What is Certified?
The Certified Program is a test of your patrolling capabilities and knowledge base. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others, to broaden your experience and sharpen your skills. Through a series of specific steps a Certified Candidate is reviewed and qualified to participate in the annual Certified Test. The Certified Test is an intensive 3-day event that tests all aspects of a candidates patrolling skills.
The steps to joining the Certified Program.
The process by which a patroller may enter into the Certified Program is as follows:
If you are applying through the National Ski Patrol:
¨ Fill out the "NSP Education Program Certified Candidate/Recertification Application"
¨ Complete and submit the following essay questions:
1) Why do you want to a Certified Patroller?
2) What do you expect to gain from the Certified Program?
3) What benefits can the Certified Program and the NSP expect to gain from your participation?
4) Do you participate in training Patrol or Senior Candidates? What do you contribute to your patrol beyond your required shifts? Are you involved in Lift Evacuation training, CPR training, OEC training, etc?
5) Do you have aspirations to assume a leadership position in your patrol, the region or division
6) How does your professional career benefit from your patrol activities or how do your patrol activities benefit from your professional career?
¨ Provide two (2) letters of recommendation from Certified Patrollers.
(Note: When Certified members compose letters they should be as thorough as possible and should include direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities and qualifications. The Credentials Committee members rely on the content and extent of the letters when considering accepting the applicant into the program.
¨ Send all of these requirements to: "Credentials Committee Chairperson"
¨ Attend and successfully complete an approved Certified Precourse
If you are applying through the reciprocity agreement between the PSPA (Professional Ski Patrol Association) and National Ski Patrol:
¨ Obtain and fill out: (obtained through the Credentials Committee Chairperson or the PSPA secretary) " Application for Reciprocal Membership"
¨ Provide a letter of recommendation from the current PSPA president attesting to the applicant being a member in good standing.
¨ Provide a letter of introduction outlining what your commitment to the organization you are applying to will be, and how you plan on becoming involved to help us preserve and strengthen the program
¨ Provide a letter of recommendation from your Patrol Director or Supervisor
Send all requirements to: “Credentials Committee Chairperson"
Please Note: The Credentials Committee Chairperson must receive a complete application package at least 30 days in advance of the annual exam.
The Credentials Committee then reviews all applications and recommends or denies entry into the program
Getting Busy!
Introduction To Certified
The Intro to Certified is an annual event offered by members of the Certified Program. It is an On Hill preview of the various components of the Annual Certified Test. Your skills, experience and attitude will be evaluated by the staff with suggestions and recommendations being offered. Your attendance is highly recommended if you are considering challenging the Certified Test.
The Senior Program
While it is not a prerequisite of the Certified Program, successful completion of the Senior Program is highly recommended. The skills and confidence gained in this program will be invaluable as you are challenged at the highest levels of patrolling by the Certified Test.
Training
The Certified Program is a testing body, looking for the very highest level of competency in a patroller. It is not a training program and each candidate is expected to search out the terrain, instruction and guidance to complete their training and prepare themselves for the rigors of the Certified Test. Candidates will find the Certified members eager to help in any way possible if they make the effort to ask for guidance.
Certified Precourses
Each candidate must attend and pass a ski and toboggan precourse before being allowed to participate in the annual exam. Each precourse will include all skills and maneuvers in the annual ski and toboggan exam. The dates and locations of the precourses will be published.
Congratulations….You’ve been accepted! Now What?
Once a patroller has been accepted as a Certified Candidate, he or she has three (3) calendar years to complete the following six modules. Exceptional circumstances may extend the 3 calendar year requirement. A letter requesting an extension should be addressed to the Certified Chairperson.
The Certified Test- What to Expect.
The Test is comprised of 6 Modules, testing all facets of ski patrolling skill, resourcefulness, stamina and capability. The following descriptions are intended as a guide for the Certified Candidate.
(Module 1) Area Operations and Risk Management
The Area Operations and Risk Management module consists of two separate stations conducted as interviews. The two stations will be staffed by at least three (3) Certified Examiners each. Each team will consist of at least one examiner with experience in patrol management, as a mountain manager, or with interviewing. Each Interview should last approximately 45 minutes.
The Risk Management Interview will be conducted outside, either on the hill on skis, around a lift terminal, in the base area or a combination of all three. The focus of this portion of the exam is to determine if the candidate is aware of potential problems that can arise at a ski area, has the ability to identify them and can provide a viable solution to eliminate them. The candidate’s ability to think quickly, effectively and creatively will be assessed at this station.
