For many members, certification is their primary reason for becoming a member of AASI. Whether you’re new to teaching or a season veteran, certification is one of the best ways to advance your career as a snowboard instructor. Most snowsports schools offer increased pay and standing to certified instructors, with the benefits generally increasing at higher levels of certification. Once you become certified, you are required to maintain your certification by fulfilling the AASI Continuing Education requirements.
The standards for each level can be found in the AASI Snowboard National Standards. For detailed information about the certification process for each level, please see the page for that level which is linked to below.
Level 1
The successful candidate will demonstrate the knowledge and comprehension of AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in the National Standards for Level 1. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to recognize movement patterns in riders that are learning and riding all green terrain, groomed blue terrain, and small freestyle features.
Level 2
AASI educational and assessment events are for the development of professional instructors. Participants in Level 2 clinics and exams must be able to ski/ride all green and blue terrain (including bumps and other un-groomed conditions) and groomed, moderate black terrain. If the participant cannot ski/ride the utilized terrain safely or cannot maintain pace with the group, they will be released from the event. It is at the sole discretion of the examiner to determine safety.
Level 3
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and evaluate the AASI technical terms, concepts, and models listed in the National Standards for Level 3. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to recognize movement patterns in riders who are learning and riding all available terrain and snow conditions, up to and including competitive freestyle riders.
