International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA/UIAGM)

Certification, founded in 1965, is the highest mountain guide qualification in the world. In order to become a certified IFMGA mountain guide a high level of training – the highest in existence – is required in four different disciplines: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and ski mountaineering. Multiple years of intense alpinism exercise is required for candidates to apply for IFMGA training that takes an additional 85 days over 3-5 years. Proper guide training guarantees an international standard of mountain guides. Guides develop and are certified with a skill level that prepares them to work on any mountain range, whether they are already familiar with the mountain or not.

The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA)

Founded in 2004, is an international governing body that represents International Mountain Leaders across the world. One of the most important targets for UIMLA is to represent the profession at the international level, setting equal standards of qualifications for all International Mountain Leaders (IMLs). UIMLA guides undergo 53-day training over 3 years of various mountaineering skills in addition to several years of experience in the mountains. International Mountain Leaders guide clients to different mountains all over the world, leading them on high-altitude treks and secured mountain paths of varied difficulties.