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

Snowboard Education and Certification

Grab Your Future!

Snowboard Events

Education Clinics & Workshops

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 Assessment 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 Assessment 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.

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

Assessment Descriptions

Snowboard Level 1:

What: The Level 1 assessment is designed as the first step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their people, teaching and technical skills evaluated against PSIA-AASI Level I National Standards.

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

How: This is a hybrid assessment format consisting of these segments:

  1. Registration and successful completion of the Snowboard Level I E-Learning Course.
  2. Registration for and participation in the 2-hour Examiner-led interactive Level 1 Virtual Clinic:
    • Introduction to PSIA-AASI, resources, regions, National Standards, and teaching models. 
    • Review of the Learning Connection Model
    • Review of the Teaching Model
  3. Participation in a two-day on-snow assessment by an Examiner.
    • Candidates will be assessed on their People, Teaching, Technical Understanding, Riding, and Movement Analysis Skills.

Prerequisites:

  • Snowboard Level I E-Learning Course
  • **Level 1 Virtual modules and e-learning courses must be completed before the on-snow portion of the exam. 
  • ***Register for and attend the Level 1 Virtual Module before the on-snow portion of the exam, using the Central Event Calendar.
    **You are encouraged to do this early in the season, so that you know what to study and practice before taking the exam.  Give yourself time to prepare! 
  • ***Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Getting Started: See the Level I section of Snowboard National Standards and Performance Guide as well as e-Learning courses and Technical Manual available at the thesnowpros.org website, along with a Central SB1 Study Guide.

***Find links to these and other resources in the Education Resources section below.

Snowboard Level II Assessment:

What: What: The Snowboard Level II certification is the second step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their Teaching, People, Movement Analysis, Technical Understanding and Riding Skills assessed using the PSIA-AASI National Standards.

Why: Why: Level II certification is a professional designation attained by snowboard instructors who have mastered teaching guests in the intermediate zone and riding in the intermediate to advanced terrain zones. People skills at Level II reflect deep experience communicating and building relationships with guests and peers, as well as concern for safety and demonstrated professionalism at all times.

How: How: This is a two-day on snow certification. Day one is assessment of Teaching, People, Movement Analysis and Technical Understanding skills.  Day two is assessment of Riding Skills. Assessment criteria for each skillset is scored and must attain a minimum average score of 4 for each section to attain Level II.

(See Education Resources below for links to National Certification resources.)

On-Snow Day One:

  • Teaching Skills:
    Candidates will be assessed on the ability to evaluate and improve their peer group’s riding in the intermediate-advanced zone by using movement analysis and progressions appropriate to improve the group’s snowboard abilities. Level II and Level III candidates are assessed on all Teaching Skills Learning Outcomes while they teach their peers in a lesson. Teaching activities are based on the needs, motivations, and riding performance of the participants. The lesson is 20-40 minutes, with the time set before the lesson starts. Candidates can expect group and individual discussions with the examiner before, during, and/or after the teaching segment.

  • People Skills
    Candidates will be assessed on the effectiveness of their communication skills and the relationships they create with others in the group.

  • Movement Analysis:
    During the exam, you will demonstrate your understanding of movement analysis through observation, evaluation, and prescription with video and/or live riders. You must clearly demonstrate that you are able to see the refined movements of an intermediate-advanced rider, and present an organized and detailed description using non- judgmental terminology. Be able to give an accurate cause and effect relationship describing how a body movement affects a board performance and how that body movement affects the turn/trick outcome. Also share a prescription for change that prioritizes corrections and development, and accurately addresses the rider’s needs.
  • Technical Understanding:
    Candidates will be required to give a short presentation of what they are personally working on in their own riding.  Sharing exercises or progressions they are practicing and why they would help them.  Highlighting cause and effect of relevant fundamentals and movement patterns to board performance.

On Snow Day Two:

  • Riding Skills:
    Candidates will be assessed on demonstrating mature riding on intermediate-advanced terrain and beginner-intermediate freestyle features. The riding assessment includes the ability to blend at least four of the fundamentals in each exercise, highlight one fundamental when asked to do so, vary at least two parts of TID when asked to do so, and choose effective tactics to alter speed when asked to do so.
  • Technical Understanding

Candidates will be required to give a short presentation of what they are personally working on in their own riding.  Sharing exercises or progressions they are practicing and why they would help them.  Highlighting cause and effect of relevant fundamentals and movement patterns to board performance.

Getting Started: See the Level II Section of Snowboard National Standards and Performance Guide as well as e-Learning courses and Technical Manual available at the thesnowpros.org website.

Prerequisites:

  • Support from Snowsports School Director and Lead Trainer highly
    recommended
  • Online Snowboard Level II Professional Knowledge Exam must be
    completed prior to registering for the on-snow portion of the exam.
  • Find the links to the above documents and assessments in the Education Resources section below.
  • Be sure to check other prerequisites in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Snowboard Level III Assessment:

What: The Snowboard Level III assessment is the third step in the certification process and gives the candidate an opportunity to have their Teaching, People, Movement Analysis, Technical Understanding and Riding Skills assessed using the PSIA-AASI National Standards.

