303-987-9390
info@psia-c.org

Snowboard Education and Certification

Grab Your Future!

Event Descriptions

Education Clinic and Workshop Descriptions
Learn More

Exam Descriptions

Overview of each Certification Exam
Learn More

Certification Pathways

Certification Exams: Overviews and Requirements
Learn More

Education Resources

Training Resources and Videos
Learn More

Snowboard Events

Education Clinics & Workshops

COVID-19 Alert

2020-2021 Season will progress under altered COVID-19 Operating Procedures. Please read the COVID Protocols FAQs AND individual calendar event registrations for specifics on each event. Most on-snow exams will run as a Hybrid Event, with combined online and on-snow events. When registered for an event, check email regularly for updates and possible changes. ***BE SURE TO READ “Central Exam Process in COVID Era” ON THE EVENTS FAQ COVID PAGE for MORE DETAIL ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS — CLICK HERE! .

Education Clinics:

Bump and Carve Clinics

Typically available as two stand-alone clinics, or combinable into a two-day clinic. Bump. Carve. OR Bump AND Carve. Open to riders of all experience levels.

Level 2 Exam Prep

What: This course will outline the level 2 certification process.

Why: This 2 day course is designed to help a member understand what to expect in the 2 day certification for level 2.

How: Participants will receive individualized feedback on their teaching, riding and professional knowledge as it compares to the AASI National Standards. Day 1 will focus on teaching and professional knowledge. Day 2 will focus primarily on riding.

Level 3 Exam Prep

What: This course will outline the highest level of the certification process.

Why: This 2 day course is designed to help a member understand what to expect in the 2 day certification for level 3..

How: Participants will receive individualized feedback on their teaching, riding and professional knowledge as it compares to the AASI National Standards. Day 1 will focus on teaching and professional knowledge. Day 2 will focus primarily on riding.

Snowboarding is Fun! (…and I need Ed Credits)

What: Need continuing education credits? Want to shred with an Central AASI staff member and have fun!?!  There is only one rule: Snowboard! This clinic’s content will be completely participant-driven.

Why: This course can be taken as a 1-day or two day clinic. The course content will focus on FUN and individual & group goals.

Trainers College

What: Designed for the snowboard trainer or future trainer. Set up on the West side of Lake Michigan.

Why: Get everyone on the same page when training your home staff. Get tips and techniques for your own knowledge and share it with your Snow Sports school for training ideas.

How: The college is set up to be a 2-day event. The course will include: teaching scenarios, riding improvement, video movement analysis (time permitting), staff training feedback and advice.

Video Movement Analysis

What: See yourself on video…

Why: pick up tips, techniques and personal feedback on your riding skills. This course also focuses on Movement Analysis and how to make MA a very effective, useful tool!

How: Participants will develop their personal snowboarding skills and movement analysis skills through on hill and indoor video feedback. Participants will also receive videos of their 2 days on snow! Numbers will be limited to one group, so sign up early.

Women’s Snowboard Clinic

What: This event will give you the opportunity to work with some of the best nationally renowned women professionals right here in the Midwest!

Why: Discover how to use Movement Analysis and apply it to your teaching and riding. The experience and relationships developed with this event could last a lifetime.

How: This program consists of two days, on-snow, building your snowboarding skills and confidence.

Online Webinars:

Webinar Title (Webinar)

webinar descriptions

Update Courses

Exam Descriptions

COVID-19 Alert

2020-2021 Season will progress under altered COVID-19 Operating Procedures. Please read the COVID Protocols FAQs AND individual calendar event registrations for specifics on each event. Most on-snow exams will run as a Hybrid Event, with combined online and on-snow events. When registered for an event, check email regularly for updates and possible changes. ***BE SURE TO READ “Central Exam Process in COVID Era” ON THE EVENTS FAQ COVID PAGE for MORE DETAIL ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS — CLICK HERE! .

Snowboard Level 1 Exam:

What: The Snowboard Level 1 Exam is the first step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their riding, teaching and technical skills evaluated against AASI Level 1 National Standards. (See Education Resources below.)

Why: The Level I exam gives the candidate an opportunity to learn collaboratively with the AASI-C education staff as well as other candidates. The Level I exam is the beginning step in the certification process for instructors looking for professional certification.

How: This is a two day clinic and exam. Day one is a clinic format to review AASI riding tasks and teaching concepts used to introduce new riders to the sport. Day two examines candidates on their ability to teach and ride various tasks used in an introductory snowboard lesson. See the Level 1 certification guide for more details.

Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with the Central Snowboard Level 1 Study Guide.
  • Snowboard Level 1 eLearning Course
  • **All Written Exams & E-learning Courses must be taken online prior to registering for the on-snow portion of the exam.  
  • Find the links to the above documents and exams in the Education Resources section below.
  • Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Snowboard Level 2 Exam:

What: The Snowboard Level 2 certification is the second step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their riding, teaching and professional knowledge evaluated to see where they line up with AASI Level 2 National Standards.

Why: This Level 2 certification gives the candidate an opportunity to learn collaboratively with the AASI-C education staff as well as other candidates. The Level 2 exam is the next step in the certification process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers.

