Certified Program clinic and exam for the InterMountain Division (IMD) will be held on TBA.
More details about preparation clinics and how to sign up for this exam will be posted this Fall. Exams to be given: OEC, Risk Management, Hill Safety, and Avalanche & Snow Science.
The NSP Education Committee is continually updating the Certified curriculum. Please visit the NSP.org page using THIS LINK to view the latest materials.
The following files outline what the Association of Professional Patrollers (APP) uses for their evaluation criteria on the nine areas of knowledge for their Certified Program. These files are provided as an additional educational reference; for your information only. The IMD's evaluation criteria described on the NSP.org Certified page, linked above, are the sole testing criteria.
Avalanche Rescue PDF
Avalanche & Snow Science PDF
Avalanche Mitigation and Explosives PDF
Hill Safety & Prevention PDF
Medical Rescue PDF
Risk Management PDF
Rope Rescue PDF
Ski/Snowboard/Telemark Performance PDF
Toboggan Handling Performance PDF
If you are a Senior Patroller and interested in becoming Certified, please contact Sal Mascareñas at (208) 317-4756 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to get on his mailing list.
The Certified Program enables patrollers to build upon experiences gained while patrolling and through other NSP programs.
The program consists of six core modules:
- Area operations and risk management;
- Avalanche management;
- Emergency care;
- Lift evacuation and rope knowledge;
- Skiing /snowboarding; and
- Toboggan handling.
**The above modules maybe expanded upon by divisions to meet additional needs.
This program requires independent training and advance research in order complete the modules and receive certification.
The certified candidate should possess extensive knowledge of patrol and area operations, as well as physical dexterity and skills in leadership, instruction, problem management, and decision-making. More importantly, the individual must have an aptitude for team building and experience in planning programs to facilitate the success of the program and area operations.
The information in this program may not be applicable to all situations that arise in the daily operations of a ski area or center. NSP education programs and membership requirements should never conflict with, or take priority over, area management’s standard operating procedures and requirements for daily patrolling activities.
Certified Patroller Program Goals
- Provide performance standards and evaluation on a broad range of patrol skills and knowledge.
- Increase patroller’s awareness of issues relevant to ski area operations.
- Provide a readily identifiable resource of highly skilled, motivated, and knowledgeable patrollers to better serve NSP, ski area management, and the outdoor recreation community through instruction and/or leadership.
- Promote interaction and exchange between paid and volunteer patrollers.
- Build on, but not duplicate, the Outdoor Emergency Care program and or the Senior OEC program by providing a flexible, self-directed training program to develop member skills.
History of the Certified Program
IMD Certified Program Director
Sal Mascareñas
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,