How to Study for Whitewater Rafting Guide License Test

In most cases there is no specific license requirement to be a whitewater raft guide. However, most jurisdictions require first aid and CPR training, and most rafting companies require guides to obtain swiftwater rescue certification as well as to pass check out tests on the specific stretches of rivers where they will guide.

The American Canoe Association also provides general certification testing for raft guides, raft guide instructors, swiftwater rescue and swiftwater rescue instructors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain CPR and first aid certifications. These can be obtained through a number of community sources and are often offered prior to the start of the season by potential rafting company employers. You will not be allowed to work as a guide on the river without these critical certifications.

    • 2

      Take a general raft guiding course such as those offered by the American Canoe Association. The courses are generally offered over the course of three or four weekends, and will allow you to earn basic certification as a raft guide or guide instructor.

    • 3

      Complete a swiftwater rescue course. The American Canoe Association offers certification in swiftwater rescue, and many rafting companies offer their own courses as well. Not only will this make you more qualified and employable, it will give you confidence in on-river incident response.

    • 4

      Paddle the rivers you are interested in guiding. Learn the major rapids and the common lines run by the area raft companies. This will cut down on your training time, which is often unpaid at rafting companies, and allow you to pass your check out trips with ease.

    • 5

      Accept a position with a rafting company and complete your check out trips. Usually this involves maneuvering a raft, either empty or loaded, by yourself down the river you will be guiding. You must take all the proper lines and navigate the river successfully. Upon successful completion, you will be certified by the company to start guiding customer trips.