Your curiosity about nature could take you places
The Naturalist School’s Certified Nature Guide course returns in a new, self-paced format. Learn online around your schedule, build practical experience outdoors, and work towards certification.
Designed for aspiring nature guides, junior naturalists and local guides ready to strengthen their skills.
The course at a glance:
- Self-paced online learning: Fit your learning around work, college and everyday life.
- Four modules: Explore natural history, guiding, field skills and certification.
- Practical experience: Assist naturalists on walks, workshops and other field activities.
- Assessment: Complete the required field practice and in-person assessment for certification.
- Flexible entry: Take individual learning modules or follow the complete certification pathway.
- Course Fee: The full course fees is ₹30,000. However if you take selected modules, then the fees is ₹11,800 for each of the first three modules and ₹15,000 for the fourth module.
Who is this course for
This self-paced online course is designed for those who are curious to learn about nature, wildlife and looking at a guiding career in life. This is highly suitable for young local guides eager to gain practical, hands-on approaches to basic natural history, nature interpretation and flora/fauna identifications. After this course you will be ready to be a local guide or to assist naturalists and senior naturalists.
You do not need any science background or years of field experience for this course. You just need to have the curiosity to learn and take your first step towards becoming a professional Naturalist and start your career in the Wilderness.
What will you learn
- Module 1: Biodiversity Explorer Series – Natural History 101 into Life Forms Around Us (From the world of Birds, Insects, Mammals, Plants and Fungi)
- Module 2: The Art of Interpretation and Guiding – From Knowledge to Experience Design (Through storytelling, sustainability, Roles, Nature Journaling and Conservation)
- Module 3: The Nature Guide’s Toolkit – Skills for Exploring, Documenting & Protecting Nature (with Citizen Science, Research, Wildlife Photography, Advanced Birding and Butterflies)
- Module 4: Certification – Transform yourself from and explorer to Certified Nature Guide with Field Practice, First Aid Basics, Assessment & Skill India Certification.
Earn an industry lauded Skill India Certificate
You will receive a Govt. of India vocational skill certificate on successfully completing the course. The course is accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and/or the Tourism Hospitality Skills Council (THSC). Certificates will also be eligible for academic credit as per NSQF UGC Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this a Certification Course?
Yes, you will receive a Govt. of India vocational skill certificate on successfully completing the course. The course is accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and/or the Tourism Hospitality Skills Council (THSC). Certificates will also be eligible for academic credit as per NSQF UGC Scheme.
What is the course fee like?
If you are taking up the course from Module 1 to Module 4 (Certification) together, then the fee amount will be ₹30,000. Otherwise, you can selectively get any modules with the fee of ₹10,000 for each of the first three modules and ₹15,000 for the fourth (certification) module.
Will the entire course happen online?
Yes, largely the entire course will take place online. Only for the Certification and Assessment part, we will have Cohorts announced for you to appear in-person & attend the Skill India assessment.
What does the assessment look like?
The assessment is mostly designed to assess your skills rather than your knowledge as such. Keeping the basic knowledge in mind, the assessor usually will have three components – Theory MCQs, Viva and Practical Walks.
Can I access the course after my module or certification is done?
Yes, the course content and material will be available for you to refer to after the course gets completed as well.
Can I drop off after one module?
Yes, the course has been designed to give you the flexibility to do the course at your own convenience.
While we would strongly recommend completing the entire course and getting the certification, you do have the option of doing any of the modules on its own.
How does On-the-Job Training look like for this course?
Since OJT or practical experience is mandatory, we will give you opportunities across various major cities to be part of and volunteer/intern in the walks/events or workshops.
You will be semi-leading them and get the experience that is required to be an assistant to the Naturalist.
Will I get job opportunities after my course?
Yes, as part of TNS Alumni Community and Network, we will help you in getting many job opportunities that you can apply for. This can be in many eco-tourism and luxury properties across the country.
How much salary can I expect when working as a Nature Guide?
A lot depends on your experience, exposure and skills that you bring in. It also depends on the brand or who is giving you the opportunity to work. Having said that, we have usually seen the average salary of a Nature Guide can start with a CTC of around 32 to 38k.
While a Naturalist can be with CTC anywhere between 45 to 60k. Many earn beyond that with prior experience and exposure.
Can I upskill later as a Certified Naturalist once I take up this course?
Yes, as part of your learning curve and pathway, we at TNS will definitely consider you and help in your journey to become a professional Naturalist once you have finished your Certified Nature Guide Course.
