The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived importance of various recognized competencies for professional practice and personal credentialing as each relates to the successful provision of recreation, park resources, and leisure-related services within public parks and recreation. The specific objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the most important areas of professional preparation that should be covered in the greatest breadth in curricula used to prepare individuals for careers in public parks and recreation, and 2) to determine the perceived importance of demonstrating professional competency mastery through maintaining Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification. Results from this study indicated that public park and recreation administrators perceived the areas of administration and management and leisure programming strategies to be the areas that should be provided the greatest breadth of study in professional preparation curricula. Results further indicated that the perceived value of CPRP certification is growing within the profession.