This information is provided to help you navigate the steps of becoming a nationally recognized Level I Certified instructor. The written exam and E-Learning Course must be completed a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the exam. You must signup for on-snow exam a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. The written exam and E-Learning Course may be completed at any time, once you are a member, but you cannot signup for the on-snow portion of the exam until you’ve completed the E-Learning course and on-line written exam.
If you have any questions after following the steps below be sure to ask your trainers. Certification is not a requirement and is an individual choice. Take the steps necessary to get certified if you choose – it’s up to you.
Step 1: Join PSIA-AASI and PSIA-NW
First you become a registered member of PSIA-AASI (the National Organization) and your regional chapter called “Divisions”. You will likely become a PSIA-Northwest Division Member if you are joining while teaching at Mt. Hood Meadows. If you are a new Full Time instructor and are not a PSIA-AASI member, Mt. Hood Meadows will cover your member dues; you can pay the dues yourself and request a reimbursement or find a manager to assist you when joining using a company credit card. Please be sure to send your dues receipt to a manager for reimbursement (full time instructors only).
Once you join a welcome packet of information will be sent including your membership card which provides you access to the National website, Pro Offers, the PSIA-AASI Accessories catalog, Patagonia Pro Catalog and much, much more.
Complete the membership application and pay the national and regional dues – currently this is $121 on-line here: https://thesnowpros.org. Membership is required to take the Level I Exam, so you must have this step completed as well as have taken and passed the Level I written exam on-line a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the on-snow portion of the exam.
Step 2: Take the Level I E-Learning Course
If you have been through the hiring process and new instructor training at Mt. Hood Meadows you have likely been to the PSIA-AASi LMS. You must be a member of PSIA-AASI to take the Level I E-Learning Course for your discipline. The cost is FREE but you must be a member. Complete the discipline specific E-Learning Course and send your certificate to your trainer: Alpine or Snowboard Level I E-Learning Course
Step 3: Read Core Concepts & Teaching Snowsports Manuals
You can The cornerstone of the American Teaching System are the Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors and the Teaching Snowsports Manuals. The manuals cover topics like: human interaction and mental processes; emotions and learning; physical, social and mental development; learning theory and a whole lot more. There are other essential items that all good instructors must know to be effective at their craft. All Level I instructors must have a minimum competency of Professional Knowledge in these areas.
Refer to the these manuals, available for purchase on-line at PSIA-NW.ORG here: https://www.psia-nw.org/shop/ We also have a few copies in our library for reference and lending or you can possibly borrow one from a trainer. Find a copy of the manuals and then answer the questions found in this document:
https://mhm.snowproportal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2014/10/Alpine-Level-1-Process-Checklist.pdf
Step 4: Read the Technical Manuals
The PSIA-AASI Technical Manuals (2014) are the most up to date and comprehensive manual for PSIA-AASI concepts and methodologies as they relate to Alpine skiing and Snowboarding. All Level I certified members understand and use many elements found in these manuals for your discipline.
Refer to your discipline specific Technical Manual, available for purchase from our school or on-line at PSIA-NW.ORG/SHOP. We also have a few copies in our library for reference and lending. Find a copy of this manual and then answer the questions found in this document:
Alpine – https://mhm.snowproportal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2014/10/Alpine-Level-1-Process-Checklist.pdf
Snowboard – coming soon
Step 5: Complete Teaching and/or Training Hours
You must have a minimum of 10 teaching and/or training hours prior to taking the Level I Exam. Please meet with your trainer to confirm you have met these criteria or provide the yellow copies of you payroll recaps as proof of the required number of teaching hours and/or attendance of clinics totaling a minimum of 10 hours. Successful Level I exam candidates usually have 2 or 3 times the minimum required teaching and training hours to be fully prepared. Be sure to complete the necessary pre-exam clinics so you’re prepared for the exam. You can find upcoming clinics here: MHM Instructor Clinic Calendar
Step 6: Study & Complete Written Prerequisites
Provide answers to the questions outlined in step above and review your answers with your trainer(s). This may take several hours to several days to complete, so give your self plenty of time. The purpose of these steps is to provide you the necessary knowledge base to meet the Level I Professional Knowledge criteria.
Step 7: Study & Complete On-snow Prerequisites
You must attend as many Level I Exam Preparation on-snow clinics such that your trainers have observed that you meet the Level I standards in your performance of the several tasks. Your performance evaluation in the exam will be based on your skill blending to achieve the desired outcome (tasks).
Step 8: Sign Up, Take & Pass the Level I Written Exam On-line – $10
You must be a member of PSIA-AASI to complete this step. You must take and pass the Level I Written Exam before taking the on-snow exam. The Level I Exam is an on-line only exam and costs $10. You must complete this step 2 weeks prior to the on-snow exam. If you are a Full Time instructor Mt. Hood Meadows will pay for the written exam. You may pay for the exam yourself, then request a reimbursement or signup at the mountain using a manager’s credit card – be sure to save your receipt and forward to your manager for reimbursement. Level I On-line Written Exam at the PSIA-AASI LMS
Step 9: Sign Up, Take & Pass the Level I On-Snow Exam – $35
You must signup, take and pass the on-snow portion of the Level I Exam administered by a MHM / PSIA-NW Level I accredited Trainer, PSIA-NW Divisional Clinic Leader or Examiner. Look for the exam date and location at the PSIA-NW.ORG website here: https://www.psia-nw.org/events/
Demonstration of appropriate skill blending in the Level I Exam tasks will be used to determine if you meet the National Level I Standards. This exam is a pass/fail format. The cost is $20 paid on-line. If you are a Full Time instructor Mt. Hood Meadows will pay for the on-snow exam. You may pay for the exam yourself, then request a reimbursement or signup at the mountain using a manager’s credit card – be sure to save your receipt and forward to your manager for reimbursement.
Final Step: You’re a Level I Certified Instructor!
After you passed the Level I Exam your paperwork will be sent to the PSIA-NW office. They will process your exam results and send you a shiny new Level I pin. You will also get a raise effective on your next pay period plus have access to more pro deals, more diverse teaching assignments and a whole lot more.
Next Season: Attend a Clinic to maintain your CEUs
Membership dues must be paid annually and you must participate in a paid PSIA-AASI event annually to maintain your certification. Members who take a Level I Exam obtain their first year of continuing education credits (CEUs) for the exam itself.
The following season you must register and attend a clinic for credit. There are many clinics or Specialists Accreditations that qualify. You can find all events and clinics at the PSIA-NW.ORG website or by visiting the Event Calendar on the PSIA-NW.ORG website.