ACA certified Assistant Pro Canyon Guides are individuals who have attained and demonstrated a high level of technical competence through rigorous training and examination that meets and exceeds international standards. For prospective clients and students, ACA certification provides a decisive tool for choosing the right guide/instructor to help them achieve their objectives.

Assistant Pro Canyon Guides have successfully passed the ACA’s  3-day Assistant Pro Guide course and 2-day Assistant Pro Guide Assessment.

Assistant Pro Canyon Guide — Step by Step

  1. Prerequisite: Must be a current ACA Assistant Canyon Leader.
  2. Take the Assistant Pro Guide 3-day Course.
  3. Perform 2-day Internship (coordinate with Pro Guide).
  4. Pass the ACA’s Assistant Pro Guide 2-day in-canyon Assessment.
    • Prerequisite: 25 canyon descents completed by the time of Assessment.
  5. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:
    • minimum of 50 canyon descents
    • minimum of 15 unique canyons descended
  6. Submit the appropriate First Aid / CPR certification (WFR for USA)
  7. Create and maintain your member profile on the ACA’s website

How long does Assistant Pro Guide designation last?

Assistant Pro Guide designation is valid for three years.

How do I renew my Assistant Pro Guide designation?

To renew, you must before expiration:

Retake the assessment.

OR…

Participate in 16 hours of continuing education + 2 Training Events (GLAR/Rondys/Ground School/Intro Classes)

AND…

  1. Must hold a valid WFR certification (or Intn’l equivalent).
  2. Keep your member profile current on the ACA’s website,
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What people are saying …

“In all my years of guiding

I’ve learned to use many varied anchor systems. In just one day of the course I learned three new and efficient ones specially adapted to canyoneering.”


May 28, 2015

“Excellent course.

Well thought out. I felt I learned a great deal and had a lot of fun doing it.”


May 28, 2015

“All I can say is WOW!

Terrific course. I had already taken a course from a private guide service and was concerned I might not learn anything new in the ACA basic course. My concerns were totally unfounded. I paid half as much for the ACA course and learned at least twice as much. By my math that’s four times the value. Keep up the good work, ACA.”


May 28, 2015

“This course will easily become the standard

by which any other canyoneering course will be judged. It was amazing that the professional mountaineering guides found a lot to learn, but the pace was such that a neophyte like me could also pick things up quickly.”


May 28, 2015

“This was a great opportunity

for me to get exposure to a myriad of new techniques for use in future canyoneering exploits. The experience and perspective of the instructors added another dimension and contributed greatly to the value of the course.”


May 28, 2015