Under the umbrella of the International Academy of Rural Advisors (IALB) standards were compiled for a qualification and skills competence development program for advisors in rural areas, concluding with the CECRA Certificate. The training program is geared to develop methodological, social and personal advisory skills. Within CECRA competencies are acquired in seminars and by examination of advisory systems in other countries or regions. In achieving the certificate advisors will have the opportunity to network with colleagues in other regions and countries. The program is directed at all actors in the rural areas. In non-german speaking parts of Europe EUFRAS (European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services) offers the CECRA competence development program.What does CECRA mean?
The availability of competency development programmes for advisors and consultants in rural areas varies between and within countries. Those that are available often focus on knowledge rather than skills development. Under the umbrella of the International Academy of Rural Advisors (IALB), standards were compiled over a four-year project phase (2009 – 2012) for a qualification and competence development program for consultants in rural areas, concluding with the CECRA (= Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas) Certificate.
CECRA combines a seminar series consisting of various modules with familiarization with rural advisory work in other regions and structures, and offers cross-border networking opportunities for the Certificate holder. The program is directed at all actors in rural areas. In non-German speaking parts of Europe EUFRAS (European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services) offers the CECRA competence development program.
Overview of the CECRA modules
Compulsory Modules
1. M01 Personal Development / My Profile as a Consultant
2. M02 Communication and Building Relationships in Advisory Work
Elective modules
(min. of 3 modules according to individual choice)
3. M03 Teamwork and Team Leadership
4. M04 Rhetoric / Presentation
5. M05 Self- and Time Management
6. M06 Project Management
7. M07 Shaping Advisory Processes
8. M08 Change Management
9. M09 Moderation and Facilitation
10. M10 Marketing of Advisory Services
11. M11 Event Management
12. М12 Advising and supporting groups
13. М13 Basics of Mediation
14. М14 Advising and Supporting Enterprises in Strategic Issues
15. М15 Introduction to Coaching
16. M16 Shaping Innovation Processes – Supporting networks
17. M17 Basics of Participation
Each module consists of at least 12 hours of physical presence (approx. 2 days) as well as additional self-study (literature review, own in-depth studies) and the application of the relevant topic in day-to-day advisory work, with a minimum time investment of 18 hours.
The Institute for the Application of Science in Agriculture (IPN) has been an accredited institution for conducting CEKRA training since 2019. IPN has, so far developed training for 5 CECRA modules.
Overview of the CECRA modules developed by IPN
Compulsory Modules
1. M01 Personal Development / My Profile as a Consultant
2. M02 Communication and Building Relationships in Advisory Work
Elective modules
(min. of 3 modules according to individual choice)
3. M03 Teamwork and Team Leadership
4. M04 Rhetoric / Presentation
5. M05 Self- and Time Management
Description of CECRA modules by IPN – HERE
Trainings for CECRA modules in IPN
