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snake being held by an interpreter

Professional Learning and Certificates

Certified Interpretive Host Course

Presented by: The Indianapolis Zoo and the National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
Learn how to turn everyday interactions into interpretive opportunities with this unique approach to customer service that will set you apart by connecting to your organization’s mission.

Ever notice how some people seem to be natural storytellers? Others just seem to have a way of handling people and making them comfortable, and still others can explain just about anything to anybody in a way that makes sense. All these elements and more are involved in the art of interpretation. This training will give you the interpretive tools to innovate the way you communicate with others to generate meaningful moments for guests. 

The nationally recognized Certificate of Interpretive Hosting (CIH) program is a certificate course through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) that pairs customer service and informal interpretation skill development, acknowledging that everyone in an organization has a responsibility to mission. This program is designed for anyone who wants to enhance their customer service skills and learn how to turn informal interactions with visitors into interpretive opportunities. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation and how to apply those principles to your customer service. During the course, you will assess host-visitor interactions and leave ready to make positive first impressions that support the mission of your organization. 

In this 16-hour course, you will…

  • Learn customer service standards that help make memorable customer connections 
  • Participate in interactive games and discussion to learn the basics of interpretation  
  • Apply informal interpretation techniques in daily interactions to connect back to your organization’s mission  
  • Test your knowledge on what mission-based customer service looks like in its ideal form 

The course will be led by Indianapolis Zoo’s Interpretation Manager who is certified by the National Association for Interpretation to teach the course as Certified Interpretive Host Trainer.  

Upcoming Dates:
  • November 6-7
Times:
  • 9:00am – 5:00pm
    • Please note that it is a two-day course, and you must attend both days of the training to receive the certificate.
Cost:
  • $475 Regular Registration (includes a one-year complimentary NAI membership). NAI Member receive a discount. More details are on the registration page.