What does it take to become an ACA Instructor?
In order to become an ACA Instructor, you must take both the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are taught by Instructor Trainers (also known as IT's). IT’s offer certification workshops in all disciplines and levels year round. Certification courses are run on a pass/fail basis. You do not have to take any specific ACA courses as a pre-requisite for the IDW/ICE. All participants of IDW/ICE’s must be current ACA members. Once you have completed the ICE, you must register with the Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) in order to receive your certification. Your Certification is not valid without both a current membership and current registration with the SEIC.
General Requirements for ACA Instructor Certification:
- Instructors shall be at least 18 years of age
- ACA membership ($40* Individual) and SEIC (Safety Education and Instruction Council) Registration ($25* Instructors / $75* IT-ITEs) is required for participation in Instructor Certification Courses
- Successfully complete an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and a subsequent Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)
ACA Instructor Certification - Which Level is Right For Me?
Coastal Kayaking
|
Level |
Venue / Location |
IDW |
ICE |
Level 1
Intro to Kayaking |
Flat Water
small inland lakes, pools, etc |
1-2 days |
1-2 days |
Level 2
Essentials of Kayak Touring |
Flat Water
protected bays; lakes/oceans |
2 days |
1-2 days |
Level 3
Basic Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1/2 mile from shore |
2 days |
2 days |
Level 4
Open Water Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1 mile from shore |
3 days |
2 days |
Level 5 Advanced
Open Water Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1 mile from shore |
N/A |
2-3 days* |
*To be eligible for Level 5 Instructor Certification, you must be an active Level 4 Instructor for a minimum of 2 years.
River Kayaking
|
Level |
Venue / Location |
IDW |
ICE |
Level 1
Intro to Kayaking |
Flat Water
small inland lakes, pools, etc |
1-2 days |
1-2 days |
Level 2
Essentials of Kayak Touring |
Flat Water
protected bays; lakes/oceans |
2 days |
1-2 days |
Level 3
Basic Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1/2 mile from shore |
2 days |
2 days |
Level 4
Open Water Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1 mile from shore |
3 days |
2 days |
Level 5 Advanced
Open Water Coastal Kayaking |
Up to 1 mile from shore |
N/A |
2-3 days* |
*To be eligible for Level 5 Instructor Certification, you must be an active Level 4 Instructor for a minimum of 2 years.
Adaptive Paddling
|
Level |
Venue / Location |
APW |
| Adaptive Paddling Endorsement |
Classroom & Flat Water |
The Adaptive Paddling Endorsement is available through the 4-day Adaptive Paddling Workshop. |
| Adaptive Paddling Workshop Facilitator |
Classroom & Flat Water |
The APW Facilitator certification is available through cooperative training wtih current AP Instructor Trainers and Educators. |
| Adaptive Paddling Equipment Instructor |
Classroom & Flat Water |
The APW Equipment Instructor certification is available through cooperative training wtih current AP Instructor Trainers and Educators. |
*ACA Fees are subject to change.
Information on this page is taken from the American Canoe Association's website www.AmericanCanoe.org