Cross Country Certification

For many members, certification is their primary reason for becoming a member of PSIA. Whether you’re new to teaching or a season veteran, certification is one of the best ways to advance your career as a ski instructor. Most ski schools offer increased pay and standing to certified instructors, with the benefits generally increasing at higher levels of certification. Once you become certified, you are required to maintain your certification by fulfilling the PSIA Continuing Education requirements.

Level 1 Certification Process

  1. Become a member of PSIA.
  2. Complete the following E-Learning Courses [these are all hyperlinks]
    Course for New Instructors
    Delivering the Beginner Experience – Cross Country
    Introduction to Working with Children
    Cross Country Level 1 E-Learning Course
  3. Register for and attend the two-day Level 1 Cross Country assessment.

Level 2 Certification Process

  1. Obtain the Level 1 Cross Country certification or a Level 2 certification in another discipline.
  2. Attend the Cross Country L2/L3 prep clinic within one calendar year prior to attending the assessment.
  3. Complete the Cross Country Level 2 Workbook and bring it with you to your assessment.
  4. Attend the two-day Level 2 Cross Country assessment, during which you must pass the on-snow portion and a written test, covering Skiing, Teaching, and Mechanics.

Level 3 Certification Process

  1. Obtain the Level 2 Cross Country certification.
  2. Attend the Cross Country L2/L3 prep clinic within one calendar year prior to attending the assessment. (Note: you must take a separate clinic for both L2 and L3 assessments. You may not re-use your L2 prep clinic to also qualify for your L3 exam.)
  3. Complete the Cross Country Level 3 Workbook and bring it with you to your assessment.
  4. Attend the two-day Level 3 Cross Country assessment, during which you must pass the on-snow portion and a written test, covering Skiing, Teaching, and Mechanics.

Upcoming Events


Cross Country Level 1 Exam (2-Day)
Ogden Nordic
Thursday, January 9, 2025 -
Friday, January 10, 2025

Cross Country Level 2/3 Prep Clinic
Ogden Nordic
Monday, January 13, 2025

Cross Country Level 2/3 Exam (2-Day)
Ogden Nordic
Sunday, January 26, 2025 -
Monday, January 27, 2025

Cross Country Level 2/3 Prep Clinic
Solitude Nordic Center
Monday, February 10, 2025

Cross Country Level 2/3 Exam (2-Day)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Sunday, February 23, 2025

Cross Country Level 2/3 Exam
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
Monday, March 24, 2025 -
Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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