The Level 1 Ski Instructor Certification is for any competent parallel skier, aged 15 years or older, and seeking to work as a Ski Instructor. The Level 1 Candidate can expect to be exposed to a variety of terrain, snow conditions and terrain features.
The 3 day Level 1 Program is an introduction to ski teaching, the CSIA's Technical Reference and methodology, and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry. It combines the basics of practical ski teaching methods, technical understanding and development of guest service skills, specifically addressing children's skiing.
The Level 1 Certification Program includes:
Candidate Guide: click here
Level 1 Registration: click here
Following your Registration, an access code to the Online Module will be emailed to you. This 20-minute Interactive Module introduces concepts that will be used throughout the Level 1: Decision Making for Instructors, The Gliding Experience (beginner progression), Technical Reference, and responsible teaching. Candidates are responsible for this information as part of the Course curriculum.
Upon successful completion of a Level 1 CSIA Program, you become a Member of the CSIA and are billed annually for Membership Fees by the National Office. Membership Benefits are available to you provided your membership fees are fully paid, making you an active Member.
For any questions related to the Level 1, please contact the National Office.
Prepare for the above Program by viewing our compilation of videos pertaining to the Level 1 Certification.
The Level 2 Ski Instructor Certification is for good intermediate to advanced skiers who have passed the Level 1 Certification. This Program enables Ski Instructors to improve their decision making and situational teaching skills, to acquire a better understanding of CSIA technique and methodology, our Technical Reference, and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry. It combines practical ski teaching methods for intermediate parallel skiers, technical understanding and development, and improvement of guest service skills.
Candidates will receive training on their skiing, teaching and people skills with the goal of reaching the Level 2 Standard. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development. The successful Candidate is certified to teach skiers up to intermediate parallel skill level.
Since the 2013-2014 season, the Level 2 Certification is now offered in a Modular, Credit-based structure.
The Certification consists of 3 components, each requiring its own individual registration:
Duration: 2 days
Prerequisites: CSIA Level 1 OR CSCF/ACA Entry Level Mentor Program completed OR CSCF/ACA Development Level Trained status
Early price: $280.90 + tax (or $330.50 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Candidate guide: click here
Registration: click here
Duration: 2 days
Prerequisites: Level 2 Training completed (registration can be done in advance)
Early price: $280.90 + tax (or $330.50 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Candidate guide: click here
Registration: click here
The 10 Education credits can be accumulated at any point in time. Before, in between or after the L2 Training and L2 Evaluation...it's up to you!
While most CSIA Programs are eligible for Education credits (see full list here), the easiest, suggested way to accumulate 10 credits is to attend a National Module:
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH OF THE COMPONENTS
BUILD YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
Progressive - Take your time
The process of Certification is not limited in time. Pick and choose your Modules however they best suit your progression and schedule. Components can be collected at any point in time, but the Level 2 Membership Status will not be updated until all Modules are completed and Education credits are accumulated.
Fast Track - Finish it quickly!
Complete your Level 2 in 5 days in a row! In most cases, the 3 required components (L2 Training - L2 Evaluation - 1 day Module) are scheduled together over 5 consecutive days, allowing one to fulfill the requirements quickly! Please note that you still will have to register for each component individually.
RETEST - Complete your Certification!
Retests will be held over the entire 2 days of the Level 2 Evaluation Program, both for Members currently holding a partial L2 Certification under the old structure and those in need of a Full Retest.
Level 2 Partial Course - Ski or Teach
Under the new structure, the 3 day Level 2 Ski or Teach Partial Certification Programs are no longer offered since the 2013-2014 season. Members holding a Partial Certification after having attended only one of the two portions are allowed to complete their Certification by attending the Level 2 Evaluation only, with both the L2 Training and the Education credits components being credited to you.
Level 2 Videos
Prepare for the above Programs by viewing our compilation of videos pertaining to the Level 2 Certification.
The Level 3 Ski Instructor Certification is for advanced skiers, with some skills in short radius and bumps, that have passed the Level 2 Certification. This Program enables Ski Instructors to improve their situational teaching skills, to acquire a better understanding of CSIA technique and methodology, our Technical Reference, and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry, as well as introduce Instructor Training. It combines practical ski teaching methods, technical understanding and development, and improvement of guest service skills.
Candidates will receive training on their skiing, teaching and people skills with the goal of reaching the Level 3 Standard. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development. The successful candidate is certified to teach skiers up to advanced parallel skill level, including short radius and bumps.
