PSIA-NRM Nordic Certification Guides

Telemark

PSIA-NRM Telemark Level I Certification Workbook and Checklist (pdf file)
Bring completed to event.

PSIA-NRM Telemark Level II and III Certification Workbook and Checklist (pdf file)
Complete and send to Nordic Chair 2-weeks prior to event.

PSIA-NRM Telemark Level 1, Level II and Level III scorecards (pdf files)

National Standards for Telemark Certification (pdf file)

Nordic education materials available through PSIA-NRM

Cross Country

PSIA-NRM Track Level I Certification Workbook and Checklist (pdf file)
Bring completed to event.

PSIA-NRM Track Level II and III Certification Workbook and Checklist (pdf file)
Complete and send to Nordic Chair 2-weeks prior to event.

National Standards for Cross Country Certification (pdf file)

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NRM Process for Nordic Certification

Before pursuing certification you must be a current member of PSIA-AASI NRM or other division. If you are a member of another division, you must seek permission from your home division before participating in the event. For more info on membership go to the NRM membership page.

Below is a brief descriptions of the certification and exam process in the Northern Rocky Mountain division of PSIA-AASI.

Level I Certification

Level I certification is intended for entry-level or first-year instructors. Level I certification designates that an instructor is knowledgeable in the fundamentals of ski instruction. This includes understanding the core concepts of snowsports instruction, having the ability to effectively to teach beginner lessons, and demonstrating basic skiing skills. More specific requirements for Level I certification are provided in the PSIA National Certification Standards - telemark / cross country

Level 1 certification is achieved after passing a 2-day Level I Evaluated Clinic. This clinic includes a written test, skiing, teaching scenarios and discussions. Level I events are typically offered several times during each ski season, at areas around the division. In some cases the level I clinic is offered "in house," meaning it is organized and subsidized by a specific ski school. Other level I events are run by NRM and appear on the events schedule each year.

Once an instructor obtains level I certification, he/she is required to obtain six educational credits every two years in order to maintain their level I status.

Level II and III Certification

Level II and III certification is intended for upper-level instructors who have been teaching cross country or telemark for several seasons, have level II/III telemark or cross country certification or a level III in another discipline. A level II instructor is certified to teach intermediate nordic lessons, while a level III instructor is certified to teach all levels of nordic lessons. Level II and level III certification involves a 3-day, all-inclusive, preparation clinic and exam. This includes a written test workbook, skiing, teaching scenarios and discussions. The level II and III cross country and telemark exams are offered together as one exam. Your intended certification level must be decided at the beginning of the exam. The level II/III telemark exams are typically offered once per season, cross country exams may be offered every other year if demand is not great.

Exceptions may be made by the nordic chair by petition for qualified individuals with a cross country race or coaching background only. These candidates are required to send petition and resume to the nordic chair. Level III members in the alpine discipline may challenge the level III.

More specific requirements for Level II/III certification are provided in the PSIA National Certification Standards - telemark / cross country Once an instructor obtains level II or III certification, he/she is required to obtain twelve educational credit hours every two years in order to maintain level II/III status.

Backcountry Certification: AMGA-PSIA Out of Bounds Ski Instructor Course (OBSI)

This AMGA training and certification program has been created for PSIA and AASI level III certified instructors to guide advanced skiers outside the boundary of the ski area. It has been determined by Professional Ski Instructors Association for the AMGA to conduct the training and certification of ski instructors working as ski guides for out-of-bounds skiing beginning at the ski resort.

This process entails a 5-day training course followed by 10 days of touring/mock guiding, then a 4-day certification exam.

Prerequisites:

1. PSIA level III telemark or alpine certified or AASI level III snowboard certified
2. Minimum of 10-days touring experience with climbing skins in or around avalanche prone terrain
3. AIARE level II avalanche course completion (or equivalent)
4. Must have current Wilderness First Aid (2-day, 18hr.) training and CPR prior to the certification exam
5. Previous experience with rope belaying, rappelling and lowering
   
   

PSIA-Intermountain Exam Exchange

NRM is offering events in exchange with PSIA-Intermountain. NRM members may now take exams and prep clinics in an open exchange with the Intermountain Division. Intermountain Nordic events are listed on the event calendar, or you may visit the PSIA-I web site for more information about these events.