The questions asked of a candidate can include, but are not limited to the following categories:
· Hazards, manmade and natural (signage and marking)
· Opening and closing procedures
· Snowmaking
· Lift operations (ANSI codes)
· Grooming
· Accidents and accident investigations
· Safe skiing programs
· *Risk management
· Laws governing ski area operations
· Mass casualty plan
* Risk management will be the focal point of this portion of the exam. The candidate should be prepared to discuss this subject from a pre and post loss perspective, as well as the accident and incident investigation in detail. The who, when, why, and how of ski area operations will be examined.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale, the candidate will be scored on their knowledge of ski area operations and risk management and their ability to think through the presented hypothetical problems. The candidate must score an average of 8 from the three examiners.
The Patrol Management Interview will be conducted inside, preferably in a quiet area conducive to holding an interview. The focus of this portion of the exam is to interview a candidate applying for the position of Patrol Director. The candidate will be expected to budget, staff and equip a patrol. They will be provided with a map of a ski area that they will be expected to staff and equip. They will also be expected to discuss in detail any of the following issues. The list of discussion subjects can include, but are not limited to the following categories:
· Personnel (Pro-Volunteer) (compensation)
· Equipment (sleds, evac, radios, etc)
· Mountain coverage
· Trail opening, closing procedures
· Patrol management (administration)
· Communications
· Patrol image
· Patrol relations with other departments
· Supplies
· Training
· Lift evacuation
· Accident reports
· Director compensation
· Mass Casualty Plan
The interviewing team should be provided with a copy of the candidate's Certified application for reference.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale, the candidate will be scored on their knowledge of patrol procedures and the candidate’s working knowledge, experience and philosophies of patrol operations. The candidate must score an average of 8 from the three examiners.
(Module 2) Avalanche Management
The Avalanche Management portion of the Certified Exam will consist of two parts:
a) A written exam
b) A physical search using transceivers
The written portion of the exam will include but is not limited to questions concerning the following:
· Avalanche awareness
· Personal safety
· Avalanche rescue
· Probing
· Transceiver search
· Decision-making
The Emergency Care module of the Certified Program consists of three (3) separate stations.
1) Written Test
2) Bystander Problem
3) Practical Problems (3 Problem Scenarios)
a) One problem as the leader.
b) Two problems as a helper.
The Written Test – The written portion will be administered in the form of essay questions that require the candidate to describe the procedures involved in solving a difficult scenario. Possible subjects include, but are not limited to the following:
1) Organizing a mass casualty plan
2) Answering specific questions about a written scenario
3) Develop a written solution to an emergency care scenario
The Bystander Problem - consists of a simulated accident scenario involving an emergency care problem that will require assistance from one or more untrained bystander(s). The candidate will successfully direct untrained bystander(s) in the delivery of emergency care in a multiple injury/illness incident involving one or more patients.
The Bystander Problem will be staffed by at least three (3) Certified examiners. At least two examiners will have experience in examining emergency care scenarios and be familiar with documenting the candidate’s performance using a time line so that their results can be discussed with them at the end of the day.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale, each candidate should be scored on decision-making, leadership, problem management, resource management, awareness of ski area operation issues and OEC performance. The candidates must score an average of 8 from the three examiners.
The Practical Problems station consists of three simulated accident scenarios involving multiple injury/illnesses and multiple patients. Certified candidates will be assigned in groups of three by the Certified OEC Chairperson or their designate. The candidates should consolidate any equipment that they require and spend some time discussing any differences in procedures. Each candidate must participate in the role of a leader once and as a helper twice.
The Practical Problems will be staffed by at least three (3) Certified examiners. At least two examiners will have experience in examining emergency care scenarios and be familiar with documenting the candidate’s performance using a time line so that their results can be discussed with them at the end of the day.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale, each candidate should be scored on decision-making, leadership, problem management, resource management, awareness of ski area operation issues and OEC performance. The candidates must score an average of 8 from the three examiners.
(Module 4) Lift Evacuation and Rope Management
The Lift Evacuation and Rope Management module of the Certified Program consists of two separate stations:
1) Lift Evacuation
2) Low Angle Rescue
The Lift Evacuation Station will test the candidate's working knowledge of a lift evacuation. The candidate will explain the procedures taken after a lift evacuation is called including setting up their evacuation equipment. (There will be no lowering of people from the chairlift). They will be required to demonstrate specific practical skills, which include hands on demonstration and explanation of their lift evacuation gear.
