Adaptive Certification Standards
Adaptive Level 1 and Level 2 Exam Formats and Standards
The Adaptive Committee and the Adaptive Alpine & Snowboard Technical Teams met this past December 2007 and worked hard to clarify the PSIA-W Adaptive Exam process and standards. Considerations for making the exams a great experience and obtainable by full-time, part-time, and volunteer instructors encompassing skiing and snowboarding were considered. The current exam standards and information about the exam process are available in the Adaptive Study Guide posted on the PSIA-W website under the Adaptive tab.
Similar to past years, Adaptive Alpine Instructors wishing to take a Level 1 exam can do so in one of six disciplines; cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, mono ski, bi ski, thee track or four track. Passing a one-day Teaching / Technical exam in the discipline of their choice plus a one-day skiing exam, unless previously certified, can earn them a Level 1 pin. On the Adaptive Snowboard side there are also six disciplines but the break down of which is covered in which exam, stand up, sit down and cognitive disabilities/ visual impairments is slightly different than Adaptive Alpine. They too must pass a one-day riding exam, unless they previously hold a current certification, to earn the Level 1 pin. You can find the detail in the Level 1/2 Adaptive Study Guide available online. Adaptive has adopted the “coached” exam format so exams are a learning experience and much more relaxed. Back by popular demand, exam preps are offered but not required before taking adaptive exams.
For Level 2 Adaptive Alpine or Snowboard Certification the rest of the modules need to be attended and passed to a Level 2 standard along with the Level 2 ski or riding exam. There are no partial passes in these modules so exams in all disciplines must be a pass to earn the Level 2 pin. As in the past, there is a written test for each level and sliding apparatus.
Good luck to all of you seeking your certifications! The Tech Team Members are there to help you succeed. Do some research, study, ask questions, teach lots and be in touch. Be part of the ADAPTIVE TEAM!
Adaptive Level 1 & Level 2 Study Guide 
The Adaptive certification standards are based upon the knowledge and application of information gained from the AASI Manuals, the PSIA alpine manuals, and the PSIA Adaptive Manual. Additional diagnosis knowledge and information from medical, organizational and disability resources is also required. Certification standards encompass the snowboard and skiing sector standards and include the diagnosis, medical and special equipment knowledge and understanding enabling an instructor to work with the special population at each certification level.
Level I Certified Member:
Performs and demonstrates a basic understanding of AASI/PSIA core concepts; and shows efficient movement and use of a snowboard or skis as outlined in the respective AASI/PSIA Level I sections. Additionally, the member will demonstrate a general conceptual understanding of the diagnoses, medical and equipment issues pertaining to at least one classification.
Level II Certified Member:
Performs and demonstrates a working understanding of AASI/PSIA core concepts, and shows efficient movement and use of a snowboard or skies as outlined in the respective AASI /PSIA Level II sections. Additionally, the member will demonstrate a more detailed understanding of the diagnoses, medical and equipment knowledge in all classifications.
Level III Certified Member:
Performs and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of AASI/PSIA core concepts, and shows efficient movement and use of the snowboard or skies as outlined in the respective AASI/PSIA Level III sections. Additionally, the member will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of and thorough application to all diagnoses, medical and equipment knowledge pertaining to all classifications.
The disability modules are as follows:
- For skiers: Visually impaired/ Cognitive:
- 3track/4track
- Mono-ski/Bi-ski
- For snowboarders: Visually impaired/Cognitive:
- Stand up
- Sit down
For a level 1 certification you can just take both days of your first module at the level one standard or you can take just one day of the exam and concentrate on one of the two disciplines offered in each module. For level 2 certification you have to take your next two modules at a level 2 understanding and riding/skiing level.
There will be technical skiing/riding physical assists that will be tested to the corresponding level in every discipline as follows:
| Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following assists as part of the Teaching and Technical Exam: | |
| COG: | |
| VI: | |
| Bi-Ski: | |
| Mono-ski: | |
Stand-up (snowboard): |
|
Level 1 Adaptive Certification
- Mono & Bi - load and unload with or without assistance and demo turns
- 3 Track / 4 Track – Ski equipment to beginning level
- Stand–Up - Proficient outrigger use on beginner terrain
Level 2 Adaptive Certification
- Mono & Bi – load & unload independently and ride equipment linking multiple turns on the easiest green run.
- 3 Track / 4 Track – Ski equipment to the intermediate level
- Stand–Up - Proficient outrigger on intermediate terrain
Level 3 Adaptive Certification
- Mono & Bi – link turns on intermediate, blue terrain
- 3 Track / 4 Track – Ski equipment to the advance level
- Stand–Up - Proficient outrigger on advanced terrain