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Interpretive Guiding (CIG™)

The Interpretive Guiding (CIG) course is designed for interpreters who regularly lead interpretive programs and would like to learn more about the fundamentals of interpretation. During this course you will participate in group activities, write a program outline, and deliver a 10-minute presentation on a topic of your choice.

Find a course

In-Person Courses     Online Courses


"The CIG was part of an internship I did just after graduating college. At the time it seemed like a nice perk in addition to the work experience. Since then (2007) it has helped me in every job I’ve had (both interpretive and not) and helped me GET most of my jobs as well!
 —Robyn Anderson, CIT, CIG

Course Content

This 32-hour course covers:

  • The history, definition, and principles of interpretation
  • Techniques to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
  • How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts

Outcomes

After completing this course, you will have a basic knowledge of:

  • The history of the interpretive profession
  • The basic principles of interpretation
  • Creating a program outline
  • Leading a thematic interpretive presentation

Prerequisites

You must be at least 16 years old to register.

Registration Rates

$600 Regular Registration (includes a complimentary one-year NAI membership)
$525 with NAI Member Discount

For additional questions, please get in touch with our Professional Development Program Coordinator at [email protected].

Upcoming In-Person Interpretive Guiding Courses

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The Aldo Leopold Center
June 15–June 19, 2026
Baraboo, WI, United States
Instructor(s): Monique Thompson

6/15/2026 12:00:00 AM

Katy Prairie Welcome Center
June 23–June 26, 2026
Waller, TX, United States
Instructor(s): Amber Pepper

6/23/2026 12:00:00 AM

Beach Institute
June 23–June 26, 2026
Savannah, GA, United States
Instructor(s): Erica Veal

6/23/2026 12:00:00 AM

Mississippi Aquarium
August 3–August 6, 2026
Gulfport, MS, United States
Instructor(s): Hadiya White

8/3/2026 12:00:00 AM

Naples Botanical Garden
August 17–August 20, 2026
Naples, FL, United States
Instructor(s): Mary Helen Reuter

8/17/2026 12:00:00 AM

North Mountain Visitor Center
August 26–September 16, 2026
Phoenix, AZ, United States
Instructor(s): Rebecca Barry

8/26/2026 12:00:00 AM

Zoo Atlanta
September 14–September 23, 2026
Atlanta, GA, United States
Instructor(s): Melissa King

9/14/2026 12:00:00 AM

Columbus Zoo
September 14–September 17, 2026
Powell, OH, United States
Instructor(s): Brianne Warthman

9/14/2026 12:00:00 AM

New England Aquarium and Zoo New England
September 21–October 19, 2026
Boston, MA, United States
Instructor(s): Rita Poussaint Nethersole

9/21/2026 12:00:00 AM

Yellowstone Forever Headquarters
September 28–October 2, 2026
Gardiner, MT, United States
Instructor(s): Amanda Evans

9/28/2026 12:00:00 AM

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
October 20–October 23, 2026
Kansas City, MO, United States
Instructor(s): Ginger Miller

10/20/2026 12:00:00 AM

Upcoming Online Interpretive Guiding Courses

Virtual CIG courses are a combination of online instruction and virtual meetings with your instructor. The virtual course is designed to cover all the same material and requirements as the in-person CIG course. Course meeting times can be found on the registration page.

Courses will be held in the instructors time zone.

June 8–June 12, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

6/8/2026 12:00:00 AM

June 22–June 26, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

6/22/2026 12:00:00 AM

July 6–July 10, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

7/6/2026 12:00:00 AM

July 7–July 13, 2026
Instructor(s): Kristin Robinson
Online

7/7/2026 12:00:00 AM

July 13–July 17, 2026
Instructor(s): Monique Thompson
Online

7/13/2026 12:00:00 AM

July 20–July 24, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

7/20/2026 12:00:00 AM

August 3–August 7, 2026
Instructor(s): Monique Thompson
Online

8/3/2026 12:00:00 AM

August 10–August 14, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

8/10/2026 12:00:00 AM

August 11–August 21, 2026
Instructor(s): Rita Poussaint Nethersole
Online

8/11/2026 12:00:00 AM

August 24–August 28, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

8/24/2026 12:00:00 AM

September 7–September 11, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

9/7/2026 12:00:00 AM

September 21–September 25, 2026
Instructor(s): Walt Bailey
Online

9/21/2026 12:00:00 AM

October 19–October 23, 2026
Instructor(s): Monique Thompson
Online

10/19/2026 12:00:00 AM
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