Indoor bouldering has seen an explosion in activity over the last decade, with many dedicated bouldering centres being built all over the country. To support this activity, in 2018 Mountain Training published guidance for the safe supervision of bouldering in consultation with the Association of British Climbing Walls. However, as yet there is no national standard or pathway to accredit supervision competence, other than through roped climbing qualifications, such as the Climbing Wall Instructor, that may not be appropriate for bouldering-only venues.

Responding to calls from the indoor climbing industry, we are investigating a proposal for an indoor bouldering qualification that could accredit holders with the basic skills to instruct and supervise bouldering safely. We would like to establish the desirability, demand and preferred content of a bouldering supervision qualification from across the entire sector involving both professionals and volunteers.

We have launched two short surveys, for individuals and organisations, so that we can first establish the need and, if necessary, design a qualification scheme that best suits the sector’s needs. If you would like to take part in this process please complete the relevant survey which should take less than ten minutes.

All data gathered will be held in strict confidence by Mountain Training.

Take the survey for individuals
Take the survey for representatives of organisations

The surveys are open now and the deadline for responses is 5th March, 2023.

Mountain Training will publish the outcome on this consultation in due course.