How: This is a two-day certification with one examiner on Day 1 and another examiner on Day 2. Candidates will be evaluated both days on their skills associated with teaching, riding and professional knowledge. See the Level 2 certification study guide for more details (See Education Resources below.)

Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with the Central Snowboard Level 2 Study Guide.
  • Snowboard Level 2  Online Written Exam
  • **All Written Exams & E-learning Courses must be taken online prior to registering for the on-snow portion of the exam.  
  • Find the links to the above documents and exams in the Education Resources section below.
  • Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Snowboard Level 3 Exam:

What: The Snowboard Level 3 Exam is the third step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their riding, teaching and professional knowledge evaluated to see where they line up with AASI Level 2 National Standards.

Why: The Level 3 exam gives the candidate an opportunity to learn collaboratively with the PSIA C education staff as well as other candidates. The Level 3 exam is the beginning step in the exam process for instructors who wish to expand their teaching careers

How: This is a two-day exam with one examiner on the first day and another examiner on the second day. Candidates will be tested both days on their skills associated with teaching, riding and professional knowledge. See the Level 3 certification study guide for more details. (See Education Resources below.)

Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with the Central Snowboard Level 3 Study Guide.
  • Snowboard Level 3  Online Written Exam
  • **All Written Exams & E-learning Courses must be taken online prior to registering for the on-snow portion of the exam.  
  • Find the links to the above documents and exams in the Education Resources section below.
  • Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Exam Modules

Certification Pathway Requirements

Join as a Registered Member of Central Division – Join Now!

  1. Pay Central Division and National Dues

**Note: Maintain active certification status by paying annual dues and obtaining a minimum of 6 CEU’s every membership year (July 1 – June 30.) Any CEU hours greater than 6 obtained in a membership year will be applied towards the CEU requirement for the following membership year only.

Snowboard Level 1

Requirements:
  1. 1. Pay Central Division and National Dues
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards for Level 1 Certification (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Complete and Pass the Online Snowboard Level 1 E-Learning Course. Find the link in Education Resources below. ***This course must be completed before you can register for the On-Snow Event.  The system will show an error message when registering if this prerequisite has not been met.
    • Additional Resources on how to access the E-Learning Course on the Learning Management System (LMS) can be found here.
  4. 5. Attend and pass the on-snow Certification Event

Snowboard Level 2

Requirements:
  1. 1. Pay Central Division and National Dues and be Level 1 Snowboard Certified.
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards for Level 1 and 2 Certification (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Complete and Pass the Online Snowboard Level 2 Written Exam. Find the link in Education Resources below. ***This exam must be completed before you can register for the On-Snow Event.  The system will show an error message when registering if this prerequisite has not been met.
    1. Additional Resources on how to access the online exam on the Learning Management System (LMS) can be found here.
    1. Additional Resources on how to access the E-Learning Course on the Learning Management System (LMS) can be found here.
  4. 5. Attend and pass the on-snow Certification Event

Snowboard Level 3

  1. 1. Pay Central Division and National Dues and be Level 2 Snowboard Certified.
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards for Level 1, 2, and 3 Certification. (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Complete and Pass the Central Online Snowboard Level 3 Written Exam. Find the link in Education Resources below. ***This exam must be completed before you can register for the On-Snow Event.  The system will show an error message when registering if this prerequisite has not been met.
    1. Additional Resources on how to access the online exam on the Learning Management System (LMS) can be found here.
    1. Additional Resources on how to access the E-Learning Course on the Learning Management System (LMS) can be found here.
  4. 5. Attend and pass the on-snow Certification Event
Requirements:

Pathway to Education Staff

The Pathway to Education Staff Portal describes the various ways a Central Division Level 3 Instructor can work his or her way towards becoming a member of the Central Division Education Staff as a Staff Member or as an Examiner.

Prerequisites:
  1. 1. Level 3 Certified
  2. 2. Have an active trainer role at home resort ski school

Open to anyone meeting the prerequisites.

Education Staff Tryout Process:
  1. 1. Submit a written essay (required)
  2. 2. Submit a Video Portfolio of riding and benchmarks ( Required: Find required tasks here: — Pathway-to-Snowboard-ED-Staff )
  3. 3. After vetting/review, receive an invitation to the on-snow 2-day tryout based on materials submitted. (no fee)
  4. 4. Prepare a 5-minute indoor presentation.
  5. 5. Participate in both days of the tryouts.
  6. 6. Upon successful tryout, to be hired immediately.
Requirements:
  1. 1. High degree of professionalism
  2. 2. Outstanding communication skills
  3. 3. Self-starter re: continued professional development in skiing and teaching abilities
  4. 4. Commitment to work when/as needed
  5. 5. Ongoing contributor to the PSIA-AASI Knowledge Base

For more information, contact a Central Discipline Administrator.

  • Snowboard Education Staff Pathway: Read here for specific tasks and details.
Snowboard Education Pathway – PDF Download

Pathway Levels

Education Resources

© Professional Ski instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors - Central Division

staff links