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
- Delivered by leading conservation technology experts at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa
- New training opportunities coming soon
- Sign up for our newsletter for updates on future opportunities
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
- 21 early-career Protected Area Technicians selected for the inaugural in-field training
- Gained hands-on experience deploying, integrating and troubleshooting conservation technology
- Two weeks of intensive field training completed at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa.
Subject Areas
Tools for Informed Decision Making
Infrastructure Fundamentals
Networking and IoT
Deploying Networks and Devices
Data Management
Software Integration
Cybersecurity
Maintenance and Sustainability
Collaboration and Management
The in-field course combines theory with hands-on practical sessions. The amazing instructors teach us how to use technologies, while also allowing us to experiment and work together to apply them to real-world challenges.
Duncan Kanyakera, Monitoring Officer, Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association
Training Courses
743
Enrolled learners
851
Certificates issued
231
In-field trainings
FAQ's
For all frequently asked questions on theory, practicals, and scholarships, please see FAQs for the full programme. A selection of the top FAQs is 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.
Who took part in the practical training?
The inaugural practical training was delivered to the PAT Scholarship winners, with participants coming together for two weeks of intensive, hands-on training at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in South Africa.
How do I win a scholarship?
As the programme develops, we aim to create more opportunities for Protected Area Technicians to gain practical, field-based experience. Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming training, scholarships and other opportunities.
Are there age restrictions 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.