Mountaineering Instructor Award Details
Mountaineering Instructor Award Training
In order to attend a
Mountaineering Instructor Award training course candidates must be registered on the
Mountaineering Instructor Award scheme. Providers will not accept bookings for a
Mountaineering Instructor Award training course unless candidates are registered with Mountain Training UK for this scheme.
Currently there are three approved Providers of
Mountaineering Instructor Award training courses: Plas y Brenin, Glenmore Lodge and Tollymore. Courses are delivered in a continuous nine-day block.
At the end of the training course feedback and advice on consolidation will be given individually. In order to assist this process candidates must present a completed logbook at the start of the course. Some aspects of the syllabus may not be covered during the training course and candidates are expected to deal with these items themselves.
The training course includes knowledge and skills not assessed on the final course. For this reason there is no exemption from training.
Consolidation Period
During the period between training and assessment candidates are expected to consolidate their experience and evaluate their skills and techniques.
The consolidation period will normally be a minimum of twelve months. The minimum requirements during this period are:
- quality mountain days as a leader in sole charge of a mixed ability group.
- rock climbing teaching days with students.
- multi-pitch climbs at VS 4c or above, a large proportion of which should be on mountain crags and major sea cliffs.
- A valid first aid certificate.
- A reference from a referee.
- A broad working knowledge of all aspects of the mountains and mountaineering, including the environment and mountaineering history, ethics and traditions.
In exceptional circumstances, a reduction in the consolidation period is possible for very experienced candidates, who can demonstrate considerable experience prior to the training course. Under no circumstances will candidates be allowed to progress from training to assessment in less than three months. An exemption application form is available from the Board.
Mountaineering Instructor Award Assessment
Candidates must be familiar with all aspects of the syllabus before assessment. The assessment course lasts five days. A panel of at least three assessors (including the Director of Assessment) will be involved in deciding each candidate's result.