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Mountain guide in Sweden

Mountain Guides lead individuals and groups as they hike, climb and ski in high terrain and on glaciers. This type of environment can be dangerous and a mountain guide is educated in how to manage the difficult conditions in this environment. A mountain guide even has an education in how to help others.

The mountain guide profession is regulated in many of the countries with an alpine environment. Thus, authorisation is often required from a public authority in order to work as a mountain guide in these countries.

The mountain guide profession is regulated in Sweden. This means that individuals who wish to lead other on glaciers and in high mountain environments in Sweden must be authorised to work as a mountain guide. and 

Apply for a European professional card 

For mountain Guides who wish to work in another EU country, it's possible to apply for a European Professional Card (EPC). The EPC is a completely electronic application process that can be used when applying to have your education accepted in another EU country. The electronic format means your application can be processed quickly and simply. You can of course also apply to the responsible public authority for the profession in the country in which you wish to work. 

Find out more about the European Professional Card (EPC) and how you can apply

Mountain guides who wish to work in Sweden and don't have a Swedish mountain guide education should apply to have their foreign mountain guide education assessed for work in Sweden through the European Professional Card. 

Mountain guides who wish to work permanently in Sweden and who aren't able to apply for a European Professional Card can submit an application to us here at the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to have their foreign qualification assessed. UHR is the public authority responsible for assessing qualifications for mountain guides.

You should submit your application by email and include the following documents:

  • documentation of your foreign mountain guide degree (diploma and transcript that indicates what courses were included in the education programme)
  • copy of your valid passport or ID card
  • proof that the practicing of your professions hasn't been forbidden or limited
  • proof of your work experience (this is required if the mountain guide professions isn't regulated in your home country)

You can submit your application in Swedish or English. There is no cost for having your foreign mountain guide degree assessed. Our processing times for assessment are approximately three months from the date that your application is complete, with all necessary documents.

Submit your application to: ykinfo@uhr.se

If you've received an assessment of your foreign mountain guide exam and aren't happy with it, you can submit an appeal of the decision.

Your appeal should be submitted in writing and arrive at UHR no later than three weeks from the date you read the decision.

Be sure to indicate your application number as well as what changes to the decision you're requesting. Your appeal will be made to the Administrative Court in Stockholm, but should be submitted to UHR:

The Swedish Council for Higher Education
Box 4030
SE-171 04 Solna
Sweden

Last updated: 30 November 2020