This is a first-in-the-world certification program for marine protected area (MPA) professionals. Globally, the program is referred to as MPA PRO. Pioneered by the Coastal Resources Center (CRC) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), in that region the program is referred to as the Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals, or WIO-COMPAS. The MPA PRO model certifies that those individuals who fulfill the entry requirements and successfully complete the Program meet standards of education, knowledge, skills, experience, and on-the-job performance in seven competency areas that were identified by MPA and coastal governance experts as critical to successful MPA management.

In the current five year phase of SUCCESS, the team is focusing on completing the model, which has three levels; finalizing program materials for each level; and working with countries and regions interested in replicating the Program in adapting and transferring the model to the context and needs of their country/region. At the same time, countries/regions must stay true to the core components of the program model and its principles to ensure there is high quality program content and delivery.