American Avalanche Association
Prior Learning Assessment
The American Avalanche Association acknowledges that many professionals are currently engaged in or have completed training
under the previous education system. Our goal is to engage professionals at their current level in the previous educational
system, provide clear direction on how to proceed, and promote consistency in training.
Table 1: A summary of the equivalence in the new Professional Training Program for professionals who have taken courses in
the previous educational system​.

Current Level ofTraining

Equivalent Within the New
Professional Training System

Next Course For ProfessionalTraining

Level 1 Avalanche
Training

Level 1 Avalanche Training

Avalanche Rescue Course (8hrs)
Pro 1 Course

Level 2 Avalanche
Training

Pro 1 w/ completion of Bridge Course

Bridge Course For Pro 1 Certification *Pro 1 Course

Level 3 Avalanche
Training

Pro 2 Course**

Continuing Professional Development

National Avalanche
School (Classroom andField prior to 2017)

Pro 1 w/ completion of Bridge Course

Bridge Course For Pro 1 Certification *National Avalanche
School (Classroom andField in 2017-18)

Pro 1-NAS Course

Pro 2 Course

AVPRO

Pro 2 Course**

Continuing Professional Development

Pro 1 Course*Bridge course evaluating student’s skills from the previous Level 2 training will be offered for the first three years of the new
professional avalanche training program. Following the first three years of the new program, a student with a Level 2 completionfrom the old educational system will need to take the complete Pro 1 course.
**Pro 2 avalanche training contains material not covered in the previous level 3 courses; however, expectations are that, postlevel 3 or AVPRO, professionals continue to acquire skills through continuing education and on the job training.
Recognition of Equivalency:
If the professional does not meet any of the criteria listed in table 1 and needs recognition of equivalency for employment,
he/she may submit a Prior Learning Assessment application to the AAA. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstratethat he/she meets or exceeds the skills and proficiencies described in the Pro 1 or Pro 2 Proficiencies and Guidelines documents.
It is encouraged that the applicant take the time to compile a complete, thorough, and concise application with clear evidence
supporting his/her claim for equivalency.
Prior Learning Assessment applications will be submitted electronically to the AAA’s Professional Training Coordinator.
Assessments will be reviewed as part of a collaborative process with AAA-approved instructors.
See Prior Learning Assessment Form Below:

American Avalanche Association
Prior Learning Assessment
Applicant Information:
Name:
Address:
Email:

Phone:

Equivalency:​ Application For Equivalency for the Following Course: ___________________ (Course Title)

Professional Training: ​List all avalanche and snow science related courses. Attach any certificates, evaluations,syllabi, etc. to support training completions and topics covered.
CourseCourseDates

Location

Course Provider

Topics Covered

Work Experience:​ L​ist all employment pertinent to the avalanche and snow science field. Other work experience
and/or further work descriptions may be provided by attaching a resume to the application.
Position

Employment Dates

Employer

Job Description

Continuing Education​: List pertinent continuing education events or trainings.
Training/Event

Date(s)Location

Topics CoveredReferences:​ Provide three references who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and competency
with the skills and proficiencies outlined in the Pro 1 or Pro 2 Guidelines and Proficiencies.
NameJob Title

RelationshipPhone

Email123

Course Content: ​Provide a description of work and/or educational experience that demonstrates
competency in each of the skills and proficiencies for the course equivalency sought. The complete list ofskills and proficiencies can be found in the Pro 1 and Pro 2 Proficiencies and Guidelines publications.
Examples: Pro 1 Equivalency
Skill/Proficiency: ​Observe, record and evaluate avalanche occurrence data
Over the past 5 years I have regularly documented and recorded avalanche occurrences while on avalanche mitigation routes at
Mentone Ski Area. During an average winter I participate in 30 or more days of avalanche mitigation work at the ski area.
Attached are two days of avalanche documentation from our recording forms during the most recent winter.

The applicant is encouraged to attach operational documentation that provides evidence of competency insupport of the recognition of equivalency.
Submission:​ All Prior Learning Assessment applications must be submitted electronically to the AAA
Professional Training Coordinator at pro.training@avalanche.org.