FGASA

FGASA

FGASA - Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

What is FGASA?

FGASA stands for the Field Guides Association of southern Africa. It is a professional association that was established in 1992 to represent the interests of tourism guides and nature enthusiasts in southern Africa. FGASA promotes high standards of knowledge, professionalism, and ethical conduct among its members, who include safari guides, tour operators, and other professionals involved in nature-based and heritage or cultural tourism industries.

In order to achieve its goals, the organisation organically evolved into the training space. FGASA is an accredited CATHSSETA Training Provider and delivers training and assessments through a stable of FGASA delivery partners and FGASA Assessors.

To join the FGASA journey, whether it be for personal knowledge gain or professional career development, one needs to become a member of FGASA.

To become a member of FGASA, individuals need to first register with the organisation and enrol for one of the courses offered by FGASA. There are no prerequisite qualifications needed only a good command of spoken English. From there potential new members need to complete and pass their chosen qualification. This process involves being found competent in both theoretical and practical applications of the learning materials provided by FGASA. Once an individual has passed both the theoretical and practical components related to their qualification, they will become a fully incorporated member of FGASA.

Overall, FGASA plays a key role in promoting the responsible and sustainable development of nature-based, heritage and cultural tourism in southern Africa, while also contributing to the conservation of the region's natural resources, cultural history, and wildlife.

FGASA has proudly carved a significant professional career path for guides, particularly within the safari sector for safari and walking guides.

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Why join FGASA?

There are several reasons why someone might want to join FGASA:

  • Brand excellence: The FGASA brand is highly regarded and provides guides with career opportunities.
  • Professional Development: FGASA provides a range of training courses, workshops, and exams that enable members to improve their knowledge and skills as guides and nature enthusiasts. This can help members to enhance their career prospects and achieve their professional goals.
  • Networking Opportunities: As a member of FGASA, individuals can connect with other professionals in tourism, including guides, tour operators, recruiters, and conservationists. This can help to build relationships and create opportunities to share skills and knowledge, as well as collaborations within the industry. 
  • Recognition and Accreditation: FGASA membership is widely recognized as a mark of quality and professionalism in tourism sectors across Africa. Members who meet the organisation's standards and are found competent in their qualifications are awarded accreditation, which can help to differentiate them from others in the industry.
  • Advocacy and Representation: The organisation advocates for responsible, ethical, and sustainable tourism practices, and works to promote the conservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage, and wildlife.
  • Access to Resources and Support: FGASA gives members access to a range of resources and support services, including a comprehensive list of Mentors, Assessors, Specialist Training Delivery Partners, job listings, and advice on best practices.Retail benefits: FGASA has negotiated a series of retail benefits with several retail partners.Overall, joining FGASA can be a valuable investment for those passionate about nature, wildlife, cultural history, and who are seeking to build a career in the tourism sector of southern Africa.

How to join FGASA?

  • Learn about FGASA: Start by visiting the FGASA website (https://www.fgasa.co.za) to explore their programs, qualifications, and membership. Learn about the different qualifications, the training and how the FGASA qualifications set out a defined career path that encourages self-development and career growth. FGASA is a CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) accredited Training Provider.
  • Create an account: Register for an account on the FGASA website. You will need to provide some personal information, including your name, contact information, and address.
  • Complete the application: Fill out the membership application form, providing all the required information and upload a head-shot photo of yourself. This is the image that will be used on your membership card.
  • Enrol for a FGASA qualification and pay the registration fee: The FGASA registration fee includes registration, a one-year membership subscription and the required learning materials for the course you have chosen. Note that to be a fully incorporated FGASA member you must enrol for and complete one of the qualifications offered by FGASA.
  • Complete the course and assessments: Attend the training program and complete all necessary course work, practical assessments, and written exams. This will help you gain the knowledge and skills required for your chosen FGASA qualification.
  • Theory Exams: Once you have worked through the relevant FGASA learner manuals and completed the compulsory workbooks you must then register, book, and pay for the relevant FGASA theory exam. FGASA offers written exams at National Sittings for all FGASA qualifications. Online exams are only available for the Nature Site Guide NQF2, the Trails Guide VPDA (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals) and ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) (NQF2), Marine Nature Site Guide NQF2, and the FGASA Nature Enthusiast Non-guiding certificate.
  • Exam marking and moderation: All FGASA exams carry a minimum pass of 75%, if you score lower than this on your exam you will fail the theoretical component and will need to write again. If you score between 69% and 74% on your theoretical exam at one of the written National Sittings your exam will be automatically moderated to see if there are any extra marks that could help you pass. If you get 73% or 74% on an online exam you will be offered a moderation exam to help boost your mark.
  • Practical assessment: Once you have been found competent on your theory exam you will then need to book for your practical assessment with a FGASA Assessor. This may only be done in person and is site specific. It is a compulsory requirement to submit your fully completed workbook to your Assessor before the practical assessment. You will then deliver a guided experience while being assessed. Once the assessment is over, the Assessor will tell you if you have passed (been found competent) or if you have failed and need to redo it.
  • Receive your FGASA qualification: Upon a successful practical assessment, you will be awarded your FGASA qualification and be recognised as a member of the association.
  • Important Note: To legally guide in South Africa there are several additional requirements that need to be met. You can learn more about these on the FGASA website.

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