The Lift Evacuation Station will be staffed by at least three (3) examiners, at least two of which have experience with their mountain’s lift evacuation refresher.
Examiners will score the candidates performance by the following guidelines:
· Safety
· Knowledge of procedures (lockout ...etc)
· Knowledge of equipment
· Precautions
· Dilemmas (chair on sheaves, over water.. etc)
· Equipment inspection and storage
· Post evacuation procedures
· Rope handling
· Belay techniques
The Low Angle Rescue Station consists of two parts:
1) Knot tying (indoor station)
a) Bachman
b) Prussik
c) Figure 8
d) Double Fisherman's
e) Waterline
f) Bowline
g) Munter Hitch
Candidates must properly tie the above knots to advance to the outdoor station.
2) The practical application of low angle rescue consists of setting up a raising and lowering system. It will incorporate the ropes, knots carabiners, slings, anchors, safeties and litters.
The candidate will be required to set up a raising and lowering system and explain to the examiners all that they are doing. The candidate will fashion a hasty seat and explain its uses at the litter as a tender and during lowering. The candidate will have to do the lowering as if a rescuer were attached, tie it off, and then set up a Z-drag system. Once the system is set up, the candidate will have to show the examiners that the system works by pulling the litter up.
The Low angle rescue station will be examined by at least three (3) Certified examiners, at least one of which has a background in climbing.
Stepping on the rope or slings is an automatic fail and the system has to work to pass.
Examiners will look for proper setup and use of:
· Stout anchor with sling and carabiner around it
· All carabiners locked
· Rope threaded through carabiners properly
· Rope secured to litter or sled with slings, carabiners, and figure 8 knot
· Prussik knots in right places
· Bachman knots in right places
· Slings on litter for two rescuers
· Hasty seat on candidate
· Figure 8 descent device attached or munter hitch used
· Mechanical Advantage 3:1 system setup and operational
(Module 5) Skiing
The skiing components of the Certified program are as follows:
1) Crud skiing
2) Groomed skiing
3) Mogul skiing
4) Steep skiing
5) Snowplow
6) Sideslip
7) Equipment Carry
Crud Skiing - Certified candidates will be expected to ski any slope under almost any type of snow condition. If crud, powder or icy conditions exist only in isolated places along the side of the slope, the instructor may create a corridor and ask the Certified candidates to ski within it. The candidate should be able to handle the conditions in a stable aggressive manner with style and confidence. Skier should be able to stop within a short distance at any time. Turns may be short, medium or long radius. Candidates should avoid long traverses, turning continuously as they progress down the hill.
Groomed skiing - The candidate will ski a relatively smooth expert run using a combination of long, medium and short radius turns as appropriate to the terrain. The candidate will demonstrate a high level of technical ability combined with personal style. This should be the type of run made while free skiing in a patrol parka. The image created should instill confidence in the skiing public.
Mogul Skiing - The candidate should ski this run under complete control at a speed that demonstrates self-confidence and ability. The candidate should demonstrate linked turns, consistent speed, fall line decent and minimal traversing.
Steep skiing - The candidate will ski a very steep slope with stability and aggressiveness. The candidate should demonstrate effective technical skills, controlled speed, minimal sideslip, and minimal traversing.
Snowplow - will be held on a moderately steep moguled slope on a course consisting of a series of left and right gates and a fall line corridor. The candidate will demonstrate a fluid and controlled snowplow in a balanced and stable position. They will demonstrate edge control maintaining pressure on both edges throughout the course. Their speed will be appropriate for the terrain and that speed will remain constant throughout the course. In the corridor, the candidate will demonstrate a fall line snowplow, showing balance, stability and equal weight distribution, while maintaining a constant speed. At the end of the corridor the candidate will perform a definitive stop using either a snowplow or hockey stop.
Sideslip - will be held on a steep moguled slope on a course consisting of a series of gates requiring forward and backward sideslip and two fall line corridors requiring straight descent sideslip. The candidate will demonstrate a stable and balanced sideslip using proper edge control to maintain an appropriate and consistent speed throughout the course. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to clear built up snow when necessary. Once in the corridor the candidate will remain within the confines of the corridor and in the fall line demonstrating proper balance and edge control. At designated points, usually identified by double poles, the candidate will demonstrate a kick turn. The candidate will remain stopped until instructed to continue.
