A nonprofit trade organization, the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) exists to enable success in the snow and ice management industry. SIMA promotes best practices in snow plowing, ice management, and business operations. The SIMA Training Center serves as the exclusive access point to a range of training resources.
SIMA’s Advanced Snow Manager (ASM) course is designed to empower snow professionals, equipping them with core skills, knowledge of enhanced safety measures, and tactics for improving efficiency within the industry. This program focuses on targeted learning, consisting of four courses that culminate in the Advanced Snow Manager (ASM) designation. Starting with the “Core Principles” course, which serves as a prerequisite, participants can complete the remaining courses, Advanced Snow Management, Plowing Operations, Ice Management, and Sidewalk Operations, in any order they prefer. This comprehensive approach allows professionals to focus their learning on specific aspects of snow management tailored to their needs. The ASM curriculum is developed in collaboration with snow experts from the United States and Canada, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. Utilizing a blend of engaging video content, images, diagrams, and quizzes, these courses are available round the clock, providing accessible and self-guided online training.
The Certified Snow Professional (CSP) program stands as the pinnacle for those devoted to delivering unparalleled excellence in snow and ice management. This program serves as a pathway toward achieving the industry's highest honor, catering to dedicated snow professionals aiming to expand their knowledge and expertise. The CSP equips individuals with a comprehensive and diverse knowledge base, reflecting not only professionalism but also a profound passion for an industry known for its rigorous demands. The journey begins with a commitment to apply, study diligently, and set a determined deadline to undertake the test. Upon successful completion of all six test modules, professionals earn the CSP designation, marking a significant accomplishment. Celebrating this achievement allows individuals to showcase their dedication to clients, fostering trust and unlocking new opportunities.
SIMA peer groups offer a dynamic platform for committed members seeking to bolster their success and profitability in the snow and ice management industry. These groups provide a forum where like-minded professionals convene, exchanging real-world challenges and inspiring solutions among peers. Each peer group is sponsored by a respected snow industry supplier. Facilitated professionally, these gatherings foster discussions on a wide array of crucial topics, including equipment usage, business strategies, operational efficiencies, industry best practices, labor trends, and technological advances. Members benefit from diverse perspectives, identifying actionable solutions for their businesses and reporting progress in subsequent meetings. Interaction continues outside formal meetings through private social media groups, emails, and ad-hoc calls or visits throughout the year. Peer group sessions consist of two in-person meetings annually, accompanied by a series of eight virtual meetings, allowing for comprehensive engagement and knowledge sharing. New peer groups are organized periodically, welcoming individuals who express interest and provide general information for appropriate group placement and updates.
SIMA's video series offers an innovative training resource designed to simplify snow management for organizations. This comprehensive pass grants unlimited access to a variety of training resources applicable to any team, without limitations on trainee numbers or logins. Catering to both part-time and full-time employees, this series provides a user-friendly experience for all. With automated quizzes and detailed completion reports, a private web-based dashboard facilitates easy company-wide access. Companies can select from an array of videos covering essential snow management topics such as containment plows, commercial snow removal operations, sidewalk management, site engineering, skid steer operations, and more. These videos encompass crucial safety guidelines, operational techniques, troubleshooting advice, and planning strategies, making snow training and verification seamless for teams as well as operators and supervisors.
The Fundamentals of Anti-Icing & Liquids course offered by SIMA is a comprehensive online personal certificate program geared toward cultivating a skilled workforce adept at utilizing liquids and solids in efficient anti-icing strategies. This course is designed to offer a deep understanding of the fundamental science behind anti-icing and liquid applications and the operational planning and implementation of these methods in sidewalks and parking lots. Participants gain insights into the most common deicers, their advantages, and disadvantages, while also learning about brine production, calibration of liquid spray systems, application rate calculations, and safety protocols concerning storage, transportation, and application of liquids. Available exclusively to SIMA member employees at no extra cost, this online course offers flexibility, enabling trainees to progress at their own pace and confirm their comprehension through mandatory quizzes. Featuring interactive content like videos, graphics, and presentations from experts, the course provides extensive downloadable resources in each section for further reference and continued learning.
