W.G.A. Level 1
Wilderness Guide Level 1 is the entry point within the WGA framework and defines the baseline competences to guide in Frontcountry environments. Level 1 builds core leadership, navigation, safety and outdoor living skills, and prepares guides to progress towards ecoregion-specific Level 2 and Level 3 standards.
Download the Level 1 Standards
The full competence framework, qualification requirements and appendix skills lists are described in the signed standard.
👉 WGA Standards Level 1 (Frontcountry) | 2025 v1.0 (signed) (PDF)
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Scope and Definition
Frontcountry
Frontcountry are wilderness areas suitable for hikes and multi-day hikes where rescue services can normally reach the group within 12 hours. Level 1 focuses on guiding within this context and within the Level 1 competences.
The line between frontcountry and backcountry can be thin and depends on access, communications, remoteness, terrain and local conditions. Guides are expected to operate within their competence and the limits of their certification.
Requirements at a Glance
📍 Field Training
- 28 days minimum field-training days within Level 1 competences
- Delivered by a WGA Training Institute or WGA approved organization
🩺 First Aid
- Valid WFA certificate, revalidated every 3 years
- Minimum 40 hours training
- Medical courses count for max 2 days of field training
🎯 Specializations
- Minimum 2 documented specializations
- Certified by a WGA Training Institute, WGA approved organization, or similar
- Do not count as field-training days for Level 1 application
🧭 Practical Period
- 28 days (assistant) guiding under supervision within Level 1 competences
- At least 14 days random camping overnight experience
- At least 14 days under direct supervision
Competences
- Can guide autonomously in territory they are familiar with, where evacuation should start within 12 hours, within Level 1 competences.
- Can act as assistant guide off trail under direct supervision of WGA Level 2 or Level 3 guides.
- Knows limitations and responsibilities as a WGA Level 1 guide towards nature and clients.
Qualification Assessment
Qualifications
- Minimum 28 field-training days within Level 1 competences by a WGA Training Institute or WGA approved organization.
- Valid WFA certificate, revalidated every 3 years, minimum 40 hours. Medical courses (WFA, WFRA, WAFA, WFR) count for max 2 days of field training.
- Minimum 2 documented specializations (Appendix A). These do not count as field-training days.
Practical Period
- Minimum 28 days (assistant) guiding under supervision of a WGA approved Level 2/3 guide or a WGA approved organization, within field overnight experience and Level 1 competences.
- Overnight experience includes at least 14 days random camping.
- At least 14 days under direct supervision.
- Experience should be logged in the WGA Experience Logbook and submitted as part of the application.
Skills and Knowledge (Summary)
The complete skills and knowledge framework is listed in Appendix B of the Level 1 standards. Below is a practical overview of the domains.
👥 Leadership
Communication, decision making, instruction, delegation, feedback, teamwork, group dynamics.
🧭 Navigation
Compass and protractor use, map scales, grid systems, GPS, route-finding.
🔥 Survival and Campcraft
Fire, shelter, tarp use, knots and lashings, tool safety, basic systems for moving and crossing terrain.
🩺 Safety and Risk Management
Wilderness first aid, evacuation thinking, risk reduction, hazards, and communication devices.
🏕️ Travel, Camping, Food
Efficient packing, multi-day travel systems, campsite selection, hygiene, outdoor cooking and trail food planning.
🌦️ Environment, Culture, Weather
Low impact techniques, local rules, basic ecology and local context, weather systems and interpretation.
Next: Move towards ecoregion competence
After Level 1, guides progress into ecoregion-specific standards where Level 2 and Level 3 requirements are embedded. Explore the WGA ecoregion pages to choose your primary operational environment.