Background - This document was developed to support an examiner during a Raft Guide Certification Exam. The examiner must reference this document before and during an exam for clarification of performance standards written in the Raft Guide Certification Exam Criteria (RGEC). This guide should be used to define performance at a given skill level.

Candidate Ratio - The guide exam does not need to be part of a guide school or used in conjunction with ACA Skills or Assessment Curriculum and can be run entirely as a stand-alone exam. It can be given to any number of guide candidates from 1:1 up to the ratios listed on the Guide Cert Document.

Performance Standards - Guide Certification Candidates must be able to perform all strokes, maneuvers, rescues, and skills in the appropriate venue for up to 8 hours per day. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the proper level of knowledge for this skill assessment level.

Skills in the exam are placed into competence levels associated with ACA Rafting curriculum levels 3, 4, and 5. “Developing” is added for candidates who do not perform to any of these standards.

Examples of levels of competence are:

• Level 5 - The candidate has had so much practice with a skill that it has become "second nature" and can be performed without thinking about the task. As a result, the skill can be performed while executing another task.
• Level 4 - The candidate understands or knows how to do something. It may be broken down into steps, and there is heavy conscious involvement in executing the new skill. However, demonstrating the skill or knowledge requires concentration, and if it is broken, they lapse into incompetence.
• Level 3 - Although the candidate does not understand or know how to do something, they recognize the deficit, as well as the value of a new skill in addressing the deficit. The making of mistakes can be integral to the learning process at this stage.
• Developing - The candidate does not understand or know how to do something and does not necessarily recognize the deficit. They may deny the usefulness of the skill. The individual must recognize their incompetence, and the value of the new skill, before moving on to the next stage. The length of time an individual spends in this stage depends on the strength of the stimulus to learn.

Critical Skills () - Items marked with one asterisk () are critical skills and must be demonstrated at the predetermined exam level. If skills are not successfully demonstrated at the predetermined exam level, the guide candidate must be certified at a lower level or not certified. Candidates may not receive a certification higher than the lowest level score of any critical skill.

Professionalism*

Regardless of certification level, working as a raft guide means you are a whitewater professional. Your clients well being is in your hands and they look to you for safety and guidance as the expert. It is incumbent upon you as a whitewater professional to behave professionally. The items below describe some of the behaviors that are expected of a professional raft guide.

• Punctuality: Guide candidates are to be on time and prepared.
• Courteousness: Guide candidates are polite, respectful, and considerate of their peers, colleagues, client, and supervisors, as well as other rafting companies, their staff and clients, and other river users.
• Initiative: Initiative is the ability to assess and initiate tasks independently. For example, helping to load boats or pack up lunch without having to be told to do so. Guide candidates have a strong work ethic.
• Appropriate Guide Dress and Equipment: Guide candidates are wearing appropriate attire for the conditions of the river and the weather. Clothing should not be stained, torn, or overly soiled. Their equipment is in good working condition, not overly faded or otherwise excessively worn.
• Appropriate Use of Language / Communication: Guide candidates are to refrain from the use of inappropriate language including but not limited to profanity, racial slurs, derogatory or demeaning comments, sexual innuendos, and religious references. Guide candidates are to communicate as clearly and kindly as possible.
• Openness to Learning and Collaboration: Guide candidates remain open to feedback, seek growth opportunities, and adapt their skills to enhance performance. They actively engage in training, stay informed about industry best practices, and apply new knowledge to ensure safety and client satisfaction. Collaboration is key, as they work closely with colleagues to share insights, support each other, and foster a positive team environment.
• Appropriate Personal Behavior: Guide candidates should maintain a respectful and responsible demeanor at all times. Guide candidates should demonstrate accountability by taking ownership of their actions, managing stress calmly, and adhering to safety standards. Personal behavior also encompasses emotional regulation, respect for personal space, discretion, and prioritizing the safety and comfort of all participants thus ensuring a professional and enjoyable rafting experience for everyone.
• Etiquette (on and off the water): Guide candidates demonstrate strong river stewardship. Guide candidates are attentive to other parties on the river and/or shore and are respectful in their interactions with others. Guide candidates ensure that equipment including boats, vehicles, etc. are not unduly impacting other people. Guide candidates collaborate with other users on the river and work to share the space. Guide candidates are efficient and courteous during launching and landing. Guide candidates are familiar with and abide by Leave No Trace ethics.