Overview of Certification Programs
Visit our public facing overview of the ACMG training, assessment and certification program.
Training and Assessment Program
Visit the ACMG Training and Assessment Program (TAP) site for a more in depth view or register for a course
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The Value of Certification
ACMG certification is your assurance that any member you hire has been trained and assessed to the accepted standard of an internationally recognized, professional body
ACMG guides and instructors are trained to provide experience based decision making in the field and to balance two important facets of your trip – the feeling of adventure and your safety from objective hazards. Guiding is an elegant blend of art and science – a delicate synergy of experience and intuition. One must assess factors such as weather, snowpack quality, avalanche hazard, rock fall potential, crevasse and serac danger, route or terrain selection, daylight and distance, and continuously weigh them against your capability and objectives.
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Why Hire an ACMG Professional
- The ACMG demands the highest entry standard of any Canadian qualification. Its members are among the best climbers, skiers and backcountry experts in the country.
- Athleticism is not the only requirement of a good guide or instructor. Our members are also outstanding teachers and coaches who can help you progress your technical competence, mountain sense and risk management skills.
- Guides and instructors know their terrain and conditions. They help you achieve success by assisting you in choosing the best objectives for the current conditions and your personal goals.
- The ACMG Code of Conduct requires that all members carry the appropriate insurance and land permits for any work they are doing.
- The ACMG Scope of Practice ensures that all members work within their levels of training and certification.
- Members may extend their service to organizing itineraries for guests and arranging accommodation, transportation and meals. This allows you to maximize your time and experience and improve your chance of success.
Member Training
ACMG guides/instructors are trained and examined by an internationally recognized program to the highest standard in Canada. This process is carried out by the ACMG’s Training and Assessment Program (TAP) using only competent ACMG members as instructors. TAP provides the course instruction and administration while the ACMG Technical Committee establishes the technical standards for each level of certification. This ensures that the training and assessment are both academically and experientially rigorous. It takes 6-8 years to complete the entire process and become a fully certified Mountain Guide
Identifying Badges
Only ACMG certified members may advertise with the Association logo and insignia and only fully accredited Mountain Guides may use the IFMGA insignia. Look for these badges on clothing, printed material, websites and other advertising mediums.
Certified ACMG Member
Only members who have passed a comprehensive training and assessment process and maintained their skills and currency through professional development, can display the ACMG insignia.
IFMGA Mountain Guide
ACMG Mountain Guides are also recognized by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, the highest internationally recognized qualification for guiding rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing and instruction in all these disciplines. The IFMGA badge, recognized throughout the mountain world, is a guarantee of professional training and competence in all aspects of mountaineering and client care.
Featured Partner
Thank you to our partners for their excellent support and commitment to professional guiding in Canada.
