The contents of your Competency Portfolio should be as brief as possible, while at the same time containing sufficient detail to prove you are competent in the knowledge and skills required to be an Avalanche Practitioner. Review the resources above before beginning your application.

The Competency Portfolio template shows you which competencies must be addressed and which also require evidence. To complete the competency portfolio:

• Input your avalanche-related work experience into table on the first page. You do not need to go into detail about how you meet any competencies in this section. You do not need to include any recreational activities or non-avalanche related work.
• Next, work your way through the document by answering all of the questions.
• Only refer to professional avalanche experience in your application. Recreational experience and non-avalanche related experience will not be assessed. 
• Make sure every pink box has an answer written in it. If there is pink left, you have not completed the application.
• You only need to address the competencies listed in the competency portfolio table. 

Not all competencies require evidence. Templates are not provided for your evidence files; you must create or collect the evidence files in the format most appropriate for each.

• For each competency needing evidence, create a digital evidence file that supports what you say in your Competency Portfolio. Save each file with a unique name/number (ex. Evidence1 - log book, Evidence2 - SW map).
  
• Ensure you note in the pink box labelled 'Name of evidence file for competency' which evidence files are being used for each competency. 
• In the application form, there will be space to upload your evidence files. Ensure the numbers match your reference in the competency profile. 
  
• A single piece of evidence may be used for more than one competency, if appropriate. You do not need to provide a unique piece of evidence for every competency.
• Please note, there is a maximum upload of 30MB. If your application is larger than this, please compress files and check that you have only included necessary files
• If you are unable to get a piece of evidence from an employer due to confidentiality, please contact Membership Services.

Here are some examples of types of evidence you can use.

Applicants will be asked to explain their reason for applying to become an Avalanche Practitioner on the online application form. We recommend that you prepare and save your responses to the following questions in a text document, then copy and paste your responses into the online application form field once you begin the process.

1. Why do you want to be a member of the CAA? 
2. Why should you be a member of the CAA?

Each application must be accompanied by a minimum of one reference from a CAA Avalanche Professional. References must complete the online Avalanche Practitioner application reference form (right click to share link - only Avalanche Professionals have access to this form).

References from ITP instructors that only know applicants from teaching ITP courses will not be accepted for applications. If you do not have a reference from an Avalanche Professional, please contact  Membership Services.

References must read and attest to the applicant's "Competency Portfolio" portfolio document when they complete the online reference form. Please ensure that you provide the referee with this document when requesting their support. References do not need to verify an applicant's entire portfolio. 

It is your responsibility to make sure their reference letters have been submitted. Reference letters may be submitted after submitting your membership application however your application will not be reviewed until your reference is received.

• Confirm all questions have been answered and there are no pink sections left. 
• Double-check you have provided evidence for all competencies that require it and that your evidence files are correctly labelled and linked in the Competency Profile. 
• Proofread everything for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Your reference should also review your application and ensure you are showing you meet all the required competencies. If your reference is not able to review your application and attest to your meeting all the competencies, you should find another reference. 

• Submit your portfolio using the online application form.
  
• The total maximum upload is 30MB, if your application is too large, please compress any files possible.

If you begin the online application form and close the web browser, or time-out before completing the full application, your work will not be saved. Have all documents above ready before proceeding.

Application review

Processing times for applications depend on a number of factors. The committee aims to process applications within 3-4 weeks, however applications where referees or applicants need to be contacted for supplementary information often take longer.  

Registration

Following approval, you will be notified and invoiced. Paying the invoice will complete the process of becoming an Avalanche Practitioner. Annual dues cover December 1 - November 30. Half dues are charged for memberships starting from June onward. Dues invoices must be paid within 30 days of invoicing to complete the application to avoid being a member not in good standing. 

If you are already a member and have paid dues for the year and change categories midway through the year, you only need to pay the difference between membership dues. If you are working on an application or waiting on a response from the membership committee, you should pay your dues for your current category to avoid becoming not in good standing and membership services will adjust your invoice if you are approved.

Once an applicant has successfully become an Avalanche Practitioner, they take on all the responsibilities associated with this membership class. All Avalanche Practitioners are expected to follow:

• CAA Code of Ethics
• Scope of Practice Statement
• meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines