The Professional Association of Wilderness Guides and Instructors (PAWGI), a not-for-profit Canadian professional association and certifying agency that had been issued certifications worldwide since 1998, was shut down in 2020, after 22 years of operations and service to the professional outdoor community (Click here for PAWGI historical standards).

As part of an agreement to ensure continuance of certifications previously issued by PAWGI, FJELLMENN (a Norwegian organization) has agreed, under specific rules and conditions, to transfer previously issued PAWGI certifications to the level of Expedition Assistant certification (associate membership).