The KSIA junior technical grade system is a ski skill assessment run by the Korea Ski Instructors Association (KSIA, 대한스키지도자연맹).
Children from age 7 to age 17 can take it, and there are 10 grades, from Grade 1 (Snowplow) to Grade 10 (All-round Descent).
Our director, Lee Sang-hyuk, is a KSIA junior technical grade judge, so your child can be assessed during lessons at the academy without going to a separate testing site.
What is the KSIA junior technical grade system?
It is a 10-step ski skill assessment for children set by KSIA.
A higher number means a higher grade.
Confidence Ski carries out the KSIA assessment within the academy, and our director is a judge for the junior technical grade system.
What age can a child take the grade test?
According to the KSIA junior technical grade page, from age 7 to age 17.
A child under 7 is not eligible.
Tell us your child's age and ski experience when you contact us and we will explain where to start.
What are the 10 grades?
Grade 1 is Snowplow and Grade 10 is All-round Descent.
A turn means changing direction while skiing.
The full list is below.
| Grade | Name (unofficial English names; Korean name as used in Korea) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Snowplow (스노우플라우) |
| 2 | Snowplow turn (스노우플라우턴) |
| 3 | Stem turn (스템턴) |
| 4 | Basic long turn (베이직 롱턴) |
| 5 | Basic short turn (베이직 숏턴) |
| 6 | Dynamic long turn (다이나믹 롱턴) |
| 7 | Dynamic short turn (다이나믹 숏턴) |
| 8 | Carving-type long turn (카빙성 롱턴) |
| 9 | Carving-type short turn (카빙성 숏턴) |
| 10 | All-round descent (종합활강) |
A long turn is a wide arc, and a short turn is a series of tighter arcs.
How does the assessment work?
A certified instructor and the student agree on the test first, and the result is registered online after the assessment.
The steps are:
- The certified instructor and the student discuss and agree beforehand.
- The instructor registers the student under the instructor's own account.
- The assessment takes place.
- The result is registered online.
- The grade certificate (급증) is issued.
If the student passes, they receive the badge for that grade.
Separately, the printed certification document is mailed to the instructor.
Who is allowed to assess?
KSIA certified instructors assess.
According to the original KSIA text, Level 3 instructors can assess Grades 1 to 10 and Level 2 instructors can assess up to Grade 6.
Our director is a KSIA junior technical grade judge, so your child can be assessed during lessons at the academy without going to a separate testing site.
He is also a ski instructor registered with KSIA, SBAK and ISIA and a certified community sports instructor.
What happens after Grade 7?
A student who completes Junior Grade 7 certification automatically receives the KSIA Level 1 ski instructor qualification from age 18.
Grade 7 is the Dynamic short turn.
Do grades and race results count as an activity record for international school students?
A grade certificate and race results remain as an activity record.
Students from international schools such as Seoul Foreign School (SFS), Korea International School (KIS) and the schools at Camp Humphreys have trained with us.
Each school and each university evaluates activities in its own way, so we do not claim any effect on admissions.
Where do lessons take place during the season?
You can check the location and dates for each period on the season page.
Lesson locations change during the season.
From opening until mid-February, lessons are at Gangchon and Jisan.
There is a Japan camp at the end of the season.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child take the KSIA junior grade test?
According to the KSIA junior technical grade page, from age 7 to age 17.
How many grades are there?
Ten, from Grade 1 (Snowplow) to Grade 10 (All-round Descent).
A higher number means a higher grade.
Who assesses the grades?
KSIA certified instructors.
Level 3 instructors assess Grades 1 to 10, and Level 2 instructors assess Grades 1 to 6.
Our director is a KSIA junior technical grade judge, so assessment can take place during lessons at the academy.
What is the testing process?
The instructor and student agree beforehand, the instructor registers the student, the assessment takes place, the result is registered online, and the grade certificate (급증) is issued.
What does a student receive after passing?
The badge for that grade.
The printed certification document is mailed to the instructor.
Does Grade 7 lead to an instructor qualification?
A student who completes Junior Grade 7 certification automatically receives the KSIA Level 1 ski instructor qualification from age 18.
Tell us your child's age and ski experience
Contact us