ACA ACA Certification & Standards

Question 1

What organization oversees ACA instructor certification and sets national paddling education standards in the United States?

Accepted Answer

American Canoe Association (ACA)

Answer

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee

Answer

National Park Service

Answer

American Red Cross

Question 2

What is the difference between an ACA 'Instructor' and an ACA 'Instructor Trainer (IT)'?

Accepted Answer

Instructors teach students; ITs are authorized to certify new ACA instructors

Answer

Instructors teach whitewater; ITs teach flatwater only

Answer

ITs have more years of paddling experience but the same certification authority

Answer

There is no difference — the titles are interchangeable

Question 3

How often must ACA instructors renew their certification?

Accepted Answer

Every 3 years

Answer

Every year

Answer

Every 5 years

Answer

Certification is permanent once earned

Question 4

What is the ACA's Paddle America Club (PAC)?

Accepted Answer

An ACA-affiliated organization that offers paddling programs and benefits using ACA curriculum and liability coverage

Answer

A recreational club for competitive sprint canoe athletes

Answer

A government-sponsored paddling access program for national parks

Answer

A scholarship program for low-income paddlers

Question 5

What is the minimum first aid certification required for ACA instructors?

Accepted Answer

Standard First Aid and CPR/AED

Answer

No first aid training is required

Answer

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Answer

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Question 6

What is the ACA's 'Swiftwater Rescue' instructor certification designed to teach?

Accepted Answer

Techniques for rescuing paddlers in moving water, including throw bag use, mechanical advantage systems, and victim stabilization

Answer

Advanced competitive whitewater racing techniques

Answer

Open-water ocean rescue methods

Answer

Flat-water racing rescue protocols