The process for achieving IT status at a higher level is also straight-forward, all you need to do is lead an ICW at the higher level.

1. Gain extensive experience as an instructor over two years, ideally 6 or more skills classes with 3 at your highest level.
2. Build your network, teach with multiple instructors to learn various techniques.  These instructors will also be helpful for your required 3 reference letters.
3. Line up a trainer to work with and complete the IT Registration Form
4. Complete the IT Self Study. It doesn't hurt and ACA/SEIC policies change periodically.  The office will let you know whether the online exam is necessary.
5. The ITE will be contacting the SEI Department to ensure they don't have any issues with your candidacy.  Make certain you have stayed current on your skills/assessment class reports - they are vital.
6. I strongly recommend assuming as much control in your lead as your ITE permits.  You want a very active hand in recruitment, interviews, course outline development, student evaluations, etc.  Complete the lead ICW course paperwork and make certain you gather student evaluations from all Instructor Candidates - these are essential.  Here are all of the ICW forms: IT Forms.
7. After submitting the ICW paperwork, complete the IT Application. 
8. Make certain this paperwork is complete: 3 letters of recommendation, complete ICW course report with all student evaluations and instructor trainer evaluations, a course outline that covers everything in the instructor criteria, dues are current as well as First Aid and CPR certifications.
9. Contact the SEI Department and verify all papers are in order.
10. The Standards Committee will evaluate and the SEI Department get back to you with a decision.
11. Assuming you passed, check to see that your new status is reflected on the ACA website.

New disciplines have a more expedited process.  A great example was the recent development of the SUP (Standup Paddleboard) discipline.  Teaching a number of classes to gain strong competance is still highly advised.  Special candidate trainers will be identified and recommended for IT fast tracking, generally only a lead teach.  New disciplines generally get two years to establish themselves.

1. Gain extensive experience as an instructor over two years, ideally 6 or more skills classes with 3 at your highest level.
2. Build your network, teach with multiple instructors to learn various techniques.  These instructors will also be helpful for your required 3 reference letters.
3. Line up a trainer to work with and complete the IT Registration Form
4. Complete the IT Self Study.  Part of the self study is an online exam.  The exam quizzes you on ACA/SEIC policy, knowledge of the ACA web site, etc.
5. The ITE will be contacting the SEI Department to ensure they don't have any issues with your candidacy.  Make certain you have stayed current on your skills/assessment class reports - they are vital.
6. I strongly recommend assuming as much control in your lead as your ITE permits.  You want a very active hand in recruitment, interviews, course outline development, student evaluations, etc.  Complete the lead ICW course paperwork and make certain you gather student evaluations from all Instructor Candidates - these are essential.  Here are all of the ICW forms: IT Forms.
7. After submitting the ICW paperwork, complete the IT Application. 
8. Make certain this paperwork is complete: 3 letters of recommendation, complete ICW course report with all student evaluations and instructor trainer evaluations, a course outline that covers everything in the instructor criteria, dues are current as well as First Aid and CPR certifications.
9. Contact the SEI Department and verify all papers are in order.
10. The Standards Committee will evaluate and the SEI Department get back to you with a decision.
11. Assuming you passed, check to see that your new status is reflected on the ACA website.

Come prepared to work for your certification.  We can't guarantee everyone will pass this course.  The ACA has maintained a strong reputation by ensuring certified instructors really know their stuff and can effectively demonstrate that knowledge.  At the conclusion of an IDW/ICE course, there are several possible outcomes:

• Pass (receive certification at a certain level)
• Be Continued (must address specific deficiencies prior to receiving certification: an appropriate course of action will be developed with the facilitating Instructor Trainer)
• Fail  (must retake either the IDW or ICE, or both)

NOTE: An Instructor Candidate continued at one level can be awarded a lower level of certification if earned.  (for an example, an Instructor Candidate can earn a Level 2 certification in a Level 4 certification course).

At the end of the course, you will get an individual debrief.  We will explain why you passed or failed to achieve certification.  We are not looking for perfection and will often provide tips/suggestions even for instructors that passed the highest level certification offered.  For my part, I will do my best to help you improve your skills during the IDW so you can pass the ICE in flying colors.  Sucess is mainly up to you.  Come prepared, do your homework, and practice skills that need improvement.