Since the 2014-2015 season, the Level 3 Program is now offered in a Modular, Credit-based structure.
The Certification consists of 3 components, each requiring its own individual registration:
Training in advanced skiing and teaching skills, with development strategies and recommendations for Level 3 Exam.
Duration: 3 days
Prerequisites: CSIA Level 2 Certification
Early price: $421.20 + tax (or $495.60 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Candidate guide: click here
Registration: click here
The required 40 Education credits can be accumulated before or after the L3 Training Program but they absolutely must be accumulated before attending the L3 Exam.
While most CSIA Programs are eligible for Education credits (see full list here) , the easiest, suggested way to accumulate the remaining 30 credits is to attend the following 2 day National Module:
Duration: 2 days (Day 1 - Teach, Day 2 - Ski)
Prerequisites: Level 3 Training completed (current 3 day format) AND 40 Education credits accumulated -OR- Level 3 Training Course completed (previous 5 day format)
Online Module prerequisite: Level 3 eprep
Exam Early price: $290.50 + tax (or $341.80 Regular price, 14 days prior to start) or;
Partial Exam Early price: $158.50 + tax (or $186.50 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Registration: click here
Members who were already qualified for the Level 3 Exam at the end of the 2013-2014 season are still qualified for the Exam under the Modular structure. If you have attended the previously offered 5 day Level 3 Training Course, you can go straight to the Exam, without having to accumulate any Education credits. The mandatory Education credits to fulfill the Certification’s requirements have been automatically allocated to you.
Level 3 Standards are significantly higher than the Level 2 Certification. To maximize the chances of success, Candidates are encouraged to develop a personal training plan and seek specific training based on their needs. The following Modules can help:
Alternatively, seek the assistance of a current Level 3 Course Conductor through a Snow School.
Prepare for the L3 Training or the L3 Exam by viewing our compilation of videos pertaining to the Level 3 Certification. Click here to access the YouTube playlist.
The Level 4 Program aims to train and develop expert instructors by perfecting their skill development abilities, as well as their skiing and methodology, on all terrain, for all levels of skiers.
The Level 4 Certification requires successfully completing 3 Exams: Level 4 Skiing Exam, Level 4 Expert Teaching Exam and The Trainer Development Exam. Partial Certification is possible for either skiing or teaching. To achieve the Partial Teaching Certification, both the Level 4 Expert Teaching and Trainer Development Exams must be successfully completed.
The structure consists of 4 components:
This Program provides training in expert skiing and teaching and individual development strategies. Candidates leave the Program with clear verbal and written evaluations of their performance and their potential, suggestions for long term development, strategies and time frame for Exam preparation. Sessions will focus on:
Duration: 4 days
Prerequisites: CSIA Level 3 Certification
Early price: $513.10 + tax (or $603.70 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Candidate guide: click here
Registration: click here
Duration: 4 days Prerequisites: CSIA Level 4 Training Program + one of the following elements:
Exam Early price: $491.00 + tax (or $577.70 Regular Price, 14 days prior to start) or;
Partial Exam Early price $290.50 + tax (or $341.80 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Registration: click here
This Module covers methods of Instructor Training (“teach to teach”) and is intended to develop general skills for Trainers. It is recommended for any Level 3 Instructor that wishes to become a Level 1 Course Conductor, but it does not replace the annual Regional Level 1 Course Conductor Training. The Module is mandatory for Level 4 Certification (*note: anyone that has taken the Level 4 Training Program prior to the 2015-2016 session is granted an equivalence for this component).
Duration: 2 days
Prerequisites: CSIA Level 3 Certification
Early price: $256.80 + tax (or $302.20 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Module outline: click here
Registration: click here
After completing the Trainer Development Module, Candidates must pass an Instructor Training Session (45-55 minute Peer Teaching Exam). While this Exam can be completed before or after Level 4 Exam, this is a required component for the level 4 Teaching Certification. Candidates who have already achieved the Level 4 Partial-Teaching Certification are granted an equivalency on this component.
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: Trainer Development Module
Exam Early price: $145.30 + tax (or $171.00 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Exam outline: click here
Registration: click here
The Snow Park Certification Program is designed for any skier with park experience who wants teach in the park. It includes:
Duration: 3 days (20 hours)
Education credits value: 10 credits
Prerequisites: 15 years of age, with some park experience. No previous CSIA Certification required
Early price: $379.70 + tax (or $446.80 Regular price, 14 days prior to start)
Candidate guide: click here
Registration: click here
Launched for the 2013-2014 season, the Education credits concept marks a historic change to the CSIA’s Education system. In recent years, continuing education has become more and more important to Ski Instructors and Snow Schools alike. Now, our Members’ participation within numerous Programs is being valued through the attribution of Education credits.
