Training and Certification Programs

The WatchSpotter Certified Associate (WCA) Certification program is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the WatchSpotter software. This course will cover the fundamentals and differences between WatchSpotter CS, WatchSpotter Pro, and ProSync. This certification offers a comprehensive overview of the application’s key features, benefits and functionality.

Course Overview

During this class, participants will:

1. Explore the User Interface: Get acquainted with the layout and navigation of the WatchSpotter software, ensuring they can efficiently access and utilize various tools and features.
2. Learn Basic Functions: Understand the core functionalities, including data entry, survey setup, and project management, to get started with their own projects.
3. Discover the Benefits: Gain insights into how WatchSpotter can enhance data collection, streamline research processes, and improve data accuracy and analysis.
4. Understand Best Practices: Learn the best practices for using WatchSpotter, including tips and tricks for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in data management.
5. Explore the Mobile App: Learn how researchers can use the mobile app in various field scenarios to collect and manage data seamlessly, ensuring continuous workflow even in remote locations.

Certification and Next Steps

Upon completing of this introductory course, participants will receive the  WatchSpotter Certified Associate  (WCA) certification, acknowledging their basic proficiency in using the software and mobile app. This certification lays the groundwork for more advanced training and certification opportunities, empowering users to fully leverage WatchSpotter’s capabilities for their research and conservation projects.

Location: Live Interactive Online
Duration: 2 Hours
Cost: Free

Dates:
Thursday July 25, 2024 1:00PM – 3:00PM EST
Thursday August 8, 2024 3:00PM – 5:00PM EST
Thursday August 22. 2024 1:00PM – 3:00PM EST

The WatchSpotter Certified Professional (WCP) Certification Program recognizes and certifies individuals with exceptional proficiency in using WatchSpotter software. This certification validates that the individual is adept at applying industry best practices in data collection, management, and analysis using WatchSpotter’s advanced tools and features. Certified professionals leverage WatchSpotter to enhance  research and conservation projects, ensuring high-quality data integrity and insightful analysis. This program improves the individual’s technical skills but also boosts their credibility and career prospects in marine research and environmental conservation.

The Certification Program consists of three comprehensive one-hour classes, each designed to provide in-depth training on using WatchSpotter software. Candidates will undergo a practical exam to demonstrate their proficiency upon completing these classes. In the practical exam, participants will:

1. Set Up a Project from Scratch: Initiate a new project within the WatchSpotter software, configuring all necessary parameters and settings to ensure accurate data collection and analysis.
2. Configure and Execute Surveys: Design and set up various types of surveys, ensuring they are correctly configuration for different research scenarios.
3. Import Historical Data: Efficiently import and integrate historical data into the WatchSpotter system, ensuring seamless integration with new data collections.
4. Filter and Analyze Maps: Utilize WatchSpotter’s advanced mapping features to filter and analyze geographical data, drawing meaningful insights and visualizing patterns.

This certification process ensures that candidates are knowledgeable about the software and capable of applying their skills in real-world situations, thereby validating their expertise and readiness to undertake professional research projects using WatchSpotter.

Location: Live Interactive Online
Duration: 3 one-hour sessions, plus 2-4 hours of hands-on project setup
Cost: $249

The WatchSpotter Certified ProSync  Professional (WCPS) Certification Course equips Protected Species Observers (PSOs) and Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the WatchSpotter ProSync application for species observations.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage ProSync’s features to enhance data collection, ensure compliance with project requirements, and minimize the impact of marine activities on ecosystems. Through theoretical lessons and practical exercises, participants will gain proficiency in conducting visual surveys, recording detailed observations, and preparing reports for stakeholders.

This course covers the setup and usage of offshore and aerial surveys, including cloud sync, mapping and comprehensive reporting.

ProSync is an advanced add-on for WatchSpotter Pro designed to enhance species observation capabilities. This certification course builds upon the foundational knowledge provided in the WatchSpotter Professional Certification course. Participants must complete the WatchSpotter Professional Certification course before enrolling in the ProSync Certification course. This prior certification ensures that participants have a solid understanding of WatchSpotter Pro, enabling them to leverage the advanced features of ProSync in their fieldwork.

Location: Live Interactive Online
Duration: 3 one-hour sessions, plus 2-4 hours of hands-on project setup
Cost: $249
Bundle: WCP & WCPS $399 (Save $100)