The Eastern European Mountain Guides Association (EEMGA) is proud to announce the upcoming entry test for the IFMGA mountain guides’ training course.
Entry Test Information
- Date: First week of May 2026.
- Location: Western Alps. Exact locations as well as accommodation options will be communicated soon.
To apply for the entry test, please follow the link below:
https://forms.gle/cRfmZMgDANRwtgrj6
Applications will be accepted until November 2025.
General information about the course structure will be provided in a presentation during the entry test.
Exam Details
During the test week, exams will cover several disciplines. The overall program will be published in March 2026. The practical tests include:
- Rock Climbing:
- Grade 5a minimum in mountaineering boots – lead climbing
- Grade 6b minimum in rock shoes – lead climbing
- Ice Climbing:
- Climbing on a 50° to 60° slope with one ice axe and a backpack
- Ascending, descending, and traversing on ice with crampons and one ice axe (10-point technique, not front-point, with a non-technical ice axe)
- Steep ice climbing test with two ice tools (grade WI IV) – lead climbing
- Skiing:
- Ski descent off piste on variable snow, demonstrating control and good technique.
- Ski touring with a rucksack and classic ski touring equipment, handling all types of snow and terrain
- Ascending with touring skis on varied terrain
- General Ability:
- Endurance and technical ability in mountain terrain
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the entry test, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Nationality/Residency:
- Must be a national (passport/ID holder) or legal resident (documented) of one of these countries:
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine. - Czech, Polish, Slovakia, and Slovenia citizens require endorsement from their national IFMGA-affiliated organization (an email from the technical director is sufficient).
- Other EU citizens must provide documented proof of residence in one of the target countries and endorsement from their national IFMGA-affiliated organization.
- Applicants from other nationalities should contact us via email to discuss eligibility.
- Must be a national (passport/ID holder) or legal resident (documented) of one of these countries:
- Age: Must be over 18 years old.
- Language Proficiency:
- Must have a strong command of the English language.
- Interviews, exams, and courses will be conducted in English. Proficiency sufficient to understand and follow instructions and assimilate theoretical knowledge is essential.
- Experience:
- Applicants must provide details of at least 55 routes over at least three years, including varied mountain routes, ski tours, and technical climbs.
- The applicant must have been the rope leader with full responsibility or alternated leads with shared responsibility and be in very good physical shape.
Minimum Route Requirements:
Note: All the climbs mentioned you need to have led, or shared leads on them. Routes that appear twice in the route report will be counted only once.
- Summer Mountaineering:
- 15 general mountaineering routes (snow and ice), with five of difficulty D+ and a vertical height gain of at least 800m.
- 15 rock climbing routes with a vertical height gain of at least 300m (or 15 pitches) and a minimum difficulty of 5c (VI / UIAA). Routes must be belayed by the applicant and not equipped with bolts.
- Ascents and descents must occur on mountainous terrain or glaciers, with minimal use of fixed rappel stations. Most descents should follow a different route than the ascent.
- Winter Mountaineering:
- 25 ski tours with at least 1000m ascent, including 10 on glacier terrain with at least 1400m ascent.
- Technical Climbs:
- 10 multi-pitch rock routes, grade 6a (VI+) minimum.
- 10 steep ice climbing, grade 4 (WI) minimum.
- Other Experience:
- Do mention all relevant activities such as via ferrata (difficulty TD/ED or K5/K6), overseas expeditions, or training in Alpine terrain.
Additional information
Details on the entry test and formation process here.
Successful candidates will begin training in May 2026.
Cost: 300 euro
The examination fee covers only the cost of the exam. Personal expenses for travel, accommodation, meals, equipment, visas, insurance, etc., must be arranged and covered by the participant. Accommodation details will be shared closer to the exam date.
Preparation courses
EEMGA is going to organize several introduction and training events, covering the different mountaineering disciplines. Main goal would be the preparation of all who want to take part in the entry test as well as the educational process that follows.
More information on these will be posted in recent future on our website.
