Svalbard Guide Training Course

The next winter course in the SGO is scheduled for February 2025
Application deadline: 6. January

Module 1 (basic course) - 17. - 18. February
Module 2 (first aid and polar bear safety) - 19. - 20. February
Module 3 (field course, 3 nights in the field) - 21. - 24. February

The next summer course in the SGO is scheduled for June 2025
Application deadline: 5. May

Module 1 (basic course) - 16. - 17. June
Module 2 (first aid and polar bear safety) - 18. - 19. June
Module 3 (field course, 2 nights in the field) - 23. - 25. June

The Svalbard Guide Training Course (SGO) is an introduction to the guide profession in Svalbard. The lectures in the course is mainly held in English, though the formal documents of the course as well as some of the literature may be in Norwegian.

Svalbard guides play an important role in the management of natural and cultural heritage in Svalbard because they have knowledge about geology, nature, cultural heritage and regulations, and can lead tourists in organised groups in accordance with the guidelines for tourist travel. The Svalbard Guide Training Course (SGO) is a vital piece of the neverending path of improving sustainability in local tourism.

The training will comply with the different demands set by the Svalbard nature, the local tourism industry and the official regulations, regarding the guide’s level of knowledge about Svalbard and field safety qualifications.

The SGO is divided in modules from 1 to 3:

- Module 1: Basic course of 2 days
   -  Price for members of Visit Svalbard: 1700 NOK
   -  Price for non-members: 2750 NOK
- Module 2: Safety course (Polar bear safety and first aid) of 2 days 
   -  Price for members of Visit Svalbard: 2750 NOK
   -  Price for non-members: 4300 NOK
- Module 3: Field course of 3 or 4 days (separate courses summer and winter)       
   -  Price for members of Visit Svalbard: 4950 NOK
   -  Price for non-members: 7900 NOK

You have to pass the previous modules in order to take the next step. The course is based on a compulsory self study, with an initial exam the first day of modul 1. To get the final authorisation candidates need sufficient field and guiding experience in Svalbard, according to the standards in the course description.

For further information contact Visit Svalbard on 0047 79 02 55 50 / info@visitsvalbard.com