Check the entry requirements before choosing your CSIA course. If you are unsure about your skiing or previous qualifications, contact OTA — we are happy to help you find the right next step.
Looking for an introduction to each qualification? Compare Levels 1, 2 & 3 →
Level 1 — your first instructor qualification
Age: You must be at least 14 when the course begins.
Skiing: Be able to ski blue and black runs independently and confidently, maintaining parallel turns and controlling your speed. You should already have these skiing skills before attending.
Teaching: You can join without previous ski-teaching experience.
Level 2 — build on your first qualification
Previous qualification: CSIA lists these accepted entry qualifications: CSIA Level 1; Snow Park Certification; ACA Entry Level Certified status; or ACA Development Level Trained status.
Exam entry: Complete the relevant Skiing or Teaching Development course before entering that track’s exam. Eligibility is checked separately for each track.
If you hold a qualification from another organisation, contact us before paying so that the applicable CSIA pathway can be checked.
Level 3 — advanced skiing and teaching
Complete programme: The general entry qualification is CSIA Level 2. For partial courses, check the track-specific conditions below.
Skiing track: Passing the Level 2 Skiing Exam allows entry to Level 3 Skier Development. Complete that Development course before attempting the Level 3 Ski Exam. CSIA permits this Ski Exam before the Level 2 Teaching Exam has been passed.
Teaching track: Level 3 Teacher Development requires a pass in the Level 2 Teaching Exam. To take the Level 3 Teaching Exam, you must hold the complete Level 2 certification and have completed Level 3 Teacher Development.
Partial courses and retests
Level 1: CSIA specifies a two-day retest. A previously passed Skiing or Teaching component does not need to be retaken. Contact OTA to arrange a suitable course.
Levels 2 and 3: If you have already taken the Exams, CSIA allows you to retake only the component you did not pass, without repeating the Development courses.
Before booking a partial course or retest, tell us which Development courses you have completed and which Exams you have passed. We will check your entry requirements, available places and the applicable fee.
CSIA membership
For Level 2, Level 3 and retest bookings, ensure your CSIA membership is current for the course season. Membership seasons run from 1 October to 30 September.
Successfully completing Level 1 gives you membership for the rest of that membership season. You do not need another renewal for Level 2 or Level 3 within the same season if that membership is still current. Renew for a later membership season as required.
CSIA membership information · Fees and membership FAQ
Ready to register, or need an eligibility check?
If you meet the requirements, start your registration. For another qualification, a partial course or a retest, contact us to confirm your eligibility before paying.
This summary was checked against the linked CSIA information on 2 November 2026. Please refer to CSIA’s current requirements if the information changes.