What IFMGA Mountain Guides Learn and How They Are Tested: Entry Exams, Course Content, Exam Day and Scoring | IFMGA Mountain Guides
IFMGA requires at least 94 days of training plus 14 days of supervised practice, and applicants must submit 55 routes. The entry exam tests whether you can climb well yourself; in France, only 26% passed the summer part in 2025. The courses drill short-roping, transitions, rescue, avalanches, teaching and guiding clients. Exams mostly have examiners play clients, plus timed rescues and avalanche searches. Switzerland and Germany score on a 1–6 scale, and failing a key item cannot be offset by other items.