Certified Patroller Requirements
Prerequisites
There is specific documentation that must be gathered in order to start on the Certified track and obtain this credential.
Written application form from the Division in which a patroller is seeking Candidacy, which can be obtained from the Division Credentials Supervisor or Certified Program Chairperson.
Completed questionnaire, or essay, from the candidate describing why they want to become a Certified patroller, including what value they will bring to both the program as well as recent contributions to the NSP membership, leadership roles, and other pertinent information as to the abilities of the applicant.
At a minimum, 2 Letters of recommendation. These letters from 2 current Certified members or from a combination of at least one current Certified and Patrol Directors or other senior members of NSP leadership such as Program Supervisors and Division Directors (or PSPA/APP equivalent). Please note, letters of recommendation should be as thorough and thoughtful as possible including, but not limited to, direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities, qualifications, and personal character.
The Credentials Committee members rely on the content and extent of the letters when considering accepting the applicant into the program.
Minimum National Requirements
- NSP member in good standing for 5 years as a volunteer or 3 years as a paid patroller
- Successful completion of the NSP Avalanche 1 course, or equivalent
- Successful completion of the NSP MTR 1 course, or equivalent
- For volunteer candidates, acted as Leadership within NSP program(s) for a minimum of 3 years
Suggested National Prerequisites
- Senior designation, or equivalent, for all NSP members is HIGHLY suggested
- NSP Avalanche 2 course participation, or equivalent
- NSP MTR 2 course participation, or equivalent
Central Division Prerequisites
- Senior Alpine Patroller with 5 years of NSP membership.
- Read Chapter 12 of the Ski Patrollers Manual.
- Download the Central Division Certified Manual and National Study Guide.
- Fill out the application and submit it to the Certified Program Supervisor before January 1st.
- Attend a Certified Qualification Clinic and demonstrate the skiing and tobogganing skills necessary to be accepted into the program.
- Attend the annual Certified evaluation, passing all of the program modules within the allotted three-year window.
Certified Modules
Certified Modules
The evaluation will consist of a written exam, an oral interview, and on mountain practical session. Candidates will demonstrate a working and educational knowledge of avalanche hazards and mitigation from a macro down to a micro level and be evaluated across a number of operational metrics. The candidate must demonstrate extensive depth of knowledge, critical thinking and creative problem solving across various topics outlined in the Essential Knowledge section below.
1.) Low angle rescue – This portion of the module starts indoors with the candidate expected to tie these essential knots: Bachman, Prussik, Follow through Figure 8, Figure 8 on a bight, Double Fisherman’s, Water knot, Munter Hitch, Clove hitch. After the candidate successfully ties these knots they will move to the next part of this station. The candidate will then proceed outdoors to set up a lowering system and then convert the system to a 3:1 mechanical advantage haul system and raise the litter. (Z-drag).
2.) Lift Evacuation – This portion of the module also starts indoors with the candidate expected to answer questions concerning the process for handling all aspects of lift evacuation from inception to completion (Some divisions expect the candidate to bring a copy of their home mountain lift evacuation plan for discussion). Once they have discussed the complete process so that the exam team is convinced that the candidate completely understands the process the candidate is taken to a lift (previously locked and tagged out) where they are expected to confidently set up a lift evacuation station without being expected to evacuate anyone.
1.) All NSP OEC Certified exams require at least one OEC IT to be present to provide quality assurance and support/guidance as per NSP standards. It is strongly suggested the OEC IT be a current Certified member. This IT will provide documentation to the NSP office following completion of the exam.
2.) All practical scenarios must be chosen from the National Certified OEC scenario test bank and have been previously approved by the National Medical Adviser. These scenarios will be indexed to the National OEC difficulty matrix and have a score no less than 8 and no greater than 10. (Currently this process is year to year. A Certified scenario test bank is currently being developed)
3.) The written exam will be compiled from the most current National OEC written question test bank and be made up of no fewer than 50 or greater than 100 questions. (Number of questions is a division option)
Combination of indoor interview and outdoor/on-hill “eye of the Certified Patroller” evaluation. Candidates will demonstrate a working knowledge of ski area operations from a macro down to a micro level and be evaluated across a number of operational metrics. The candidate must demonstrate extensive depth of knowledge, critical thinking and creative problem solving across various topics outlined in the Essential Knowledge section below.