Equipment Carry - will be held on a steep moguled slope. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to ski in a stable, safe and confident manner while carrying some patrol equipment. The candidate will demonstrate proper technique using short, medium and long radius turns when appropriate. The candidate's speed should be appropriate for the terrain and remain constant throughout the run. Turns should be parallel and in the fall line with a minimum of traversing or stopping.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale the candidates will be scored in all seven events and must score a minimum of 336 points to be successful in the skiing events. To compile scores, the high and low examiner scores for each candidate in each event will be eliminated leaving 6 examiners scores to be tallied. For example: 6 scores X 8 (score given by each examiner) = 48 points times seven events = 336 points. It is possible for a candidate to score low in one event and high in another and still be successful in the skiing module.
Examiners chosen for the skiing event will be chosen by the skiing chairperson and should consist of a team whose skills are of a consistently high level.
(Module 6) Toboggan
The toboggan components of the Certified program are as follows:
1) Unloaded Toboggan
2) Loaded Front
3) Loaded skills
Unloaded Toboggan - will be held on a steep moguled trail. The sled in this event should be run in an expedient and controlled manner, maintaining consistent speed. Route selection, mental alertness, skier and slope awareness and good judgment will be evaluated. Approach to a patient must be done as not to endanger or give the appearance of potential danger or further injury to the patient. The sled must be brought to a complete stop and a securing method should be demonstrated.
Loaded Front - The sled should be run as if the patient has a very painful NON-life threatening injury and will be held on a steep moguled slope. The candidate will demonstrate a controlled expedient run maintaining consistent speed appropriate to the terrain and injury throughout the run. The ride should be smooth so as not to cause patient discomfort. The candidate will demonstrate mental alertness, proper route selection, skier / slope awareness and good judgment. Jerking, bumpiness, continual stopping or pulling the sled, twisting or loss of sideways control is not acceptable.
Loaded skills - The sled will be run as if the patient has a very painful NON-life threatening injury and will be held on a steep moguled slope. There will be a series of left and right hand gates and a fall line corridor. The candidate will demonstrate appropriate technique for the terrain. The course will be negotiated with appropriate and consistent speed. During the traverse there will be only a minimal sideways slipping of the sled. While in the corridor the candidate will demonstrate 3 left and 3 right transitions maintaining consistent speed and keeping the sled in the fall line.
Scoring - Using the 1-10 scale the candidates will be scored in all three events and must score a minimum of 144 points to be successful in the toboggan events. To compile scores, the high and low examiner scores for each candidate in each event will be eliminated leaving 6 examiners scores to be tallied. For example: 6 scores X 8 (score given by each examiner) = 48 points times three events = 144 points. It is possible for a candidate score low in one event and high in another and still be successful in the toboggan module.
Examiners chosen for the skiing event will be chosen by the skiing chairperson and should consist of a team whose skills are of a consistently high level.
Annual Test Results / Scoring
All scoring is complete and final at the end of the annual exam. Any scoring changes require the involvement of the Certified Chairperson; the Chairperson of the module in question and all examiners directly involved with the dispute and must be resolved before the end of the annual exam.
All examiners shall come from the general membership, however others may be included with the concurrence from the Committee Chair and the Certified Chairperson
Examiners for both Ski and Toboggan and Emergency Care shall first serve as candidate examiners for a period of time determined by the respective Chairperson and the Certified Chairperson
A PSPA examiner, in good standing, may serve after being admitted as a Certified member and approved by the Chairperson.
Ski and Toboggan and Emergency Care Examiners must attend a Certified Examiners Clinic.
To become an Emergency Care examiner in the Certified program:
a) Should be an OEC instructor
b) Should serve as an injured person for one exam
c) Should serve as an examiner candidate for at least one season
d) Should serve as an examiner for at least two seasons before serving as the lead examiner
e) Should be a Certified member
Reciprocity
PSPA members in good standing may apply for National Ski Patrol reciprocity. They must submit an application, have it approved, and attend the Spring Examination. Here they must pass all sections agreed to as non-reciprocal in a joint meeting of the PSPA and the NSP at Mount Snow Vermont December 7, 1995. (see attached agreement). In order to become Certified they must join the National Ski Patrol.