Training and Assessment Program
ACMG Courses and COVID -19
March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
As part of the Association's ongoing action plan regarding COVID-19, the Training and Assessment Program is implementing the following measures to support the health and safety of students and staff, and the national effort to slow the spread of the virus:
For answers to frequently asked questions click here: TAP FAQ
- UPDATE: Per the recommendations of government and health officials, students and applicants are strongly encouraged to refrain from accessing the backcountry until further notice.
- UPDATE: The Ski Guide Program application prerequisites have been revised in light of public land and ski resort closures. The amended application package can be found here, and the application deadline is June 1, 2020.
- Of note - no backcountry experience recorded after March 24, 2020 will be considered when screening applications.
- Postponement of all Apprentice Ski and Ski Guide exams until as early as practical next winter.
- Postponement of the Vancouver Island, BC and Penticton, BC Top Rope Climbing Instructor courses scheduled for early April, until further notice.
- Postponement of all lightweight rope kit updates for students until as early as practical next winter.
- Postponement of the Climbing Gym Instructor course in Edmonton, AB the weekend of March 27 - 29, until further notice.
Students enrolled in postponed exams and courses will be issued a full refund of their course registration fees, and their exam and course placements will be honoured and prioritized when rescheduling occurs.
Any third-year apprentice guide students directly impacted by exam postponements will be granted a timeline extension until the exams are offered.
The Training and Assessment Program further recognizes that Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) ITP and first aid course cancellations may affect students' abilities to fulfill program prerequisite requirements and will be addressing these circumstances on a case-by-case basis when revised course and exam dates are confirmed.
The feasibility of offering the Top Rope Climbing Instructor and Via Ferrata Guide courses in May, and the Hiking and Rock Guide programs in June is being monitored and evaluated closely. Currently we are planning to proceed with these programs as scheduled.
These are challenging times for us all and the decisions that are being made are not being taken lightly. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our students and will be following up with additional information as soon as it's available.
Stay healthy,
Derek Wilding
Training and Assessment Program Director
Overview
What is it
- It is a series of training courses and exams designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to be a professional guide or instructor.
- Mountain guide, hiking guide, via ferrata guide, climbing gym instructor, and top rope instructor programs are offered.
Recognition
- Candidates will have the opportunity to pursue certification to the high standards of the ACMG, which is recognized by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).
- IFMGA Mountain Guides attain the highest level of mountain training and certification in the world and are recognized in the more than 20 member-countries
Training and Assessment Program
Mountain Guide Stream- Three Disciplines :
Alpine Guide, Ski Guide, and Rock Guide. Completion of the program confers Mountain Guide certification, which qualifies ACMG members for recognition throughout the world in member countries of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations.
Hiking Guide Stream:
Apprentice Hiking Guide and Hiking Guide. Hiking Guides lead clients on day and multi-day hikes and wilderness trips in forested and alpine terrain that does not require technical climbing
Climbing Instructor Stream - Three Disciplines:
Climbing Gym Instructors teach climbing on artificial structures. Top Rope Climbing Instructors work with groups in simple outdoor rock climbing terrain with easy access where students do not require anchoring between climbs or rappels. Via Ferrata Guides lead clients on climbing or exposed scrambling routes that are protected using special safety equipment.
