The NSP Certified Program

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The Certified Program enables patrollers to build on those experiences gained while patrolling and through other NSP programs, e.g. Senior, Outdoor Emergency Care, Avalanche, and Instructor Development: Phase I. The purpose of the Certified Program is to help patrollers identify and supplement training resources and to provide training clinics as skill checkpoints and verification of personal progress.

The Certified Program consists of six modules: (1) area operations and risk management, (2) avalanche management, (3) emergency care, (4) rope rescue and lift evacuation, (5) skiing/snowboarding, and (6) toboggan handling. The program requires independent training and advanced research, and participants must complete all modules to receive certification.

Certified candidates must possess highly developed teamwork skills, because those who advance to the certified classification must be able to direct other patrollers during day-to-day services as well as multiple-casualty incidents. More important, they must have the attitude and ability to subordinate themselves to other leaders and be team players. The National Certified Committee strongly recommends that all patrollers complete the Senior Program before entering the Certified Program.

Certified candidates should possess extensive knowledge of patrol and ski area operations. The program requires candidates to demonstrate physical dexterity and skills in leadership, instruction, problem management, decision-making, and interpersonal communication. They also must have the ability, experience, and knowledge to develop various plans and programs that the Patrol or area management may need.

The information in this program may not be applicable to all situations that arise in the daily operations of a given ski area or center. NSP education programs and membership requirements should never conflict with or take priority over area management's standard operation procedures and requirements for daily patrolling activities.

The materials in Chapter 12 of The Ski Patroller's Manual, new as of the 1996-97 ski season, are subject to change. Always check with the Division Ski and Toboggan or Certified Program supervisor to obtain the most current information about the program. Tables 12.1 through 12.6 contain the essential content and performance criteria for each certified module.

Certified Certification

Prerequisites

• Participation in a Division-authorized orientation or safety clinic on terrain and conditions approved for a certified clinic
• Recommendation signature from Division Certified Program supervisor or designee
• Completion of the NSP Senior Skiing component or a Division-approved equivalent
• Certified Candidate Application - Page 1 and Page 2 (See form in Appendix J.)

Recommended Prerequisites

• Completion of the NSP Advanced Avalanche Course or an equivalent training curriculum comparable to lesson guides in the NSP Avalanche Instructor's Manual
• Completion of the NSP Senior OEC component or a Division-approved equivalent
• Completion of the emergency care study guide (obtainable from the Division Certified Program supervisor)

Fees

National - none
Division - varies
Course - varies
Cost of materials

Credential

• Certified Completion Form (verified and signed by the instructor of record for each module)
• NSP Certificate of Achievement for each module(distributed by the instructor)

Continuing Education/Refresher

Certified Skiing and Toboggan Skills Recertification

(Administered within Division)
• Completion of an evaluation of skiing skills at the Certified performance level on a Certified-rated hill once every three years
• Completion of an evaluation of toboggan skills at the Certified performance level on a Certified-rated hill once every three years

Instructor of Record

• Division Certified Program supervisor (or delegate)

See Chapter 12 of The Ski Patroller's Manual, National Ski Patrol, 14th edition for information pertaining to the following Certified Modules:

• Area Operations and Risk Management
• Avalanche Management
• Emergency Management
• Rope Rescue and Lift Evacuation Management
• Skiing (fixed heel, free heel, snowboard)
• Toboggan Handling (fixed heel, free heel, snowboard)

Refer to the NSP Policies and Procedures for the most current application and program requirements, etc. relating to the Alpine Certified Program. Click here to access the NSP Policies and Procedures via the NSP On-line Member Services.

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