Challenge requirements

From SPVSP

Persons with advanced medical training may be able to challenge the OEC course, meaning that they will need to only briefly familiarize themselves with ski-patrol specific medical tools before being permitted to sit for a written and practical examination, significantly affecting the length of the course. The testing does not greatly differ from the 'regular' OEC test - written exam and a few skill stations and scenarios.

The criteria for challenging are as follows, taken from the NSP instructor guidebook:

• Challenge applicants must meet one or more of the following:
  • Emergency trained and currently certified as: EMT, MD/DO, PA/NP, RN, or LPN.
  • Previous OEC certification provided the expired OEC certification date has not exceeded three years.
  • Certain wilderness first responders whose courses have a minimum of 72 hours of course work (currently approved are WMI, WMA, and SOLO).
  • Other certifications may be approved by the national education director after consultation with the national OEC Program director. This is based upon the submission and review of appropriate curriculum materials.

• Challenge time requirements (total hours) will vary with background, specialty, and experience.

• Challenges must be registered separately from courses.

• Challenge applicants must practice skills with an OEC instructor prior to the challenge testing.

• If the OEC challenge applicant fails any portion of the challenge examination, there is no retest opportunity and the applicant must then participate in a full OEC course.