Levels of Membership and Certification

Registered Member

A Registered Instructor is PSIA and AASI’s entry-level membership; the designation was created to provide an educational introduction to snowsport teaching. The Registered-level membership is conducted according to divisional and national criteria, and is not a level of certification recognized nationally by PSIA.

Level I

Level I Certified members will demonstrate a solid foundation of information and experience necessary to be an effective snowsport instructor. The Certified Level I instructor possesses an understanding of basic skiing/riding skills, teaching skills and professional knowledge. It is not expected that Level I candidates will have in-depth knowledge and experience in each of the areas of competence listed in the National Standards. It is expected, however, that candidates will be able to show basic competence and knowledge in all of those areas. In addition, it is expected that candidates will be able to demonstrate a significant level of competency with the skiing/riding and teaching tasks listed specifically for assessment at a Level I exam.

Level II

Level II Certified instructors will demonstrate commitment and dedication to the snowsport teaching profession and to his/her own personal development. Level II members are considered qualified to provide valuable instruction to a majority of snowsport school guests. A Level II-certified instructor demonstrates the ability to relate movements and skill areas to movement outcomes and to apply that knowledge to teaching situations common to Intermediate zone skiers/riders. Level II-certified instructors have a global understanding of the snowsport industry and are able to classify their responsibilities as a part of the resort team.

Level III

Level III Certified instructors possess high levels of skill and knowledge that allow him or her to make an uncompromised contribution to the customer, the association, and the snowsport industry. A Level III-certified member has the ability to assess all variables with regard to student personality traits, goals, abilities, needs, the learning environment, conditions of the day, available terrain, equipment, etc., and to synthesize these parts into a viable lesson plan. A Level III instructor can make adjustments to lesson goals and is able to appropriately adjust or modify lesson content as required by any situation. *Please note, to be eligible to take the Level III exam, there needs to be one full season since successful completion of the Level II exam.