NAI Certificate in Interpretive Guiding

The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about how to eliminate ‘fact bombing’ and create rich, lasting audience engagement. You will learn how to analyze your audience to make your programs more complex and resonant, even with audience members who disagree with you. Students leave with skills that make programs purposeful, relevant, and enjoyable, ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us.

If you are not already an NAI member, you will need to create a free account to register.

Kristin Robinson leads her course in a way that welcomes everyone to bring their experience to the table and provides the space and structure to build upon their existing practice. 

Tricia Patrick
Irani Foundation Director of Education
Ford’s Theatre | Where Lincoln’s Legacy Lives

She is engaging and excited about sharing her work with participants. Her communication style is open, often modeling key elements to storytelling that are woven into her approach.  Each person is challenged and championed to expand our boundaries. The course was scaffolded wonderfully, blending reading, reflection, discussion and a final presentation. I left the course confident that I could apply what I learned to interpretation of historic sites and in dialogue the public.  

Upcoming Online Classes Delivered by ZOOM


Platform and Access

You will need a computer or laptop with camera and microphone, with excellent Internet access, for the online training. A smartphone or tablet can work in an emergency, but students report that it’s cumbersome. For co-workers taking the course together, please note that you will each need your own computer (and quiet space) for breakout groups. We do ask that you remain camera on for the duration of class.


This course uses Zoom, Padlet, and Google Drive. Please be sure you are able to access all online tools and update your zoom client prior to the start of class.




May 5-14

All Times Eastern

May 5-9 1:00pm - 5:00pm Eastern

May 12 10:00 am-5:30 pm Eastern Time. From 1:00-3:00 Eastern there will be final instruction. The rest of the day will be one-on-one meetings to prepare for your final presentation. You are not required in the zoom space except for class and your individual meeting time.

May 13, 1:00-5:00pm Eastern time. Final presentations. Class on this day can run a little long so please be prepared to be flexible with our end time on this final day.

There is no instruction on Saturday or Sunday.

For more details see the Registration page

June 16-24

All Times Eastern

June 16-18 & 20 12:00-5:00pm

June 23 10:00am-5:30pm. Final Instruction from 1:00-3:00. The rest of the day is 1-on-1 coaching

June 24 - 1-5

There is no class on June 19th in honor of Juneteenth

There is no class on Saturday or Sunday

For more details see the Registration page

July 7-15

All Times Eastern

July 7-11 & 15 1:00-5:00pm

July 14 10:00am-5:30pm. Final Instruction from 1:00-3:00. The rest of the day is 1-on-1 coaching

For more details see the Registration page


August 4-12

All Times Eastern

August 4-8 & 12 1:00-5:00pm

August 11 10:00am-5:30pm. Final Instruction from 1:00-3:00. The rest of the day is 1-on-1 coaching

For more details see the Registration page