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Essential Eligibility Criteria TCNA Field Programs

CyberTracker Certifications aim to support and develop the profession of wildlife tracking. As such, TCNA strives to make our events as accessible as possible while also balancing the need to operate safely within the framework of the skills expected from professional trackers in dynamic outdoor environments across North America. 

Trailing Certifications are typically much more physically demanding than Track & Sign Certifications, though both present unique challenges. Venue often dictates what we encounter in the field. It is important that participants meet some minimum criteria to ensure they can fully engage with the process. We work hard to make accommodations where we can, but it is important for participants to understand what they may encounter in the field. Please be sure to reach out to the event host or a TCNA contact person about a venue if you have questions beyond the information provided here. 

Track & Sign Certifications

While Track & Sign Certifications rarely require sustained periods of rigorous or strenuous activity, they are entirely field-based experiences set in a wide variety of locations. Participants must be prepared and able to:

  • Travel with whatever items you will need to be safe and comfortable for a full day outside (extra clothes, food, water, etc). For many individuals this may amount to 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6 kg) of personal gear.
  • Walk up to 3 miles (5 km) a day cross country and over uneven ground (this may include slopes, ravines, creek crossings, etc.) or up to 6 miles (10 km) of walking on a hiking trail or road. Please inquire for details based on specific locations. 
  • Spend up to 8 to 10 hours in the field continuously in whatever unpredictable conditions are possible at the time and location of the event. Participants often stand or sit for extended periods, which can intensify the effects of outside temperatures and conditions.
    • Each Certification presents particular environmental challenges, potentially including exposure to hot, sunny conditions; extreme cold, rain, or snow; mud, wet clothes, traffic noise, and insects. Participants should have a reasonable level of experience in outdoor conditions and be prepared to take care of themselves with appropriate clothing, rain gear, umbrellas, food, water, etc.
    • Bathrooms are frequently unavailable or are far from event locations. Participants must be able to go without access to restroom facilities for up to 8 hours or be able to urinate/defecate in field settings.
  • Be able to effectively signal or notify Evaluators or other participants of personal distress, injury, or need for assistance.
  • Self-administer prescription medications as needed, maintaining proper dosage without assistance from evaluators, except in emergency situations.
  • Sustain high levels of concentration and mental engagement throughout the event. While Track & Sign Certifications are designed to be engaging and create a supportive social context, they can be mentally demanding. Plan ahead for long, mentally rigorous days, and consider bringing whatever supports help you stay focused and alert (e.g. a thermos of tea or coffee and snacks can provide helpful afternoon boosts).
  • Engage respectfully with individuals from a wide range of cultural and political backgrounds, maintaining focus on the shared process of wildlife tracking. Contribute to a supportive learning environment.
  • Refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol during all field activities. Similarly, refrain from participating in field activities while impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol.

Accommodations: 

Participants must provide for themselves any personally required adaptive equipment that supports their full participation in the tracking and evaluation process. This may include, but is not limited to: 

  • Items that enhance visual engagement such as flashlights, magnifying glasses, binoculars.
  • Tools to reduce distractions during quiet or focussed tasks, such as ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones.
  • Devices that support communication and comprehension during questions, discussions, and debriefs, such as hearing aids, or assistive listening devices.

Trailing Certifications

Trailing Certifications vary considerably depending on the local terrain, the wildlife species present, and the experience of the participants, but these events typically require long days of strenuous activity and concentration. It may be possible to establish events in venues and with groups that can mitigate certain challenges. Regardless, participants in general must be prepared and able to:

  • Travel with whatever items you will need to be safe and comfortable for a full day outside (extra clothes, food, water, etc). For many individuals this may amount to 10 to 15 (4.5 to 6 kg) pounds of personal gear.
  • Travel around 8 to 10 miles (13 to 16 km) per day cross-country, off trail, and on animal trails; potentially navigate steep slopes, ravines, windfallen logs, creek crossings, and other obstacles common to off-trail backcountry travel.
  • Spend around 8 to 10 hours in the field continuously in whatever unpredictable conditions are possible at the time and location of the event. Participants often stand or sit for extended periods, which can intensify the effects of outside temperatures and conditions.
    • Each Certification presents particular environmental challenges, potentially including exposure to hot, sunny conditions; extreme cold, rain, or snow; mud, wet clothes, traffic noise, and insects. Participants should have a reasonable level of experience in outdoor conditions and be prepared to take care of themselves with appropriate clothing, rain gear, umbrellas, food, water, etc.
    • Bathrooms are unavailable or are far from event locations. Participants must be able to go without access to restroom facilities for up to 8 hours or be able to urinate/defecate in field settings.
  • Be able to effectively signal or notify Evaluators or other course participants of personal distress, injury, or need for assistance.
  • Self-administer prescription medications as needed, maintaining proper dosage without assistance from evaluators, except in emergency situations.
  • Maintain appropriate levels of attention, group etiquette, and actively follow instruction. This is especially crucial during Trailing Certifications, where the collective behavior/performance of the small group can directly impact an individual’s performance. 
  • Engage respectfully with individuals from a wide range of cultural and political backgrounds, maintaining focus on the shared process of wildlife tracking. Contribute to a supportive learning environment.
  • Refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol during all field activities. Similarly, refrain from participating in field activities while impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol.

Neither Track and Sign nor Trailing certifications can accommodate service animals. Please reach out to TCNA with any questions regarding general Certification event expectations, and disability or language accommodations.