AASI-NRM Snowboard Certification

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

AASI NRM Level 2 & 3 Study Questions 2011(PDF)
Questions and answers about certification
Skip to Level 2 : Skip to Level 3
Level 1 workbook updated Jan 2010 (PDF)
Level 2 workbook updated Feb 2009 (PDF)
Level 3 workbook updated Jan 2010 (PDF - large file)
Snowboard task list updated 2009 (Microsoft Word doc)
Snowboard challenge list updated 2009 (Microsoft Word doc)
Educational materials available through the NRM office

Snowboard Level 1 Certification

Level 1 events are typically offered several times during each season at areas around the division.  They are run by NRM and appear on the events schedule each year. To learn more about Level 1 events in NRM, check the event calendar or ask your snowsports school director to see if an event is coming to your mountain.

The Level 1 certification consists of a two-day evaluated clinic. This clinic includes a written test, riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. The written test is a take-home workbook, which is due in a hard copy format at the start of the first day. It is available for download in the above listings. Participants should have mastery in riding and the teaching application of the AASI-NRM Snowboard task list and the Snowboard challenge list (refer to the movements for Level 1 only).

The requirements for all levels of certification are based on the Snowboard Teaching System (STS) and are found in the latest version of AASI National Standards.

How do I become Level 1 certified?

• You must be a current member of 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.
• Read and be familiar with one book by the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). 2007. Snowboard Instructor’s Guide, 1st ed. Lakewood, CO.
• You must successfully complete a Level 1 evaluated clinic, including  the Level 1 workbook.

Once you obtain Level 1 certification, you are required to obtain 6 educational credit every 2 years in order to maintain your Level 1 status.

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Snowboard Level 2 Certification

The Level 2 certification process in AASI-NRM involves the following criteria:

• You must be a current Certified Level 1 member of 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.
• 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.
• Attend and participate in a two-day Preparation Clinic.
• Complete and pass the Level 2 workbook.
• Pass the Level 2 on-snow exam.

Level 2 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.
• This two-day event will cover the requirements for becoming an AASI Level 2 certified snowboard instructor. You will receive specific feedback regarding your strengths and deficiencies in the areas of Riding, Teaching and Knowledge. This feedback is important for determining which areas you will need to focus on in your training for the on-snow exam.

Level 2 Workbook:

• The level 2 workbook is available for downloading or you may request a printed copy at your prep clinic.
• Your completed workbook must be sent to trey_theard@yahoo.com by March 3, 2012. Workbooks sent in after this time will not be accepted for grading. No exceptions.
• You must pass the workbook with a score of 80% or better before taking the on-snow exam.
• A passing score on the workbook is valid during the season it is taken and the following season.
• Three educational books are required for Level 2: Snowboard Instructor’s Guide, Core Concepts and the AASI Movement Analysis Handbook.

Snowboard Level 2 Exam

• Level 2 certification involves a three-day exam. This includes riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. This exam is normally offered once per season.
• Participants should have mastery in riding and the teaching application of the AASI-NRM Snowboard task list and the Snowboard challenge list (refer to levels 1 & 2).
• Once an instructor obtains Level 2 certification, they are required to obtain 12 educational credits every two years in order to maintain their status.

Level 2 candidates will be assessed and scored based on the latest version of the AASI National Standards.

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Snowboard Level 3 Certification

What is Level 3 certification?

The Level 3 certification process in AASI-NRM involves the following criteria:

• You must be a current level two certified member of 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.
• 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.
• Attend and participate in a two-day Preparation Clinic.
• Complete and pass the Level 3 workbook.
• Pass the Level 3 on-snow exam.

Level 3 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.
• This two-day event will cover the requirements for becoming a Level 3 certified snowboard instructor. You will receive specific feedback regarding your strengths and deficiencies in the areas of Riding, Teaching and Knowledge. This feedback is important for determining which areas you will need to focus on in your training for the on-snow exam. 

Level 3 Workbook:

• The Level 3 workbook is available for downloading.
• Your completed workbook must be sent to trey_theard@yahoo.com by March 3, 2012. Workbooks sent in after this time will not be accepted for grading. No exceptions!
• You must pass the workbook with a score of 80% or better before taking the on-snow exam.
• A passing score on the workbook is valid during the season it is taken and the following season.

Required Reading and Viewing for Level 3:

• Snowboard Instructor’s Guide, American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). 2007, 1st ed. Lakewood, CO
• Snowboard Movement Analysis Handbook, American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). 2003. Lakewood, CO
• Park and Pipe Instructor’s Guide, American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA). 2005. Lakewood, CO
• Core Concepts, Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). 2001. Lakewood, CO
• Children’s Instruction Manual, American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA). 2008, 2nd Edition. Lakewood, CO
• Focus on Riding DVD, American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA). 2005. Lakewood, CO
• Children’s Ski and Snowboard Movement Guide: Visual Cues to Ideal vs. Real, American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA). 2005.Lakewood, CO

Snowboard Level 3 Exam

• Level 3 certification involves a three-day exam. This includes riding, teaching scenarios and technical discussions. This exam is normally offered once per season.
• Participants should have mastery in riding and the teaching application of the entire AASI-NRM Snowboard task list and the Snowboard challenge list.
• Once an instructor obtains Level 3 certification, they are required to obtain 12 educational credits every two years in order to maintain their status.

Level 3 candidates will be assessed and scored based on the latest version of AASI National Standards.