Instructors passing passing the ISIA Speed Test

ISIA Speed Test Dates

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When, Where and What is it?

December – 12th – Zinal – BASI
January – TBC
February – TBC
March – 11th & 12th – Pila – IASI
April – TBC

The ISIA Speed Test is the race that is part of the ski instructor qualification process for many nations. In  BASI it is required for Level 4 ISTD. It replaced the Eurotest (formerly the CTT) after Brexit, and it’s now the international benchmark for top-level ski instructors.

Unlike the Eurotest, there’s no calibration system here — results are based directly on the times of reference skiers. For many, this means a more transparent process.

Who needs to take it?

  • If you’re working towards BASI Level 4 ISTD, the ISIA Speed Test is compulsory.
  • If you’re trying to get the ISIA card then you must pass the ISIA Speed Test.
  • You can enter any ISIA Speed Test worldwide without needing to join another national association.

How to book

  • Dates are released by individual associations but we will post any we are aware of on this page.
  • Registration is made with the organising nation, once you sign up, you’ll get an invoice with account details to secure your spot.
  • Each race is capped at 80 competitors. If numbers are higher, organisers must run additional courses.

What the test involves

The format

  • A Giant Slalom set to FIS rules.
  • You get one timed run, with the option of a second run on the day if needed.
  • Miss the standard? You can come back and retake at another event — there’s no lifetime limit on attempts.

The course

  • Designed to run at around 50 seconds (+/– 10%).
  • Vertical drop: 250–400m.

Reference skiers

  • At least two male racers with under 60 FIS points from the current or previous season.
  • They set times at both the start and end of the field.

Qualifying times

  • Men must finish within 12.5% of the reference time.
  • Women must finish within 17.5%.

Example: If the average reference time is 51.68s, the cut-off is 58.14s for men and 60.72s for women.

Key differences from the Eurotest

  • No calibration: qualifying is calculated straight from opener times.
  • Flexibility: multiple venues worldwide, not just centralised tests.
  • Transparency: easier to understand how times are set.

The ISIA Speed Test is demanding, but fair. It’s designed to show that top-level instructors can handle a FIS-standard Giant Slalom with control, speed, and precision. For anyone aiming for the ISIA card or BASI Level 4 ISTD, it’s the last big hurdle.

Where to train for the ISIA Speed Test? Podium Ski offers specialised training for the test at various venues in Europe often on the same pistes and just before the tests take place. Visit our ski instructor race training page to get more information.