Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment
The Climbing Wall Instructor is the nationally recognised award that covers the skills required to safely supervise climbers on purpose built artificial walls and boulders.
We use some of the best walls in the UK, and, naturally for Beyond the Edge, some of the best and most experienced instructors in the UK.
Who is it for ?
The Climbing Wall Instructor assessment is for those who have already completed the two day CWI training course. 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. It is also useful for individual climbers who want to expand their knowledge and become safer climbers.
Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment – Overview
The one day Climbing Wall Instructor assessment starts by looking at your personal climbing and then looks at your ability to supervise and teach others.
We use large commercial walls to give you the greatest variety of learning situations.
Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment – Format
This one day Climbing Wall Instructor assessment looks at your competence to deliver safe and rewarding climbing sessions as well as demonstrating safe personal climbing. All aspects of the syllabus will be covered at some point over the assessment.
The abseil module is an additional assessment. If you wish to do this, it can be added on the same day at an additional cost of £25.
A typical course looks like:
Introductions. You, us and the course. Following this and possibly a quick look at the home research paper, we will ask you to demonstrate your personal competency before moving onto demonstrating your ability to structure a session and manage a group in a variety of situations.
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 Climbing Wall Instructor syllabus and a skills check list are available here.
Course Details
- Location: Sheffield
- Cost: £115 per person
- Duration: 1 day
- 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 assessment or training, or 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
We meet at 10:00 at Awesome Walls climbing centre in Sheffield.
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Equipment Required
In addition to your normal climbing clothing, you will need to bring any props or equipment that you would need to run a safe and inspiring climbing and abseiling session for a group. You will also require some money to pay for access to the climbing wall.
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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 Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment Joining Instructions.
- The Climbing Wall Instructor Handbook contains all the details of the syllabus and the remit of the award. This Handbook can be downloaded from the Mountain Training website.
- The official handbook of the Mountain Training 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 Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment you must have:
- Completed a training course or been granted exemption by Mountain Training.
- Be familiar with the syllabus
- Have logged a minimum of 30 visits to at least three different climbing walls. Ideally recorded on DLOG.
- Have led a minimum of 40 climbs in indoor walls. Ideally recorded on DLOG.
- Be confident at climbing routes at Fr4
- Have assisted in the supervision of at least 15 instructed sessions on at least two different walls including a large public facility in a variety of contexts.
- Ideally you will have physically attended and completed (i.e.not online) a first aid course which 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 Sheffield area to suit a range of budgets. Please contact the office if you would like any advice on accommodation.
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.
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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.
