Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training Program
Kickstart your career in conservation technology with the free, online Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training. Designed to help you build in-demand skills, this course opens the door to a career path from entry-level Technician to leadership and consulting roles in protected areas. Whether you're just starting out or looking to shift careers, you'll gain practical knowledge co-developed by industry experts—plus the chance for sponsorship and hands-on field training. You’ll finish with job-ready skills to support vital conservation technologies.
Earn Entry-Level PAT Certification, with the option to extend to globally recognised Cisco NetAcad Certification.
ONLINE COURSE
- 10 video courses to earn your PAT certificate
- Learn anytime, anywhere, study at your own pace
- With option to advance to official Cisco industry recognised IT certification
IN FIELD PRACTICAL
- Top candidates can apply via open call to exclusive practical training
- Taught by industry experts
- Hosted on-site in South Africa or Kenya
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
- Candidates selected for 2-month internship at a leading protected area
- Gain hands-on technician experience
Subject Areas
Tools for Informed Decision Making
Infrastructure Fundamentals
Networking and IoT
Deploying Devices
Data Management
Software Integration
Cybersecurity
Maintenance and Sustainability
Collaboration and Management
With our partners, we are excited to welcome you. As a Protected Area Technician, you’ll keep conservation teams connected, systems secure and data flowing. Your work will make a real difference to conservation. We hope to see you in the field soon.
Doc Watson, Founder and Director, CCF
Training Courses
000
Trained Sessions
000
Trained Technicians
000
Internships Awarded
FAQ's
For all frequently asked questions on theory, practical and scholarships, please see FAQs for the full programme. A selection of the top FAQs are below.
Do I need any qualifications to take the online theory course?
No, the online theory course is open to anyone interested in conservation and technology. Participants will need to be literate and have access to the internet and a computer.
What language is the course?
The majority of initial courses are in English, with Cisco courses offered in multiple languages. Depending on demand, we may consider translating all courses at a later stage.
How long is the online theory course?
The timings for different courses are displayed. You can take individual courses and not all courses are needed for certification. For PAT Certification, the relevant courses are estimated to take approximately 52 hours, which you can complete part-time at your own pace.
Do we need to attend lectures?
No, it’s all online, and you can participate from anywhere in the world.
How is the course delivered?
It is presented on the Moodle Learning Platform, in a series of videos, presentations and online exam tasks.
What are the costs?
The theoretical component is freely available to anyone who would like to register.
Can everyone do the practical?
To start, the practical will only be open to Scholarship winners. Initially, there are 20 spaces available. These trainings will be held across South Africa and Kenya. We aim to increase opportunities for more practical training as we build the programme.
How do I win the scholarship?
In September 25, we will launch an open call, where candidates from anywhere in the world can apply with CV, covering letter and references. The scholarship will cover your expenses and costs for in-field training, with opportunity for internships. This will be hosted in our partner protected areas and space is limited.
Are there age restriction for the scholarship?
Candidates must be over 18 to attend the practical, with appropriate college level qualifications.
Support Us
Donate today to develop the next cohort of Protected Area Technicians.
Support local people to develop in the PAT career path. Developing urgently needed capacity to support critical protected area technologies around the world.