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Prior Learning Assessment.

Waive

To ‘skip’ a prerequisite
Student has completed sufficient training and/or experience which meets the learning outcomes of the prerequisite.

Example 1: To apply for Avalanche Operations Level 2, you need to take Introduction to Weather first. If you’ve already taken a similar weather course (e.g., in mountain meteorology), you can apply to waive the weather course.

Example 2: Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1 is a prerequisite for registering for Avalanche Operations Level 1. If you have taken a similar AvSAR course in another country, you may apply to have this prerequisite waived to register for the Operations Level 1.

Equivalency

To earn a CAA course certificate
Student has adequate knowledge through education and professional experience without attending the course.

Example 1: (Career Progression) You hold a professional-level avalanche course in a different country and have worked as a ski patroller for the last two seasons. Your new employer in Canada requires a CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 certificate for you to work at their operation. Therefore, you apply for an Ops Level 1 equivalency based on experience and training.

Example 2: (CAA Membership) You would like to become a CAA Professional member and have professional-level qualifications and operational experience that meet the learning objectives of the Avalanche Operations Level 2 course DACUM. Therefore, you apply for an Ops Level 2 equivalency based on your experience and training.

Can I submit a PLA for this course?

Course	Waive	Equivalency
Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1
Avalanche Operations Level 1
Introduction to Weather
Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 2
Avalanche Operations Level 2
Instructing in Avalanche Terrain-Basic
Instructing in Avalanche Terrain-Advanced

Application Process

You should download and complete the relevant self-assessment form for your application and any prerequisites.

This includes, but is not limited to:

professional resume
course certificate
course curriculum (outline, schedule, assessment, etc)

AvSAR :

description of practice rescue scenarios
logbook entry, incident report or training records

Operations Level 1:

snow profile and corresponding drafted graph
avalanche observations
weather observations

Operations Level 2:

100 operational days – logbook
ski/splitboard/snowmobile specific resume

Important: If additional information and/or supporting documentation is requested throughout the review process, you will be given a 1-month timeline to provide it to the office. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a denial of your application.

Contact a CAA Professional Member to act as a reference for your application.
This person should:

Be familiar with your avalanche-related experience.
Have completed the course you are applying to waive/gain equivalency for, or understand the learning objectives outlined in the course DACUM.
Review your self-assessment form and the course DACUM and assess whether you meet the learning objectives.
Complete the CAA Professional Member PLA reference form.

If you do not know a CAA Professional Member, you should find a person who meets the criteria listed above. They must complete the Non-CAA Professional Member PLA reference form instead.

Course	Waive	Equivalency
Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1	$200.00	$400.00
Avalanche Operations Level 1	$300.00	$500.00
Introduction to Weather	$150.00	$250.00
Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 2	N/A	N/A
Avalanche Operations Level 2	N/A	$800.00
Other	$150.00	$300.00

Complete the PLA application form; ensure all supporting documents are well prepared.
Submit the application along with the required payment.
Follow up with your reference to confirm that they have submitted their recommendation.

Important: The application must be completed in full in one session. You will not be able to save your progress and return to it later.

Course	Waive	Equivalency
Avalanche Search and Rescue Level 1	Apply	Apply
Avalanche Operations Level 1	Apply	Apply
Introduction to Weather	Apply	Apply
Avalanche Operations Level 2	Not available	Apply
Other	Apply	Apply