ASI Courses FAQs

It’s great to have flexible learning options! With ASI offering a range of course delivery methods, you can choose what suits your style and schedule best. Whether it's in-person training, online courses, or a blend of both, having the choice ensures you get the most out of your learning experience.

Refer to the Course Information page.  It will list delivery options available, although not all options are offered for every course.

Workshop: 
Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.

• Face to face training with highly qualified ASI Trainers, the best in the industry.

• Complete most course requirements at the workshop.

• Held in great locations throughout the world.

Fasttrack:
Available for SUP Instructor Courses only.
Ideal for people who are time poor but would still like some face-to-face contact with a trainer.

• Hybrid learning experience combining online coursework with a face-to-face workshop.

• The workshop duration is significantly reduced to save you time, travel, and costs.

• During the workshop, you'll master essential skills, enabling you to submit video evidence of your competencies afterward.

Online Learning:
Ideal for people who are already experienced or would like flexibility to complete their training.

• Work at your own pace.

• Using ASI's e-learning platform with access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments.

• Can obtain additional coaching with face to face support from ASI Technical Coaches / ASI Accredited Schools.

Transfer:

• Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non-ASI instructor qualification.

• This is an online course option. 

Update:

• For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification.

• This is an online course option.

Apprenticeship:
Available for Surfing and bodyboarding Instructors only.

• Complete theory using ASI’s e-learning platform.

• Work under the direction of an ASI Trainer, who will help organise your practical hours and check your assessments.

• Aim to complete your training within 6 weeks.  (although you have to 12 months to complete)

16 years of age.   
However instructors under the age of 18 years old, cannot teach unsupervised unless they have an adult accredited instructor supervising nearby.  
Accredited Instructors under 18 years of age, are still counted for student to instructor ratios.

You have 12 months from the date of the workshop, or the enrolment date for flexible online courses, to complete all the course requirements. At that time, your enrolment will cancel. 

You should easily be able to complete the requirements within this time.  Remember to factor in time to complete your practical hours training and seasonality. 

ASI Instructors are required to demonstrate their skills in their respective sport to obtain their instructor certificate.

If you do not pass - you can be re-assessment (usually by video submission). 

Re-assessment fee applies.   See fees. Refer to the Course Information page.  It lists specific skills requirements and how many free reassessments you have.

As part of the ASI Instructor training, you'll gain hands-on experience by assisting in the delivery of lessons. This practical experience equips you with real-life scenarios, helping you better understand the requirements of being an ASI Instructor.

Each course had different requirements in relation to how many practical hours are required. Refer to the course information page for more details.

(1) Where to Complete Practical Hours?
Practical hours are completed at ASI Accredited Schools or approved Schools.

(2) What if there is no School nearby?   
We can tailor your practical hours based on your experience and ability. If an ASI school isn't nearby, options include completing hours at a non-ASI school or providing video assessments if you're an experienced instructor in another watersport.

(3) Can I get Recognition (RPL) for my past Experience ?
If you have previous instruction experience, RPL of your practical hours can apply if you're deemed competent at the workshop, have extensive experience in outdoor water activities, and hold another outdoor watersports qualification (e.g., canoeing, windsailing, SUP, kitesurfing, bodyboarding).

To obtain the ASI Instructor qualification, instructors must hold an approved first aid certificate.

(1) What First Aid Certificates does ASI accept?
ASI has listed some certificates that are acceptable.  click here

(2) What Topics Must be covered in the First Aid Certificate?
ASI has listed the minimum topics required at  click here

(3) Do I need to hold a first aid certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No.  You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI. Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we receive your first aid certificate.

(4)  What is a “current’ first aid certificate?
The certificate date must not be expired. 
Certificates that are more than 3 years old are not accepted (even if the expiry date is longer).  

(5) I completed first aid in my surf rescue course.  Is that acceptable to ASI?

