Dark Sky Certifications

The International Dark Sky Places Program was started in 2001 by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to encourage parks and communities around the world to preserve and protect dark skies through responsible lighting policies and education. The program offers five different certification types.

The Dark Sky Certifications Toolkit includes tools and resources to aid communities, parks, and protected land areas in achieving an International Dark Sky Place Certification.

START HERE

THE INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PLACES PROGRAM

The official IDA rules, guidelines and certification requirements for all International Dark Sky Place applications. Below are links to descriptions of the five certification types:

  1. International Dark Sky Communities
  2. International Dark Sky Parks
  3. International Dark Sky Reserves
  4. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries
  5. Urban Night Sky Places

CERTIFICATION FLOWCHART
Not sure which certification type is best according to your needs and goals? Use this flowchart to determine which one is right for you.

Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative & International Dark-Sky Association
Go to: Guide
 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES


DARK SKY COMMUNITY PROGRAM OVERVIEW
An overview document explaining the IDA’s Dark Sky Community program including benefits communities get when achieving certification status.

Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative & International Dark-Sky Association
Go to: Topic Brief


GETTING STARTED | BASIC CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Six steps to get the certification process started to become an IDA certified Dark Sky Community. This document also includes resources for lighting policy requirements.

Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative & International Dark-Sky Association
Go to: Topic Brief


ESTABLISHING A LOCAL DARK SKY GROUP
Suggestions for establishing a local dark sky group to ultimately earn certification as an International Dark Sky Community.

Ed Steward, Dark Skies Inc. of the Wet Mountain Valley
Go to: Website

 

BEST PRACTICES IN APPROACHING COMMUNITIES
Nine steps of action for approaching communities in dark sky conservation.

Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative & IDA Utah Chapter
Go to: Topic Brief
 

DARK SKY COMMUNITY NOMINATION PROCESS | ~ 1 HOUR VIDEO
John Barentine, Ph.D, Former Director of Public Policy at the International Dark-Sky Association walks you through the nominations and certification process to become an IDA certified Dark Sky Community.



Bruce Arlen & John Barentine
Watch the Video on YouTube