This module will be conducted on single to double black diamond trails using moguls, where appropriate. Less advanced terrain, if used, should incorporate significant terrain changes in order to raise the level of difficulty. The examiners must ski/ride the terrain in order to gauge the relative difficulty of the day’s conditions and terrain. The Division Certified Supervisor or Module Lead will have the discretion to cancel testing at any time due to conditions.
This module will be conducted on the hill in terrain deemed acceptable at the discretion of the Division Certified Supervisor and the examining team and will be held on an advanced/expert level of difficulty (single to double black diamond levels) slope using moguls where appropriate. Less advanced terrain, if used, should incorporate terrain changes that are significant so as to raise the level of difficulty versus terrain otherwise deemed sub-Certified. The examiners must assess the course in order to gauge the relative difficulty of the day’s conditions and terrain. The Module lead or the Division Certified Supervisor will have the discretion to cancel testing at any time due to conditions. Candidates will demonstrate toboggan handling from top to bottom where possible. The Certified evaluation’s foundation is built on complexity, scaffolding layers of variables that rely on an extensive depth of knowledge. The candidate must demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and toboggan handling skills across various topics included but not limited to:
•Proper checkout of the toboggan being used. Modifying or altering the toboggan by applying extra chain brakes, cravats to manage the chain, etc, by the candidate is permitted.
• Knowledge of toboggans and their applications at the candidate’s home ski area. • Approach to the rescue scene is controlled with an empty toboggan.
• Proper anchoring of the toboggan at the rescue scene. The chain brake must be used.
• Proper anchoring release of the toboggan and transition into the fall line with a partner on the tail rope or rear handles.
• Running a loaded toboggan with a tail rope or rear handle operator through a course that includes: A) Fall line with course and direction changes. B) Traversing.
• Running with the loaded toboggan should be controlled and steady. No excessive speed or un−safe maneuvers are acceptable.
• Know and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different toboggans. This includes toboggans that might not be used at the candidate’s home ski area.
• Demonstrate proper patient loading position for specific injuries. This may be area specific.
• Candidate should have no problem navigating the test courses smoothly and with control. • Critique and /or demonstrate the setup and use of a simple Toboggan belay. All NSP OET Certified exams require at least one OET IT to be present to provide quality assurance and support/guidance as per NSP standards. It is strongly suggested the OET IT be a current Certified member.
Reciprocity with Other Organizations
The NSP Certified Program does maintain reciprocity with the Association of Professional Patrollers (APP) and the Professional Ski Patrol Association (PSPA). Most of the six modules listed herein are transferrable between the three organizations, with the exception of Avalanche and Low Angle/Lift Evacuation. Certified patrollers who wish to obtain reciprocity from an organization that they are not currently certified in are encouraged to contract their respective Division Certified Program Supervisor to determine the correct path forward.
Division Certified Program Supervisors, with concurrence of their Division Director, may approve, as appropriate, partial or full reciprocity for individuals in their division. Divisions granting reciprocity must continually review this policy to ensure the NSP Certified objectives are being met.
Instructors
Primary Instructor Credentials
- Certified members that have passed this module.
- Certified members assigned by Division Certified Supervisor or Avalanche Module Lead.
- Avalanche professionals recognized and approved by the Certified Avalanche Module Lead or Division Certified Supervisor.
- Certified members who have participated at the Certified Exam in an Avalanche Examiner Capacity within the past 3 years. All examiners will attend a Certified Avalanche training/recertification module once every three years.
- Certified members who have not examined in a 3-year period must participate a Certified Avalanche training/recertification module for standards calibration.
- Examiner Candidates (Provisional Examiners) will shadow evaluate at either a Certified Pre Test or Certified Exam to compare scores against qualified Examiners for calibration purposes before being deemed an Avalanche Examiner. Those failing to meet the examining criteria will not be eligible to examine until they meet said criteria. Provisional Examiner scores will NOT be used as part of the final evaluation.
Advanced Instructor Credentials
- Certified members that hold Avalanche Level II.