In some countries, the Surf Lifesaving and Lifeguard qualifications includes senior first aid training.  These combined Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates are acceptable .  
e.g UK, Spain, Portugal, Bali, USA 

In Australia, the Surf Lifesaving Bronze only includes basic first aid.  A separate senior first aid certificate must be completed.  

In other countries, senior first aid training is generally separate to the surf rescue training. 

(6) I am a paramedic or nurse. Do you I have to provide a first aid certificate?
No.  But you must provide evidence / certificate / letter from the hospital you work for that states you are current in first aid. 

(7) Do I need to update my First Aid certificates?
Yes.  You must keep these current at all times. 
Make sure the certificate has not expired or is no more than 3 years old from the date of training.

To obtain the ASI Instructor qualification, instructors must hold an approved rescue certificate.

Exception:  SUP Yoga, Pilates, or Fitness SUP Instructors are not required to hold a rescue certificate since they only teach in waist-deep water. However, rescue information is included in the ASI course content to ensure comprehensive education.

(1) What Rescue Certificate is Approved by ASI?
The rescue course must take place in an outdoor environment and include training on rescuing someone on a board and prone paddling with a patient.

ASI has listed some approved rescue certificates and training providers at: click here

These can be flat water rescue for SUP instructors.
Any activities conducted in the surf, requires a Surf rescue certificate.

(2) Do I need to hold a rescue certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No.  You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI.   Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we have received your rescue certificate.

(3) What is a “current’ rescue certificate?
It is a certificate that is not expired and no more than 24 months old from when it was completed/issued.
Or, no more than 12 months old in Australia for surf rescue certificates.

(4) My Rescue Certificate is valid for 5 years.  Will ASI accept this?
No.  ASI only accepts rescue certificates up to 24 months from date of the course / issue date.   (no more than 12 months in Australia for surf rescue certificates).

(5) Can you accept an outdoor recreation / instructor qualification that includes rescue skills?
Generally no. We need a copy of your actual Rescue certificate that shows the date it was completed/issued.
We can accept a transcript that shows when you completed the rescue training module. 
The course must cover the topics acceptable by ASI.  click here

(6) Can I provide a Swimming Pool Lifeguard certificate?
No. You must have an open water rescue certificate. 
It demonstrates experience completing rescues in an uncontrolled environment, using a rescue board.

(7) Do I need to update my Water Rescue certificates?
​Yes.  To keep your SUP Instructor qualification valid, you must keep your water rescue certificate "current" at all times.

Yes, if you are working with children. 
However, it only applies to the country you are working in. 
Not every country has working with child check requirements. See info.... 

ASI Instructors renew their ASI Instructor certificate each year.
You are a professional and this demonstrates you are keeping your skills and knowledge updated. 
You don’t need to attend another course. 

(1) How Often Do I Renew my Instructor Certificate?
Annual Renewal.

Your Instructor accreditation certificate expires at least 12 months from the date of the training - to the nearest renewal date for the region.   

• Australia, Asia - 31 December

• UK, Europe, Middle East, USA, Americas - 30 June  

In your first year, you may be given more than 12 months to renew (but you will receive at least a minimum of 12 months).

(2) How do I Renew?
Login to your member area on the ASI website.  Complete the online renewal form and submit relevant evidence as per renewal requirements. 

(3) What are the Renewal Requirements
You can read more about this at:  Renewal Requirements

(1) Can I work in other countries with ASI qualifications?
Yes, ASI has been operating since 2003 and is the world leader in education and training accreditation in the surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding sections of the outdoor recreation industry.

(2) I did my ASI training in the UK (or another country) and I want to work in Australia. 
Do I have to pay any extra fees to be recognised?
No.  You do not pay any extra once you have your ASI qualifications.   There may be additional country certificate requirements e.g. your rescue certificate is only recognised for 12 months in Australia.   You may be required to apply for a state based working with children check.   The surf school you are working for will advise you of requirements.