These credits are being tracked on your personal page, under the Pathway tab. Credits are accumulated into a grand total, which can only increase. At no time will you be required to trade or “sell” credits.
Pertaining to Certification, specific numbers of credits serve as eligibility milestones.
Reach 10 credits to fulfill the Level 2 requirements.
Reach 40 credits to fulfill the Level 3 requirements.
| Program | Credits |
| Teaching Children Module | 10 credits |
| Snow Park Certification | 10 credits |
| Free Tactics / Snow Park Intro Module (formerly known as Freeride Module & Snow Park Training) | 10 credits |
| BPC - Biomechanical and Psychological Considerations | 10 credits |
| Terrain Assisted Development Module (formerly known as All-Terrain - Introduction) | 10 credits |
| All-Terrain - Advanced Module | 10 credits |
| Advanced Teaching Module | 30 credits |
| Trainer Development Module | 30 credits |
| Training for Performance Module | 15 credits |
| Coaching the Fundamentals Module | 20 credits |
| National Members' Convention | 3 credits |
| High Performance Camp | 3 credits |
| WE - Women's Edge Camp 'and' Women's Edge Day |
5 credits 3 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Assessment and Development | 3 credits |
| Ski Improvement | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Teaching Children | 2 credits |
| Guest Service | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| L2 Prep Clinic | 3 credits |
| L3 Prep Clinic | 3 credits |
| Carving Clinic | 2 credits |
| Corridor Clinic | 2 credits |
| Short Turn Clinic | 2 credits |
| Skills and Drills Clinic | 3 credits |
| Women 4 Women Clinic | 3 credits |
| Project Y | 3 credits |
| Snow Park Trick Building Progression Clinic | 2 credits |
| Bump For Confidence Clinic | 2 credits |
| Bump For Performance Clinic | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Atlantic Members' Convention | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Ignition Day | 2 credits |
| City Lights | 2 credits |
| Northern Lights | 2 credits |
| Northern Festival | 2 credits |
| Women’s Only Workshop | 3 credits |
| Corridor Training Clinic | 2 credits |
| Carving Clinic | 2 credits |
| Bumps Clinic | 2 credits |
| Pushing Your Limits Clinic | 2 credits |
| Snow Park Trick Builder Clinic | 2 credits |
| Short Turn Clinic | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Central Members' Convention | 2 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Level 2 Prep | 3 credits |
| Level 3 Prep | 3 credits |
| Short Turns (Acquisition) | 2 credits |
| Pushing Your Limits | 2 credits |
| Advanced & Expert Parallel | 2 credits |
| Success In Teaching - Introduction to Teaching Tactics | 3 credits |
| Corridor Training | 2 credits |
| Early Season Fundamentals (1 day) | 2 credits |
| Early Season Fundamentals (2 day) | 3 credits |
| Program | Credits |
| Night Training Sessions (Level 3 & 4 Prep, 5 sessions total, minimum 4 sessions for credits) | 3 credits |
| Regional Workshop | 2 credits |
*Please note, that in order to obtain accreditation, Regions must submit an application to the National Office. For more information, please contact your Education Program Coordinator (EPC) in the Region.
***Please note that this list is subject to change without notice, including additions.***
Members holding a Certification from any of the following organizations are entitled to 10 Education credits: CSCF, CASI, CADS, CANSI, CSGA, CFSA. The offer is non-cumulative for Members of multiple organizations.
Credits for Dual and Triple Members (CSIA, along with CSCF and/or CASI) will be applied to the Membership files systematically, but gradually, by the National Office. Members of the other organizations must submit a proof of Certification to the National Office, by email at csiareg@snowpro.com or national@snowpro.com, for credits to be applied.
- The Education credits system was introduced for the 2013-2014 season. With the exception of the Snow Park Certification, only programs offered since November 2013 are eligible for credits
- National Modules and Online Learning Modules are eligible for credits exclusively once per Program. Attending the same Module twice will not provide twice the credits.
- National Events, Regional Clinics and Events and PDP Sessions are eligible for credits only once during a given season. Attending these previously mentioned Programs again the following season, will allow you to earn additional credits.
- Training received from a Snow School and work experience are not eligible for credits.
- Credits value of each Program is based on Program content and its relevance to the Certifications' Standards.
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