Foundations of Invasive Species Management

The Foundations of Invasive Species Management Certificate Course is a professional, online, asynchronous program designed to give you a strong, practical grounding in invasive species management.

This self-paced course combines short, sequenced video presentations with supplemental readings, tools, and brief assessments. Some videos come from NAISMA’s exclusive webinar library, a few are original to this course, and others are trusted online resources curated to tell a clear, cohesive story. The course takes between 25–30 hours to complete and is designed for students, early-career professionals, and anyone seeking a solid foundation in the field.

Course Access

Upon registration, students will have 180 days to access and complete the course. Participants move through each lesson in order: read the overview, watch the videos in full, and explore supplemental options such as key publications, short activities, and recommended websites. You can revisit any section or rewatch videos at any time within the access period. Participants will receive a reminder email before their 180-day access period ends to ensure they have time to finish the course and receive their certificate.

Register Here

Registration Fee

$297 for NAISMA members or $397 for non-members.

Course Modules

  • Welcome and Instructions
  • Introduction to Invasive Species
  • Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Invasive Terrestrial Animals
  • Invasive Forest Pests and Pathogens
  • Invasive Plants
  • Early Detection and Rapid Response
  • Mapping and Data Management
  • Education and Outreach
  • Climate Change and Invasive Species


Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain what an invasive species is, why definitions vary by place and law, and which traits make invaders so successful
  • Describe priority pathways and practical prevention actions across aquatic and terrestrial systems
  • Summarize major impacts of aquatic invasive species and outline prevention and management approaches
  • Identify common challenges and responses for invasive terrestrial animals
  • Recognize signs, pathways, and management considerations for invasive forest pests and pathogens
  • Describe how invasive plants spread, their ecological and economic impacts, and core management techniques
  • Define the steps of early detection and rapid response and apply basic triage concepts to new reports
  • Understand why data standards matter and how mapping tools and databases support effective management
  • Communicate with the public and partners to encourage prevention behaviors and community support
  • Recognize how climate change influences invasion risk and management planning

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Federal agency staff: click here to download NAISMA’s completed Section 889 form.