New Member Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in our organization!
Below are some answers to the most common member questions, as well as some information on
what to expect from being an instructor with us.
What are the types of membership available?
How do you get certified as a Level 1 Instructor?
Are there other ways to get Education credits?
What happens if I let my Education credits lapse?
How come I have to pay dues so often?
What does Professional Ski Instructors Association/ American Association of Snowboard Instructors do?
Our job is to certify and educate Snowsports Instructors. A certification (Level 1, 2 or 3) from our Association tells your employer or potential employer that you have achieved a high level of professionalism in this field. PSIA has a National headquarters in Lakewood, Co, that provides direction and oversight to 9 separate Divisions. The Divisions are based on geographic location. PSIA/AASI West covers California and Nevada. National Organization Info.
Why should I join?
Certification
PSIA/AASI certification is recognized across the country, and often can mean increased wages, additional benefits, and recognition
Deals
Certified members are also entitled to discounts on lift tickets at various ski resorts. PSIA/AASI members have access to the member accessories catalog which features Pro deals on ski gear and accessories, including such names as Atomic, Bolle, Burton, Fischer, K2, Marker, Nordica, Patagonia, Rossignol, Subaru
Publications
A subscription to The Professional Skier (TPS) and The Pro Rider (TPR) magazines, plus access to a wide range of manuals, videos, and other materials to support PSIA education programs
Personal and Professional Development: Educational Programs and Conventions
PSIA/AASI clinics and events are held throughout the country each season. These are invaluable opportunities to improve your skills as a teaching professional.
Promoting the Association and You
PSIA/AASI cooperates with supporting sponsors to promote the value of ski instruction to the public. We also establish links with other snowsports organizations to strengthen the industry as a whole.
What are the types of membership available?
Registered/ Uncertified ($ 75/year): Must be 16 years of age and is a member of both the western and national organizations. The registered member is eligible to take education and the level one exams in any of the nine PSIA/AASI divisions around the country.
Apprentice/ Uncertified ($35/year): Is a member of the western division only. An apprentice is not eligible to attend a certification exam, however they are welcome to attend education within our Division. To take an exam an apprentice must upgrade to Registered membership
Active/ Certified: is the most common type of membership. The active member pays $75 and is a member of both the western and national organizations. Active certified members are required to fulfill the education requirements of the Division (see Education credits, below) to maintain their certification.
Inactive/Certified ($ 75 /year): Is for members who are not actively instructing at a Snowsports School but still want to receive full benefits of membership from both National (Pro Skier, Pro Rider, access to Pro deals and accessories on the National website) and Western Division (lift ticket discounts.) Main benefit: Inactive members can attend Divisional and National education events, but are excused from the education credit (see below) requirement to maintain their certification.
Special Inactive ($ 35/year): is for members who are not actively instructing at a Snowsports School and DO NOT want National membership. Special Inactive members retain their Western Division membership privileges (lift ticket discounts, "The Edge" Division newsletter.) Inactive members can attend Divisional education events, and are excused from the education credit requirement to maintain their certification.
How do you get certified as a Level 1 Instructor?
There are two methods to prepare for certification:
Standard Certification: Sign up for one of our Level 1 Certification modules. See the event calendar for a schedule and information.
In-House: This is for instructors who are already employed by one of our Member Schools who offers In-House certification. Under this method, the Snowsports School is taking on the time and responsibility of training you to the Level 1 standard. We simply ëvalidate' that your training is complete and that you have reached the Level 1 standard. In-House is less expensive to the member, because your employer is subsidizing the cost of your training.
What is an Education Credit?
Every Division within PSIA/ AASI has requirements for ongoing education. The Education requirement is intended to increase your proficiency and competence, while maintaining the high level of Professionalism signified by wearing the PSIA/AASI pin. Education credits are obtained by taking an ëEducation' event in any Division of PSIA/AASI. The Western Division requirement is 2 credts (2 days on snow) every two years. Education classes are posted on our event calendar every Fall.
You must be current with your education credits to be eligible to take an exam or module. Members who do not keep up on the Education requirement run the risk of losing their active certification status.
Are there other ways to get Education credits?
If you have taken a course or clinic from an Organization other than PSIA/AASI that has increased your knowledge or enhanced your professionalism as an Instructor, you may petition our Education Chair (see EDUCATION CREDIT REQUEST FORM)
Example: A United States Skiing Association coaches clinic.
What happens if I let my Education credits lapse?
You put your certification in jeopardy if you do not stay in compliance with our requirement for ongoing education.
Step 1- We will send a warning letter/ e-mail informing you of the problem, and giving you a certain amount of time (usually 1 season) to correct it.
Step 2- Members who ignore the warning will ultimately have their certification removed from their record, and will be moved to Inactive status.
Step 3- You can petition to reinstate at your former certification level at your option, pending completion of the required education.
What is an Exam Module?
In the past several years, we have phased in a new method for putting on our certification events. We call this the Module format.
The examiner/coach is your partner rather than an obstacle to your Certification. You receive plenty of feedback. Our goal is a higher success rate while still upholding the rigorous standards required to reach your Certification.
For Level 2 and 3, the module is a two part exam:
Ski/ Ride first- Teach second. By the end of the Skiing/Riding portion of your module, your Examiner will know if you are ready to move on to the Teaching module.
How come I have to pay dues so often?
Your yearly dues are due June 30th of each year regardless of the month you joined. This brings up the unfortunate situation in which a new member might join the Association in March, and only receive three months of membership benefit for his/her dues. Sorry about that.