Certification Levels

There are four levels of PLTA pack llama certification. Each is available for a llama working individually or in a string of two llamas. Thus a llama could potentially earn eight different certifications. The four levels are Basic, Advanced, Master, and Elite. These are designed to measure increasing packing skill and physical conditioning.

The standards listed in the tables below show the baseline mileage and elevation requirements. In circumstances where these standards cannot be met, distances and elevation gain may be adjusted at the ratio of one mile = 250 feet of elevation gain. For instance, if the terrain is flat and only 250 feet of elevation gain is available for an Advanced course, the distance must be increased to seven miles in order for the course to meet PLTA standards.

Detailed information about distance/mileage computations and obstacle requirements may be found at Changes to Pack Trial Level Requirements as of February 2016

BASIC PACK TRIAL

The Basic pack trial tests early stages of training and conditioning against minimal packing requirements. The llama's natural ability and trust in their handler is being evaluated. The exam is designed to encourage maximum participation by new and aspiring llama packers and pack llamas. Trials at this level are designed to reflect this philosophy as well as being a fun event.

 Basic Pack Trial General Requirements

 Basic Pack Trial Obstacle Requirements

ADVANCED PACK TRIAL

Advanced trials are designed to tests a llama's ability to deal with a moderately demanding packing environment. The requirements are more stringent that at the Basic level. They are based on the expectation that the llama will be moderately fit and be able to negotiate more complex obstacles than at the Basic level. This is reflected in the longer distance, greater elevation gain and more numerous and more difficult obstacles that make up the standard the llama is tested against. Requirements for an Advanced pack trial are shown in the table below.

 Advanced Pack Trial General Requirements

 Advanced Pack Trial Obstacle Requirements

* Obstacles are chosen by the Trial Marshal from three different categories.

MASTER PACK TRIAL

The Master trial tests a pack llama against stringent standards that reflect the demands placed on an experienced packer. Training and conditioning a llama to this level is a serious responsibility. The requirements are designed to demonstrate the candidates superior capabilities. Standards for the Master pack trail are shown in the table below.

Master Pack Trial General Requirements

 Master Pack Trial Obstacle Requirements

ELITE PACK TRIAL

The Elite trial tests a llama's packing performance at a stage of training and and conditioning that insures a llama is fit for long distance travel in extreme terrain. This llama has earned a special place in the llama community and is dominant in the field of packing. This trial is a level above Master and in order to participate, a llama must already have earned a Master Pack Llama certificate. Certification as an Elite Pack Llama (EPL) is the PLTA's highest level of recognition of pack llama achievement.  

 Elite Pack Trial General Requirements

 Elite Pack Trial Obstacle Requirements

STRING PACK TRIALS

PLTA String Pack Trials test the packing scenario of a single handler leading multiple pack llamas in single file on the trail with each animal connected to the one in front of it. Llamas participating in this test are expected to have been trained and experienced in the activity. Trials consist of the same courses as for individual llamas with the corresponding weight requirements, obstacles and time windows. In a String Trial the llamas are required to work in teams of two and, with the exception of obstacles that require pannier removal, remain in the string while negotiating obstacles. The Trial Certifier may determine possible areas, e.g. steep rocky ground, where the llamas may be separated for safety reasons. This determination is made prior to the trial.

Performance deductions can be accrued by the handler or by either llama and are combined for a team total. The allowed performance deductions are the same as for an individual trial. In other words, if the total deductions for the team exceeds the deductions allowed for the trial, the entire team is disqualified.

Two successful completions of the same level of String Trial are required for certification at that level. Llamas are not required to complete their string trials while working in the same team. Thus, if llama A and llama B successfully complete a String Trial as a team, and llama B and llama C successfully complete a String Trial at the same level, llama B will have successfully earned String Certification. Llamas A and C will have both earned one of the two completions required for certification.