New Instructor CPD Process 2025
OCC Instructors: New Continuing Professional Development Process for 2025
March 2025
Hello OCC Instructor,
At the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC), we want to recognize your important role in fostering safe, enriching, and high-quality outdoor experiences. By choosing to become an OCC Instructor, you’ve shown your dedication not only to developing your own outdoor leadership but also to mentoring and inspiring new leaders who will carry these practices forward.
As an Instructor, you regularly model responsibility, demonstrate expertise, and emphasize the importance of continuous learning to your students. Staying current, refining your skills, and remaining active in your practice are naturally part of this role.
In many cases, staying current means re-taking certification courses every few years. At the OCC, we know there are simpler, less expensive, and more practical ways for Instructors to demonstrate that they are current. That is why we’re introducing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Instructors, which build naturally upon activities you’re already doing to stay sharp as an instructor and outdoor leader.
How CPD Works:
Each year, OCC Instructors will track their professional development using a straightforward points-based system. This simple points-based system credits you for activities you already do regularly, such as:
- Delivering OCC courses and workshops
- Mentoring new leaders
- Participating in relevant training, conferences, or workshops
Review the summary of requirements here.
2025 is a Pilot Year – Your Feedback Matters:
Since this CPD system is new and directly linked to maintaining your instructor license, 2025 will serve as a pilot year. This period is specifically designed to gather your insights, suggestions, or concerns. It’s the ideal time to ask questions, suggest changes, or voice any concerns. Your feedback will help ensure the CPD system genuinely supports your role as an instructor.
The closing date for the pilot is not set yet as we need your feedback to guide our timeline. We expect to announce the closing date in late 2025 and will provide at least one months’ notice.
Important Notes for OCC Instructors:
As an OCC Instructor, you automatically hold a Field Leader certification as well. If you received both the Instructor and Field Leader CPD emails, you only need to complete the Instructor CPD Form.
Next Steps:
Please log into your OCC account and complete the Instructor CPD Form within the next few months.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Amy, our Program Coordinator, directly—she wants to hear from you, she is here to help.
Thank you for your continued passion, dedication, and leadership. You’re helping build a community that deeply values safe, enjoyable, and meaningful outdoor adventures for all.