Frequently Asked Questions

What pre-course work is required?

5-Day WFR and 3-Day Recert students all need to complete DLCG’s liability waiver and enroll in Moodle, WMA’s learning platform, as soon as possible. Once enrolled in Moodle, students must complete the intake form, pre-course paperwork, read the textbook, complete a study guide and pass the pre-course exam (due no later than 6:00PM CST the evening before the course begins).

This is an accelerated course, so pre-course study is essential to successfully passing the end of course exam. Attendance alone will not guarantee a passing score.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PRE-COURSE WORK?

WMA estimates the pre-course work for the 5-Day WFR takes approximately 25 hours to complete. The pre-course work for the Recert students takes approximately 8 hours to complete. This time will vary depending on your learning style, your familiarity with the course content, and other variables.

I’M HAVING TROUBLE WITH MOODLE. WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?

First, check out WMA’s Moodle How-To or our WFR Guide To Enrollment and make sure you’ve completed each step properly.

If you’re still having trouble, reach out to us. If you’re experiencing a common issue, we can often get students sorted out. If we can’t help, we’ll connect you with the folks at WMA who run Moodle, and they can help.

CAN I REQUEST A HARD COPY OF THE TEXTBOOK TO STUDY WITH?

Yes! Please fill out this form to submit your WFR textbook request, and we’ll mail you a hard copy. WFR course enrollment includes a physical textbook; students who do not request their book in advance will receive theirs on Day One of the course.

WHAT SCORE DO I NEED TO “PASS” THE PRE-COURSE EXAM?

It may vary slightly based on who your instructor is, so we recommend aiming for a score of 85% or above. Please note your instructor can see how long it takes you to complete each attempt and how many times you take it. Since our recertifications and 5-Day courses are accelerated WFR options, your instructor expects you will arrive at the course with a firm understanding of the concepts explained in the textbook, study guide and exam.

WHAT IS MOODLE?

Moodle is the online portal to your course, operated by Wilderness Medical Associates, the course provider. Students use Moodle to complete important pre-course paperwork, access study materials and the pre-course exam, and contact their course instructor.

WHEN WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO WMA’S ONLINE PLATFORM (MOODLE)?

Eight weeks before your course begins, we’ll send you an email with a link to enroll in Moodle and access your course materials. Waiting until the 8-week mark allows WMA to make updates to Moodle, so you can work with the most recent iteration.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO THE COURSE?

The following is a general list of what you’ll need:

• Clothing layers as appropriate for the weather (bring only clothes that can get dirty)

• Sturdy footwear (consider waterproof boots), possibly a few different options

• Personal care items (towel, toiletries, etc.)

• Notebook and pen (some may prefer a laptop) for taking notes

• Camp chair or lawn chair

• Sleeping bag and pillow, or other bedding, if you plan to stay in the bunkhouse

Check out our visual WFR packing list for more details.

CAN I JOIN FOR MEALS IF I’M NOT STAYING ON CAMPUS?

Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Hoofbeat provides great meals, and meals are included in course tuition.

IS THERE WIFI AND/OR PHONE SERVICE ON CAMPUS?

WiFi at Hoofbeat is generally serviceable for general email needs. However, it is not suitable for streaming video or downloading large files.

Hoofbeat Ridge is located in a rural, hilly setting, and cellular service varies by provider.

CAN I CAMP AT THE VENUE INSTEAD OF STAYING IN THE BUNKHOUSE?

Car/van camping is available in the parking lot, but tent camping is not permitted. Campers are welcome to use the study area, restrooms, showers, etc. in the bunkhouses.

IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM THE MADISON AIRPORT TO HOOFBEAT RIDGE?

We are unable to transport incoming students to the course venue, but past students have had good luck arranging rides through local taxis or Uber/Lyft. Transport from Madison airport to Hoofbeat Ridge is approximately 45 minutes.

You may be able to get a ride back to Madison from another classmate at the end of the course.

HOW DOES WFR RECERTIFICATION WORK?

Wilderness Medical Associates develops and delivers their WFR course curriculums, provides instruction through their contract staff, and sets their certification and re-certification policies. We have no influence or discretion over any of these course elements.

Certifications are valid for three years, and must be re-certified BEFORE they expire. Certifications are never extended beyond their expiration date. There is no grace period.

On a case-by-case basis, WMA may extend a student’s eligibility to re-certify in a recertification course that begins after their certification has expired. Students must inquire about an eligibility extension BEFORE their certification expires.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND MY EXISTING WFR CERTIFICATION CARD?

Contact your previous course provider (WMA, NOLS, SOLO). They should be able to track down a record of your certification.

Do I have to hold a current certification to recertify?

Students must have a current WFR or Outdoor Emergency Care* (OEC) certification (unexpired or within the certifying agency’s grace period) to be eligible for the 3-Day Recertification Course.

The following course formats and instructional hours meet our eligibility requirements:

1) In-person WFR course - minimum of 70 hours of in-person instruction
2) Hybrid/Blended WFR course - minimum of 70 hours total (pre-course work + in-person instruction), minimum of 45 hours of in-person instruction
3) WFR Re-Certification course - minimum of 16 hours of in-person instruction
4) Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification course

The following companies and/or courses have historically met the above requirements: WFR courses taught by SOLO, NOLS, AERIE, Wilderness Medical Training Center, Desert Mountain Medicine, Longleaf, Foster Calm, Wilderness Medicine of Utah, Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine, MED Remote Medicine, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Backcountry Medical Guides, Cornell-Weil School of Medicine, and Sierra Rescue International. Additionally, the Peak Emergency Response Training course titled “Non-Urban Emergency Care Level 3” and inperson WFR course taught by Base Medical also meet these requirements. Note: both Peak Emergency Response and Base Medical teach other courses that do not meet our eligibility requirements.