Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment
The Rock Climbing Instructor scheme, is a nationally recognised qualification that covers the skills required to safely supervise groups in the single pitch crag environment and on climbing walls.
The two day assessment, which we run regularly in the Peak District, is conducted in a very supportive manner. We passionately believe that whilst it is an assessment, it should also be fun and, a positive learning experience.
Who is it for ?
The Rock Climbing Instructor assessment is for those who have already completed their Rock Climbing Instructor training course and will also complete the log book requirements prior to assessment.
The scheme is suitable for individuals who have a passion for climbing, and who want to work with groups in the outdoor sector, schools, or in the voluntary sector.
Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment – Overview
This two day (09:00 – 17:00) assessment is very practical in nature and visits two different crags and an indoor wall.
In April 2018 the award changed its name from Single Pitch Award to Rock Climbing Instructor in alignment with the renaming of the other climbing awards administered by Mountain Training. The award is very similar but now has a three day training course. Assessment is almost identical to the SPA and candidates who hold SPA training need no conversion to be assessed under the new award name.
To help candidates prepare thoroughly we issue a home study paper and comprehensive joining instructions with lots of suggested reading, links to videos and other material to help candidates become thoroughly conversant with all aspects of the syllabus.
Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment – Course Format
This two day Rock Climbing Instructor assessment looks at your competence to deliver safe and rewarding climbing and abseiling sessions as well as demonstrating safe personal climbing. All aspects of the syllabus will be covered at some point over the assessment. A typical course looks like:
Day 1 – Introductions. You, us and the course. Following this and possibly a quick look at the home research paper, we head to a local single pitch venue where you will be asked to demonstrate your personal competency by leading climbs of Severe standard and undertaking a personal abseil. We will then head to a local wall for some more climbing and some simple problem solving.
Day 2 – We meet at a crag and you will have an opportunity to demonstrate different systems suitable for different groups and discuss the reasons for your choice. We will also discuss access, environment and ethics.
At the end, and over a cuppa, we will discuss your performance over the two days.
Whilst this is an assessment, we take every opportunity to develop your skills so that you come away ready to wow your first group with your skills, knowledge and enthusiasm.
Detailed guidance notes on the syllabus are available here.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £200 per person
- Duration: 2 days
- Ratio: 1:4
- Level: Instructor
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are two or more of you that want assessing, and you would like some different dates or a specific location please contact the office and we will arrange something to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at The Sir William Hotel at 0900 in the village of Grindleford. The village has good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester.
The hotel has ample free parking.
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Equipment Required
In addition to your normal climbing clothing (including waterproofs), you will need to bring all the equipment you would need to run a climbing and abseiling session for a group. You will also require some money to pay for access to a climbing wall.
Lead ropes and static lines for rigging will be available if required.
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Recommended Reading
We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment Joining Instructions.
- The Rock Climbing Instructor Award Handbook contains all the details of the syllabus and the remit of the award.
- The official handbook of Mountain Training’s climbing schemes is Rock Climbing essential skills & techniques. Libby Peter.
- The BMC have a range of useful articles and a dedicated YouTube channel BMC TV covering a range of walking issues.
- Mountain Training also have a YouTube channel, which can be found here.
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Eligibility
Prior to attending the 2 day Rock Climbing Instructor assessment you must have:
- Completed a training course or been granted exemption by Mountain Training.
- Have led a minimum of 40 climbs on outdoor crags with leader placed protection at a variety of venues of which 20 must be at Severe grade or above.
- Be proficient in the use of climbing walls and have a minimum of 10 sport climb leads at F4 or above.
- Have assisted in the supervision of 20 instructed sessions post training
- Ideally you will have physically attended and completed (i.e.not online) a first aid course which involved at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and included an element of assessment. You can attend without a first aid certificate, but the award will be held until you present a valid certificate
Some answers to frequently asked DLOG questions can be found on the Mountain Training website here.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William which offers BtE clients a discount and this course runs from here.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room! Further details and other options are listed on our accommodation page.
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason, further accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
