The qualifications you need to become a snowboard instructor varies according to your aims and depends on the country you wish to work in. Achieving level 2 will boost employment opportunities greatly, and is considered the industry standard.
If you are looking to achieve qualifications to become a snowboard instructor, it is advisable to aim to achieve level 1 and 2 in your first season – most people do this via a snowboard instructor course or internship.
There are governing bodies for each country where Snowboard Instructors can train and work, such as the British (BASI), Canadian (CASI) and New Zealand (SBINZ). All organisations operate a levels system of qualification and all types are valid all over the world (for example, you can work with CASI in Europe, BASI in New Zealand etc).
Snowboard instructor organisations have similarities, but there are slight differences to each system – find out about the different qualifications.
Level 1 Instructors
Level 1 is an entry level snowboard instructor qualification allowing the instructor to teach complete beginners up to the novice level turn. Level 1 instructors can find work via internships and at smaller resorts.
Level 2 Instructors
Level 2 qualification allows the instructor to teach up to the intermediate level of snowboarding and is the certification standard required to be a snowboard instructor in most resorts internationally.
Level 3 Instructors
Level 3 is a high level certification and requires a greater degree of skill, technique and teaching experience. Level 3 snowboard instructors can teach up to advanced riders, including training and assessing level 1 & 2 instructors.
Level 4 Instructors
A respected, professional qualification, level 4 is achieved by accomplished snowboard instructors who have exceptional standards across all areas.
Level 4 instructors train advanced skiers and examine higher levels of instructors (level 3 and level 4).
The levels system is recognised by most countries apart from France.
Snowboard instructors in France are often trained to ski instructor level 4 standard first and snowboard instructing is a second discipline.
