Cybertracker track and sign certification - march 7 to 8 2026
Learning about wildlife tracking can help you reconnect with nature and the environment. These skills can also help you contribute to participating in citizen science such as the Friends of Gatineau Park’s Animal Tracks Inventory (https://www.friendsofgatineaupark.com/citizen-science.html).
The Friends of Gatineau Park are pleased to host a CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification on March 7 to 8. Cybertracker wildlife tracking certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
The Friends of Gatineau Park are pleased to host a CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification on March 7 to 8. Cybertracker wildlife tracking certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
who is this event for?
The CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification is open to everyone, from beginners to more experienced trackers. No prior tracking experience is required to participate in this event, but preparation is necessary for those who would like to obtain a certificate (see below for criteria).
how does the cybertracker track and sign certification process work?
CyberTracker certifications are conducted by highly skilled tracking specialists. We are honoured that Sage Raymond, the first Canadian to earn a specialist certificate here in North America, will be conducting the March 2026 certification.
The format of the certification is based on asking participants a series of questions about the tracks and sign of any and all species encountered in the field, whether big or small, clear or obscure, fresh or old. After participants give their answers for a set of questions, a dialogue ensues between the tracking specialist and participants to provide the opportunity for everyone involved to internalize field marks, wildlife behavior, and natural history.
The Tracker Certifications emphasize practical tracking and the development of reliable field skills, and are unassociated with any particular philosophy or tracking school.
Participants will have the opportunity to obtain a certificate, based on the following criteria:
Track & Sign I: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of medium to large animals and must have a fair knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign I certificate the candidate must obtain 70% on the Track & Sign Interpretation.
Track & Sign II Certificate: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of small to large animals, interpret less distinct spoor, and must have a good knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign II certificate the candidate must obtain 80% on the Track & Sign Interpretation certification.
Track & Sign III and Track & Sign IV Certificates: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of any animal, interpret obscure spoor and must have a very good knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign III certificate the candidate must obtain 90% on the Track & Sign Interpretation certification, and for Level IV, 100%.
CyberTracker certifications are administered by Tracker Certification North America (TCNA), using the CyberTracker Conservation system of certification.
The format of the certification is based on asking participants a series of questions about the tracks and sign of any and all species encountered in the field, whether big or small, clear or obscure, fresh or old. After participants give their answers for a set of questions, a dialogue ensues between the tracking specialist and participants to provide the opportunity for everyone involved to internalize field marks, wildlife behavior, and natural history.
The Tracker Certifications emphasize practical tracking and the development of reliable field skills, and are unassociated with any particular philosophy or tracking school.
Participants will have the opportunity to obtain a certificate, based on the following criteria:
Track & Sign I: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of medium to large animals and must have a fair knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign I certificate the candidate must obtain 70% on the Track & Sign Interpretation.
Track & Sign II Certificate: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of small to large animals, interpret less distinct spoor, and must have a good knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign II certificate the candidate must obtain 80% on the Track & Sign Interpretation certification.
Track & Sign III and Track & Sign IV Certificates: The candidate must be able to interpret the spoor of any animal, interpret obscure spoor and must have a very good knowledge of animal behavior. To qualify for the Track & Sign III certificate the candidate must obtain 90% on the Track & Sign Interpretation certification, and for Level IV, 100%.
CyberTracker certifications are administered by Tracker Certification North America (TCNA), using the CyberTracker Conservation system of certification.
cost
Registration for this two-day event is $440 CA.
Tracker Certification North America offers limited funds to support individuals facing financial or contextual barriers, particularly those from communities underrepresented in wildlife research, conservation, and outdoor education. If you are interested in applying, more information can be found here: https://trackercertification.com/financial-access/.
Tracker Certification North America offers limited funds to support individuals facing financial or contextual barriers, particularly those from communities underrepresented in wildlife research, conservation, and outdoor education. If you are interested in applying, more information can be found here: https://trackercertification.com/financial-access/.
Useful information
- The certification will take place within the Ottawa-Gatineau area, with a focus on Gatineau Park.
- This event is conducted entirely in English, and answers must be formulated in English. However, we will have translators on site to help with communication. Questions can also be translated into French during the certification period.
- You are not entitled to any outside help, books or measuring tapes during the certification.
- Please bring your own water, snacks, cold lunches, notebook and pencil.
- Filming is prohibited.
- The ticket price does not include accommodation.
- Once you have purchased your ticket, there are no refunds.