- Certified members that have passed this module.
- Certified members assigned by Division Certified Supervisor or Certified Module Lead
- Avalanche professionals or Level 2 avalanche Instructors recognized and approved by the Division Certified Supervisor.
- Certified members who have participated at the Certified Exam in an Avalanche Examiner Capacity within the past 3 years. All examiners will attend a Certified Avalanche training/recertification module once every three years.
- Certified member who have not examined in a 3-year period must participate a Certified Avalanche training/recertification module for standards calibration
- Examiner Candidates (Provisional Examiners) will shadow evaluate at either a Certified PreTest or Certified Exam to compare scores against qualified Examiners to calibration purposes before being deemed an Avalanche Examiner. Those failing to meet the examining criteria will not be eligible to examine until they meet said criteria. Provisional Examiner scores will NOT be used as part of the final evaluation.
- Certified members as approved by the Division Certified Low Angle Rescue/lift evacuation module lead.
- MTR Instructors that have previously passed this module
- Local Search and Rescue team members as approved by the Certified Low Angle Rescue/lift evacuation module lead
All examiners to attend a calibration clinic once every three years. This clinic will cover all relevant CPI’s for successful completion of the module. It will also cover any updated to local protocols, regulations, and industry best practices related to low angle rescue and lift examination. Examiners will be expected to show proficiency by demonstrating hands on knowledge of the module content.
- OEC Instructors who are Certified members
- OEC Instructors who have previously passed the module
- Certified members at the discretion of the Certified Chair
Note: All examiners/evaluators are to attend a Certified OEC calibration clinic once every three years.
- Certified members who have participated in a module previously called Management & On Hill Safety in an examining capacity within the past 3 years Certified member who have not examined in a 3 year period must participate a Certified ORM training module for standards calibration
- As approved by the Division Certified Program Supervisors: Professional Ski Area Risk Managers, Industry related insurance representatives, Patrol Directors, and other Subject Matter Experts.
Note: All examiners/evaluators are to attend a Certified ORM calibration clinic once every three years.
- Certified members who have participated at the Certified Exam in a Ski & Ride Examiner Capacity within the past 3 years. All examiners to attend a calibration clinic once every three years covering relevant CPI’s for successful completion of the module as well as demonstrating the examiner’s ability to perform all relevant skills at a minimum Certified standard.
- Certified members who have not examined in a 3-year period must participate in a Certified Ski & Ride training/recertification Clinic module to demonstrate appropriate proficiency such as a Pre-Test, exam set up, or other events deemed appropriate. After review by Division Certified Ski & Ride Module Lead and Division Certified Supervisor, PSIA Level-3 and above or AASI L-2 and above may be used as a resource.
- Examiner Candidates (Provisional Examiners) will shadow evaluate at either a Certified Pre-Test or Certified Exam to compare scores against qualified Examiners for calibration purposes before being deemed a Ski & Ride Examiner. Those failing to meet the examining criteria will not be eligible to examine until they meet said criteria. Provisional Examiner scores will NOT be used as part of the final evaluation.
- Certified members who have participated at the Certified Exam in an OET Examiner Capacity within the past 3 years.
- Certified members who have not examined in a 3 year period must participate in a Certified OET training/recertification module for standards calibration.
- PSIA Level-3 may be used as a resource at the discretion of the Certified Supervisor.
- Examiner Candidates (Provisional Examiners) will shadow evaluate at either a Certified Pre-Test or Certified Exam to compare scores against qualified Examiners for calibration purposes before being deemed a Toboggan Examiner. Those failing to meet the examining criteria will not be eligible to examine until they meet said criteria. Provisional Examiner scores will NOT be used as part of the final evaluation.
- Certified members at the discretion of the Certified Chair
- New evaluators must participate in a Certified OET training/recertification module for standards calibration and will serve in a Provisional status until successfully completing an evaluation and receiving feedback as to the accuracy of their assessment.
- OET Instructors who are Certified members and meet the criteria above.
Helpers are used to support the facilitation of learning for the Certified Program. Helpers may be used on an ad-hoc basis at the approval of the IOR and/or the Division Certified Program Supervisor.