As the air gets colder and we start sliding, maybe you’re considering taking an exam or certification.

Maybe you’ve even thought about this before but aren’t sure how to get exam prep “going”.

Here are some tips to help move you from “Interested” to “Preparing” (or from preparing to taking).

(Me after attaining my Alpine Level 2 with one of my mentors)

Let’s be honest, you probably need a plan. While everyone’s plans will be different, there are a few basics you will want to consider: time, materials, physical/mental prep, and miscellaneous.

1.Time

⁃ How big or aggressive is your goal?

⁃ When can you fit in training?

⁃ What portion of training is snow specific and what portions can be done elsewhere?

The bigger the goal, the more time sacrifices you’ll need to make. But don’t worry! These can be as simple as cracking the books while eating lunch, listening to podcasts on your drive to the mountain, or taking 2 extra runs at the end of each day.

2.Materials

⁃ What books or manuals will help with this goal? (Hint: order or borrow them now)

⁃ Will your gear work? If not, can you replace or borrow what’s needed and by when?

⁃ Who can you lean on? It takes a village so start determining who might be a good study buddy, drill buddy, coach, sounding board, etc.

3.Physical and Mental preparation

What needs work? (If you’re not sure, this is a great place to ask your staff trainers and/or attend a prerequisite event to get Ed Staff feedback). It’s usually best to work on 1-2 things at a time.

4.Miscellaneous

Does your exam have a prerequisite? Does it require your Director’s signature to register? Where can you take it and how much money will that cost? When is it offered in relation to your season?

Now you have the basics of a plan. Time to work it! Set a few check-ins for yourself at important times throughout the season and compare your actions to your plan. This allows you to adjust as needed.

(Check out Toby Burrow’s article ‘Game Plan’ in the SnowPro for more planning tips!)