Online Field Guide (NQF4) FGASA Course
Exciting opportunity
This flexible, expert-led online course is designed for working guides who have completed their NQF2 qualification and are ready to take the next step toward becoming fully certified Nature Site Guides. Covering all 18 FGASA NQF4 modules, this 10-week programme includes live lectures, interactive theory reviews, workbook support, and assessments, all delivered by EcoTraining, South Africa’s original field guide training provider.
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What to expect from the Online NQF4 Field Guide Course
Advanced learning for ambitious guides
This 10-week online course covers all 18 FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF4) modules, designed to build on your NQF2 knowledge and prepare you for advanced certification. You’ll dive into topics like ecology, geology, taxonomy, animal behaviour, and more, plus complete two compulsory electives and one of your choice. Live lectures take place three times a week with experienced EcoTraining instructors, supported by structured reviews, workbooks, and online assessments.
The course is built to suit working guides, with midday sessions (GMT+2) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and includes all the learning materials you’ll need to stay on track.
Led by South Africa’s original field guide training provider
EcoTraining, established in 1993, is a FGASA-endorsed and CATHSSETA-accredited institution with decades of experience training nature guides across Africa. This online course reflects that legacy, combining live mentorship, structured content, and practical preparation in a format designed for real-world application.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Online NQF4 Field Guide Bridging Course, you will receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Participation, as well as FGASA theory completion for the Nature Site Guide NQF4 qualification. This confirms that you’ve completed the full theoretical component, including all 18 modules and required electives.
What you can expect to graduate with
- An EcoTraining Certificate of Participation
- FGASA recognition for completing the NQF4 theory component
- Eligibility to register for your practical NQF4 Field Guide assessment
- Deeper knowledge in key guiding areas such as ecology, taxonomy, and conservation
- A critical next step towards qualifying as a fully certified Nature Site Guide
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.
- Participants need to be older than 18 years.
- Basic understanding of English (speak, read, and write).
Why choose the Online NQF4 Bridging Course?
Designed for ambitious working guides, this course enables students to deepen their knowledge, meet advanced industry standards, and work towards their full NQF4 Nature Site Guide certification, all while maintaining flexibility in their schedule.
Expert-led lectures
With EcoTraining’s expert-led live online lectures, comprehensive learning materials, and full FGASA endorsement, it’s the ideal next step for anyone looking to grow as a professional field guide. Your enrolment fee includes an EcoTraining Online Theory Assessment, the FGASA Online Theory Exam, and a two-day practical assessment (within a 150km radius of Hoedspruit; additional costs apply beyond this range or for gate/conservancy levies).
FAQ about the Online NQF4 Field Guide Bridging Course
This course is specifically designed for working field guides who already hold their FGASA NQF2 Nature Site Guide certificate and want to bridge the gap to the NQF4 qualification.
The course comprises three weekly live sessions from expert instructors covering all the modules that form part of the Field Guide NQF4 syllabus. Live lectures are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 12:00 (GMT+2) (South African time). This is to accommodate working guides who conduct morning and afternoon game drives. Lectures range between an hour and two hours, with Q&A, workbook support & theory reviews at the end of each session. A detailed course schedule will be sent to all course participants upon registration.
Your fee includes access to all live lectures, EcoTraining’s Online Theory Assessment, the FGASA Online Theory Exam, and a two-day practical assessment (within a 150km radius of Hoedspruit; any distance beyond that or conservancy fees are not included).
Yes. After the online portion and theory exams, you’ll complete a two-day practical assessment.
This practical is a 2-day assessment experience, similar to our Safari Experience, where candidates are evaluated over four guided drives. There is no training provided during this time, as the assessment is designed to verify your existing guiding experience (minimum 270 days) and professional conduct in the field.
Assessments are conducted at your own guiding venue, within a 150km radius of Hoedspruit. The fee covers the assessor’s time for the two-day evaluation. Additional costs may apply for venues located further away or those requiring gate or conservancy levies.
Yes. This is an FGASA-endorsed programme and forms part of the official pathway to achieving your FGASA NQF4 Nature Site Guide qualification.
Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.
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