NSSIA Instructor Certification

Application Process

The potential licensee turns in an application for accreditation with fee. The proprietors/references and organizations then submit notarized affidavits and supporting letters to the NSSIA attesting as indicated below.

Application for Instructor Certification
click here

Qualifications for NSSIA Certifications

Apprentice

• 2 years experience as a surf instructor
• 2 accredited school or certified instructor references
• Sign a certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs.
• Minimum of 10 years verifiable surfing experience.

Instructor

• 4 years working as a surf instructor
• 3 accredited school or certified instructor references
• Sign a certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs.
• CPR and WSI certificates.
• Police background investigation.
• Minimum of 10 years verifiable surfing experience.

Master

• 8 years working as a surf instructor
• 4 accredited school or certified instructor references
• 1 certified master instructor endorsement*
• Sign a certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs.
• CPR and WSI certificates.
• Police background investigation.
• Minimum of 20 years verifiable surfing experience.

Exceptions

• At this time both colleges and lifeguard groups offer surfboard lessons and surfboard classes. Recommendations and proof of experience in these venues is also acceptable.

• Additional Experience: Formal training in a NSSIA sponsored and endorsed instructors course may be acceptable for up to one additional year of instructor experience.