Why:  Level III certification is a professional designation attained by snowboard instructors who have mastered teaching guests in all zones and riding in advanced to expert terrain zones. People skills at Level III reflect deep experience communicating, building trusted relationships, and solving problems with guests and peers. Level III instructors model professional behavior at all times and ensure a safe, fun learning environment for everyone on the hill. Level III is the prerequisite for instructors who wish to become Division Clinic Leaders and join the PSIA-AASI Central Division Education Team.  


How: This is a two-day on snow certification with a modular format. Day one is assessment of Teaching, People, Movement Analysis and Technical Understanding skills. Day two is assessment of Riding Skills. Assessment criteria for each skillset is scored and must attain a minimum average score of 4 for each section to attain Level III.

(See Education Resources below for training resources.)

On-Snow Day One:

  • Teaching Skills:
    Candidates will be assessed on the ability to evaluate and improve each individual’s riding within their peers in the advanced-expert zone by developing and delivering individualized lesson plans. Level II and Level III candidates are assessed on all Teaching Skills Learning Outcomes while they teach their peers in a lesson. Teaching activities are based on the needs, motivations, and riding performance of the participants. The lesson is 20-40 minutes, with the time set before the lesson starts. Candidates can expect group and individual discussions with the examiner before, during, and/or after the teaching segment. The behavior of candidates will also be observed throughout the assessment environment. 

  • People Skills
    Candidates will be assessed on the effectiveness of their communication skills and the relationships they create with others in the group.

  • Technical Understanding:
    Candidates will be required to give a short presentation of what they are personally working on in their own riding.  Sharing exercises or progressions they are practicing and why they would help them.  Highlighting cause and effect of relevant fundamentals and movement patterns to board performance.

  • Movement Analysis: During the exam, you will demonstrate your understanding and application of movement analysis through observation, evaluation, and prescription with video and/or live riders. You must clearly demonstrate that you are able to see the refined movements of an intermediate-advanced rider, present an organized and detailed description using non-judgmental terminology, and give accurate cause and effect relationships.  At the Level 3 standard it is important to be able to clarify how one body movement can affect another body movement to affect board performance and the turn/trick outcome.

On-Snow Day Two:

  • Riding Skills:
    Candidates will be assessed on demonstrating mature riding on advanced-expert level terrain,  including extreme terrain and conditions, freestyle, bumps and steeps. The riding assessment includes the ability to blend all six of the fundamentals in each exercise, highlight one fundamental when asked to do so, vary all three parts of TID when asked to do so, and choose effective tactics to alter speed when asked to do so.

  • Technical Understanding
    Candidates will be required to give a short presentation of what they are personally working on in their own riding.  Sharing exercises or progressions they are practicing and why they would help them.  Highlighting cause and effect of relevant fundamentals and movement patterns to board performance.

Getting Started: See the Level III Section of Snowboard National Standards and Performance Guide as well on e-Learning courses and Technical Manual available at the thesnowpros.org website.

Prerequisites:

  • Support of Snowsports School Director and Lead Trainer highly recommended 
  • Online Snowboard Level III Professional Knowledge Exam must be completed 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.

Certification Pathway Requirements

Join as a Registered Member of Central  – Join Now!

  1. Pay Central 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 and National Dues
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards, Performance Guides, and Assessment Forms for Level 1 Certification (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Use the Central Events Calendar to find and register for — and then attend a Level 1 Virtual module.   (You can limit the calendar display by selecting “Filter Displayed Events” >> Event Discipline: Multi)
    ***You must register for and attend the Level 1 Virtual Module before you can complete the on-snow portion of the assessment. Use the Central Event Calendar to find and register for a Level 1 Virtual event. You are encouraged to do this early in the season, so that you know what to study and practice before taking the exam.  Give yourself time to prepare!
  4. 4. 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.
  5. 5. Use the Events Calendar to find and register for and attend and pass the on-snow Snowboard Level 1 Certification Event
  6. 6. Take continuing education every season to maintain certifications and active status. (Find CEU requirements here.) 

Snowboard Level 2

Requirements:
  1. 1. Pay Central and National Dues and be Level 1 Snowboard, Alpine Level 3, Cross Country Level 3, or Telemark Level 3 certified.
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards, Performance Guides, and Assessment Forms for Level 1 and 2 Certification (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Complete and Pass the Online Snowboard Level 2 Professional Knowledge 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.
  4. 4. Use the Central Events Calendar to find, register for, attend and pass the on-snow Certification Event
  5. 5. Take continuing education every season to maintain certifications and active status. (Find CEU requirements here.) 

Snowboard Level 3

  1. 1. Pay Central and National Dues and be Level 2 Snowboard Certified.
  2. 2. Have read and understood the National Standards, Performance Guides, and Assessment Forms for Level 1, 2, and 3 Certification. (See Education Resources below)
  3. 3. Complete and Pass the Online Snowboard Level 3 Professional Knowledge 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.
  4. 4. Attend and pass the on-snow Certification Event
  5. 5. Take continuing education every season to maintain certifications and active status. (Find CEU requirements here.) 
Requirements:

Pathway to Education Staff

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.

The Pathway to Education Staff Portal describes the various ways a Central 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. Visit the Portal for more information. 

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