ASI Instructor Courses - FAQs

ASI offers flexible study options so you can choose the learning format that best fits your schedule and learning style:

In-Person Workshops: Hands-on practical training led directly by an ASI Trainer.

Online Courses: Flexible, self-paced learning you can complete anytime, anywhere.

Hybrid Learning & Fasttrack courses:  A mix of self-paced online theory paired with an in-person practical session.

Transfer (Online): An online pathway to convert a recognised non-ASI instructor qualification into an official ASI certification.

Update (Online): A fast-track online option for former ASI instructors to renew or reinstate an expired qualification.

Note: Study option requirements vary by course. Check the specific Course Information page to see which options are available.

The minimum enrolment age for entry-level instructor courses is 16.

Instructors under 18 cannot teach completely unsupervised—an adult accredited instructor must be in the vicinity to provide general supervision.

Junior accredited instructors still count toward student-to-instructor ratios.

You have 12 months from your workshop date or online enrolment date to finish all course requirements, after which your enrolment will expire.

This gives you plenty of time to complete your coursework and practical training hours, but remember to plan ahead for seasonal weather and scheduling.

If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the assessment by submitting a video (for both online courses and in-person workshops).

Check your specific Course Information page to see your skill requirements, how many free video reassessments are included, and any applicable reassessment fees.

As part of your training, you will gain hands-on experience by assisting with real lessons to build your practical coaching skills.

Required hours vary by course—check your specific Course Information page for details.

(1) Where do I complete my practical hours?

Hours are typically completed at an ASI Accredited School,  ASI Instructor Mentor or other approved operator.

(2) What if there is no approved school near me?

We can adapt your practical training based on your background. If no approved school is nearby, you may be able to receive recognition for past experience or submit video assessments—based on your prior instructing experience, advanced personal skill level, or hold another watersports instructor qualification.

(3) Can I get recognition for past experience?

Yes. You may receive recognition for your practical hours if you demonstrate competence during your training, have current relevant sports coaching experience, and/or hold a valid qualification in another outdoor water sport (e.g., SUP, bodyboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or canoeing).

To earn and maintain your ASI Instructor qualification, you must hold an approved, up-to-date First Aid Certificate. ASI's main requirement is that your course covers specific core topics.

(1) What topics must my First Aid course cover?

Acceptable certificates must cover ASI’s required topics, such as CPR, emergency response, and patient management. You can review the full list of required topics and some examples of accepted certificates on the course information page. click here

(2) Do I need my First Aid Certificate before enrolling?

No. You can enrol immediately and have up to 12 months from your course enrolment date to submit it. Your instructor qualification will only be issued once it is received.

(3) What makes a First Aid Certificate "current"?

Your certificate must be valid and not expired. The maximum validity period depends on your region:

• Australia: Dated within the last 3 years.

• All Other Countries: Dated within the last 2 years (regardless of any longer printed expiry date).

You must maintain a current First Aid qualification at all times to keep your ASI certification active.

(4) Is First Aid included in my Lifesaving / Lifeguard course acceptable?

It depends on the country:

• UK, Ireland, USA, Spain, Portugal, & Bali: Combined Surf Lifesaving and Lifeguard qualifications may include Senior First Aid and are accepted.

• Australia & other regions: Surf rescue courses (such as the SLSA Bronze Medallion) only cover basic first aid, so a separate Senior First Aid Certificate is required.

 (5) What if I am a nurse or paramedic?

You do not need a separate certificate, but you must provide an official letter or document from your employer confirming your current medical status.

To earn and maintain your ASI Instructor qualification, you must hold an approved water rescue certificate.

(Exception: SUP Yoga, Pilates, and Fitness instructors do not need a rescue certificate because they teach strictly in waist-deep water.)

(1) What topics and requirements must my Rescue Certificate cover?

Acceptable certificates must be conducted outdoors in open water and cover key rescue skills, including board rescues and paddling a victim back to shore. You can review the full list of required topics and accepted certificates on the course information page.  click here

(2) Which rescue certificates does ASI accept?

• Surfing, bodyboarding, & SUP surfing: Require a surf rescue certificate.
  

• Flat Water SUP (inland/coastal): Require an ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award or a Surf Rescue certificate.

Note: Pool lifeguard certificates are not accepted.

(3) I completed a university or outdoor course that covered rescue skills. Will ASI accept that?

No. You must hold a separate, dedicated rescue certificate. Broad outdoor qualifications or university degrees do not fulfill this requirement, as ASI requires an active, standalone open water or surf rescue certification.

(4) Do I need a rescue certificate before enrolling?

No. You have up to 12 months from your course enrolment date to submit it. Your qualification will only be issued once it is received.

(5) What makes a rescue certificate "current"?

Your certificate must be valid and within its required timeframe:

• Australia (Surfing & Bodyboarding): Completed within the last 12 months.

• All Other Regions & SUP: Completed within the last 24 months (even if the printed expiry date is longer).

Yes. ASI instructors renew their qualification annually to maintain professional status and demonstrate up-to-date skills and knowledge. You do not need to re-attend a workshop to renew.

(1) How often do I renew?

Certificates are renewed once a year based on regional cycles:

• Australia & Asia: Expires December 31

• UK, Europe, Middle East, USA & Americas: Expires June 30

(In your first year, your qualification will be valid for at least 12 months, and may extend up to your region's next renewal date.)

(2) How do I renew?

Log in to your ASI online member portal, complete the renewal form, and submit any required supporting documents.

(3) What are the renewal requirements?

You can review the full list of prerequisites—such as current first aid, rescue certificates, and active coaching hours—on the  Renewal Requirements page.

(1) Can I work internationally with my ASI qualification?

Yes. ASI is a globally recognised organisation, and your qualifications are accepted by accredited schools and operators worldwide. Keep in mind that some countries have specific local regulatory requirements—for example, Australia requires annual rescue updates, and certain European destinations (like Portugal) may require specific course levels or local equivalencies to meet national coaching standards.

Planning to work in another country? Contact ASI to find out more about local requirements before you travel.

(2) I completed my ASI training in one country (e.g., the UK) and want to work in Australia. Are there extra fees?

No. There are no additional ASI fees to have your qualification recognised in another country.

However, you must meet local industry standards (for example, in Australia, surf rescue certificates must be renewed every 12 months, you may need a local first aid certificate or working-with-children check). Your employer will guide you on specific local requirements.