closer to full NQF4 certification.
Things to note
This course covers the theory component only of the FGASA NQF4 Nature Site Guide qualification.
Completion of a practical assessment is required to achieve the full NQF4 qualification.
The practical assessment is included in the enrolment fee (within a 150km radius of Hoedspruit). Additional travel, gate or conservancy fees are not included.
Students have 18 months from the start of the course to complete the practical component.
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