There are three main parts to the manual for each region: Volume 1: Field Guide to Bushland Monitoring is designed to help the user to objectively score ten different indicators of bushland condition. With the aid of scoresheets that contain interpretive diagrams and text, you can monitor dynamic attributes of bushland such as plant species diversity, abundance of weeds, regeneration, tree health, and plant structural diversity. 
 
Volume 2: Understanding your Bushland Condition Indicators contains in-depth information about each of these vegetation attributes and how it relates to condition. It also makes links to the type of management actions that are associated with various scores on each indicator. Links to appropriate regional and statewide resources are also included, e.g. special interest groups, local NRM contacts.
 
Packed with information about the flora and fauna of each region, Volume 3: Vegetation Communities of the region helps everyone to learn more about the specific types of vegetation and gives the reader access to in-depth local information – an invaluable regional resource.  Each plant community is described in detail with a summary of its characteristic features including its preferred topography and soil types, where it is found within the region, pertinent ecological information and annotated lists of native plant and weed species commonly found within it.

The NCSSA runs 2 day (total 12 hours) Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual training workshops, designed specifically to give people intending to monitor an overview of the monitoring system and  support available and the set of skills needed to accurately assess the condition of the bushland. Training is free of charge for volunteers and often links people to other like-minded people, projects  and useful resources. (A training fee is charged for those training as part of employment requirements and workshops for specific groups and/or in specific localities can be arranged – ring NCSSA for further information).  It is strongly recommended that anyone who wishes to begin monitoring an area attend one of these workshops. 
To date over 350 people have been trained in 4 NRM regions. 

Training is field based and hands-on and a wide range of technical and observation skills and the conceptual basis for their use are taught within a patch of remnant bushland.  There are no special requirements for training, apart from a keen interest in and respect for native vegetation and a willingness to be out in the elements while training.  However for training effectiveness and learner comfort, NCSSA will endeavour to group people with similar prior skill levels together whenever possible, working through local group organizers.