Certified Assistant Guides (CAG) may assist a Certified Wilderness Guide (CWG) on day and multi-day land expeditions in any area suitable for their skill and experience level, excluding activities involving travel on glaciers or permanent snow, climbing, or the use of hands and body for balance. They may also conduct single day land expeditions in any area suitable for their level of experience, under the direct supervision of a Certified Wilderness Guide (CWG), a Certified Specialized Guide (CSG), a Certified Wilderness Instructor (CWI), or a Certified Wilderness Instructor Trainer (CWIT).

Candidates for the Certified Assistant Guide (CAG) certification must meet the following requirements:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Hold current Standard First Aid/CPR certification (issued within the last two years).
3. Be physically fit and not present any counter indication to exercise.
4. Be able to communicate in either English or French.


Candidates may select one of the following options:

• Take an approved Online Course (currently being offered exclusively by AMARUK®)
• Take a course with a PAWGI Wilderness Instructor (CWI), or
• Acquire the necessary knowledge on their own and challenge the exam.

Candidates must demonstrate thorough theoretical knowledge of various subjects organized in the following modules:

Module 1: Regulations
Module 2: Nature Interpretation
Module 3: Cultural Interpretation
Module 4: Meteorology
Module 5: Risk & Emergency Management
Module 6: Expeditionary & Outdoor Leadership
Module 7: Sustainability & Conservation
Module 8: Wilderness Survival

Please download the PAWGI General Standards for more information.


Candidates are solely assessed on their theoretical knowledge of Modules 1 to 8. There is no practical assessment for this certification level.

Candidates must obtain an overall passing score of 80% on the Wilderness Guide General Examination (WGGE). The WGGE is an online closed book examination, comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 2 hours.


Wilderness Guide General Examination (WGGE): $249 + tax
PAWGI Certification Fee: Included in Exam


Ready to write the Wilderness Guide General Examination (WGGE) online and to become a Certified Assistant Guide (CAG)?

Go to the Online Exam page. Follow the Online Exam instructions, and enter your PAWGI Online Exam PIN (provided by your Certified Wilderness Instructor).

Upon successful completion of the Wilderness Guide General Examination, you will be prompted to submit the PAWGI Certified Assistant Guide (CAG) application form, along with proof of First Aid/CPR certification. Within 4 weeks of receipt by PAWGI, your Certified Assistant Guide (CAG) credentials will be issued and forwarded to you.


Once you have successfully completed the exam, you may apply for certification online. Applying for certification is free of charge.

Any question? Contact us and talk with a Wilderness Instructor.

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