Please read through the rest of this document before deciding whether ACMG membership is for you

Code of Conduct
All members of the ACMG must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Code defines acceptable behaviour while you are acting in any professional ACMG capacity or promoting yourself as an ACMG member. Please take a few moments to read it here: Code of Conduct. Breach of the code may lead to a conduct review and possible sanction by the Association.

Scope of Practice
A Scope of Practice defines the limitations of one’s level of certification with respect to terrain, supervision and activities. It is a critical document that helps professionals understand how and where they may carry out their work. Please take some time to read over the section that applies to your desired certification Scope of Practice as it will help ensure that you choose the right stream for your career aspirations. For example, the Top-rope Climbing Instructor certification (TRCI) is quite limited in scope and is often misunderstood by those who believe that it allows for broader activities.

Eligibility

• Membership in the ACMG is open to anyone who has passed one or more of the courses offered through the ACMG’s Training and Assessment Program (TAP) or through the Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Program that used to be offered through Thompson Rivers University.

• If you have been trained and examined by other qualified organizations, or are an IFMGA guide from a “non-ski” country you may apply for certificate equivalency through a Prior Learning Assessment Review (PLAR). Contact [email protected]

• Non-profit or not-for-profit organizations that share the values and objectives of the ACMG may apply for Associate Membership. Contact [email protected]

New Members

If you successfully completed your first ACMG Training and Assessment program (TAP) course LESS than one year ago:

1. E-mail the ACMG Member Services Manager at [email protected] indicating your interest in joining and attaching a copy of your current first aid certificate:
   
   While e-mail is the preferred method of communication and document transfer, you may also use post:

   Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
   Box 8341
   Canmore AB T1W 2V1
   Phone: 403-678-2885
   Fax: 403-609-0070
   

2. You will be allowed temporary access to the ACMG member website and be provided with instructions on how to proceed.
   
   
3. Member Services Price List

If you successfully completed your first course through either the ACMG Training and Assessment Program (TAP) or through Thompson Rivers University (CMSG) MORE than one year ago:

Submit your application with the following three (3) items by e-mail to [email protected]:

1. Resume including:
   1. Any pertinent certification you have acquired since you passed your first ACMG Training and Assessment Program (TAP) or Canadain Mountain and Ski Guide (CMSG) course, including all courses/exams you have taken since your last certification was completed and that are related to your ACMG membership and current level of certification. For example: continuing education, technical refreshers, etc. DO NOT include non-guiding/instruction related training or certification. DO INCLUDE COPIES OF CERTIFICATES or other proof of attendance and certification.
   2. Any pertinent personal experience you have acquired since you passed your first ACMG/TAP/CMSG course. Providing copies of activity logs or a resume-style list is strongly recommended, this is especially important if you have not been actively working as a guide or instructor. List only that experience which is related to your level of ACMG certification. DO NOT include non-guiding/instruction related personal experience. For example, list hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, etc. but do not list cycling trips, fishing, hunting, etc.
   3. Any pertinent professional experience you have acquired since you passed your first ACMG/TAP/CMSG course. If you've been working at jobs that are related to your certification, a log or resume of that work will be required. A letter from an employer would be valuable if you were working for someone; this letter should confirm your period of employment and what kind of work you have done. DO NOT include non-guiding/instruction related professional experience.
      
      
2. Copy of your current valid First Aid Certificate (see First Aid Courses)
   
   
3. Recommendation DIRECTLY TO US from an ACMG member in good standing
   Request that a signed and dated reference be sent directly to the ACMG; forward the following parameters to whichever member in good standing you approach to recommend you for membership.

   The recommendation for membership should cover:

   • How long and in what capacity you have known the applicant
   • Comments on the applicant’s integrity, good character, capability as a guide or instructor, and technical currency

The recommendation must either be sent directly to the ACMG as a signed, dated letter (by e-mail attachment or post) or in the body of an e-mail sent from you (the recommender, not the applicant), directly to the ACMG using the email address on record in the member site.

e-mail: [email protected]
post: ACMG Box 8341, Canmore AB T1W 2V1

Initial payment
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by the ACMG Member Services Manager instructing you on the amount and the process for your initial non-refundable payment. Your membership application will not proceed until all of the above have been received by the ACMG.

Technical Review
Once we have received your application, it will be forwarded to the Technical Committee for consideration. One of the following rulings will then be made:

• Join without further requirements.
• Require some measure of training or upgrading before joining.
• Require some measure of re-certification before joining.

The Technical Committee are volunteers and active guides so this process can take several weeks before you get an answer. If you want your membership request rushed for some reason, please forward the information requested above at your earliest opportunity, explain the urgency, and your request may be expedited, if possible.

Dues and Fees
Once the technical review is completed and you have met any requirements set by the Technical Committee, you will be required to pay all mandatory dues and fees assessed to members of the same category for the current calendar year.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement is the process by which people who had been ACMG members at one time apply to regain professional membership.

1. Send your request for reinstatement to [email protected]
   
   
2. E-mail or mail a copy of your current, valid first aid certificate
   
   
3. You will receive notice of your next steps and the required payment
   
   
4. Payments include: dues, administrative fee, outstanding balances

If you have been a non-member for 1 year or longer

If you have been a non-member for 1 year or longer, it is important for us to assess your level of currency in order to determine whether any re-training is required. We will look at your recent activities, your first aid certification and recommendations from active ACMG members. The process can be a little complex so please contact us at [email protected] and we will guide you through the hoops.