Certified Program

Certified is a program that demands “…the highest level of proficiency from patrollers through training and testing and would promote a level of patrolling in which there would be no compromise with excellence in skiing, first aid, patrol management, administration and leadership.”
– George Wesson [1921-2010], who developed the Certified Program for NSP and subsequently for Southern Division.

The NSP Certified Program is a performance-based leadership program that provides an opportunity for patrollers to learn and be tested on critical patroller skills/knowledge.

Our Mission is simple:​

To cultivate leaders dedicated to advancing service, rescue, and safety in outdoor recreation by educating, mentoring, and evaluating Patrollers that will continue to promote the proud tradition of excellence in the National Ski Patrol. 

The Certified program has a distinguished history with many of its members serving in National, Division, Regional, and Local patrol leadership positions with a commitment to giving back, fostering learning, and progressing core patroller skills over the years. Success in the Certified program is hard-earned requiring a real commitment to mastering multiple patrol-related disciplines often over multiple years and across regions/divisions to gain a vast and deep knowledge/skill base. Through the program, our members not only build a best-in-class level of expertise but also a sense of camaraderie with fellow patrollers as they work outside their local patrol/region. Your preparation to participate will provide a unique opportunity to learn from others, broaden your experience and sharpen your skills.

Admission is not automatic. To apply as a candidate, an applicant’s credentials are reviewed by a committee to ensure a minimal level of experience, a commitment to the program, and a track record of leadership and supporting their local patrol/region. Qualified individuals are invited to participate in the annual certified test. The certified exam is an intensive 2-day event that tests all aspects of your patrolling skills. Over the course of the season, multiple events are hosted to help hone skills and prepare candidates to be successful at the examination.

The Certified Program has seven core components examining physical endurance, knowledge, and experience, all requiring individual study and travel.

The core components are:

Over the past years, we have come to the conclusion that we make great patrollers even better through a combination of training, education and teaming opportunities. We are working hand in hand with the National Ski Patrol to develop future leaders and excellent patrollers. We have a significant pipeline, and we continue to engage and expand our reach into the ranks of the NSP including active participation in all levels of training, testing, leadership development and diversification of the NSP across every program offered.