AASI-NRM Snowboard Certification

This page provides information about the snowboard certification process and the steps and requirements for each level of certification.

New! Questions and answers about certification

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Snowboard task list (Microsoft Word doc)

Level I certification is intended for entry-level or first-year instructors. Level I certification designates that an instructor is able to teach effective beginner lessons to adults and children and is knowledgeable in the fundamentals of snowboard instruction. This includes understanding the core concepts of snowsports instruction, having the ability to effectively teach beginner lessons, and demonstrating basic riding skills. Read the AASI National Standards.

The Level I certification consists of a 2-day evaluated clinic. This clinic includes a written test, riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. Level I events are typically offered several times during each 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 snowsports school. Other Level I events are run by NRM and appear on the events schedule each year. To learn more about Level I events in NRM, check the event calendar or ask your snowsports school director to see if an in-house event is coming to your mountain.

How do I become Level I certified?

• You must be employed by a snowsports school, club, or other recognized instructional program. Your snowsports school does not need to be a member of NRM.
• You must have attained 20 hours of on-snow teaching experience.
• You must successfully complete a Level I evaluated clinic, including written test.

You may take the Level I event before you have met the above requirements. Upon successful completion of your Level I event, you have one full year to meet the employment and teaching requirements for Level I certification. Once your requirements are met, you can apply to receive Level I certified status.

Once you obtain Level I certification, you are required to obtain 6 educational credit hours every 2 years in order to maintain your Level I status.

What is Level II certification?

Level II certification means you are certified to teach adult and children's lessons up through the intermediate level. In order to teach effective intermediate lessons, you need to have a good understanding of the core concepts of snowsports instruction, be able to explain the concepts involved in snowboarding through the intermediate level, and be able to perform riding movements that would allow you to demonstrate effective movements to your students. Read the AASI National Standards.

Requirements

• You must be employed by a snowsports school, club, or other recognized instructional program. Your snowsports school does not need to be a member of NRM.
• You must have attained at least 30 hours of on-snow teaching experience as a Level I instructor.
• You must take a prep clinic (see below).
• You must pass the Level II written test.

Prep Clinics:

• You must attend an exam prep clinic during the same season as your exam or the season before your exam.
• If you failed the exam, you do not need to re-take the prep clinic before you may take the exam again, however, the prep clinic only remains “valid” for the season you took it and the season after that. Beyond that you will need to re-take the prep clinic.
• It is required that you take the prep clinic in NRM, as other divisions have different formats for their exams and prep clinics.

Snowboard written test:

• The written test is available for downloading here or you may request a printed copy at your prep clinic.
• Your written test must be mailed in to the division office at least 2 weeks prior to your exam date. If you did not pass your written test, you will be notified as soon as possible.
• You must pass the written test prior to taking the on-snow exam.
• A passing score on the written test is valid during the season it is taken and the following season.

Snowboard Level II Exam

• Level II certification involves a three-day exam. This includes riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. This exam is only offered once per season.
• Once an instructor obtains Level II certification, they are required to obtain 6 educational credits every two years in order to maintain their status.

What is Level III certification?

A Level III instructor is able to teach effective lessons to both adults and children at any level, beginner through expert. In order to achieve this, Level III instructors must possess a thorough understanding of the core concepts of snowsports instruction, must understand riding movements, causes and effects, and must have the snowboarding skills and versatility needed to demonstrate to all types of students. Read the AASI National Standards.

Requirements:

• You must be employed by a snowsports school, club, or other recognized instructional program. Your snowsports school does not need to be a member of NRM.
• You must have attained at least 100 hours of on-snow teaching experience since you began your career as an instructor.
• You must take a prep clinic (see below).
• You must pass the Level III written test.

Prep Clinics:

• You must attend an exam prep clinic during the same season as your exam or the season before your exam.
• If you failed the exam, you do not need to re-take the prep clinic before you may take the exam again, however, the prep clinic only remains “valid” for the season you took it and the season after that. Beyond that you will need to re-take the prep clinic.
• It is required that you take the prep clinic in NRM, as other divisions have different formats for their exams and prep clinics.

Snowboard Level III written test

• The written test is available for downloading here
  Level III written test in Microsoft Word
  Level III written test in Adobe PDF
  You may also request a printed copy at your prep clinic.
• Your written test must be mailed in to the division office at least 2 weeks prior to your exam date. If you did not pass your written test, you will be notified as soon as possible.
• You must pass the written test prior to taking the on-snow exam.
• A passing score on the written test is valid during the season it is taken and the following season.

Snowboard Level III Exam

• Level II certification involves a three day exam. This includes riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. This exam is only offered once per season.
• Once an instructor obtains Level III certification, they are required to obtain 6 educational credits every two years in order to maintain their status.