Training & Assessment

INTRODUCTION

The emphasis of the scheme is on providing opportunities for training and qualification and an incentive for instructors to increase their experience and abilities. The association tries to avoid being overly prescriptive in its approach, believing that the development of good judgment in all aspects of climbing is of primary importance.

The training scheme addresses the following aspects of rock-climbing instruction:

1. Technical Skills and knowledge
2. Good practice approaches to guiding and instructing 
3. Effective group management skills
4. Environmental awareness and practices
5. Quality effective teaching skills 
6. Informed climbing ethics, philosophy and historical perspective
7. Emergency response capabilities 
8. Knowledge and understanding around safety management systems and session planning

The training scheme has a number of different pathways and can be entered in several ways.

Indoor Climbing Guide level (ICG), entry at this level is open to anyone with appropriate indoor climbing experience who wishes to work with clients in an indoor/ artificial top rope climbing situation. At this level, candidates do not need to be lead climbers.

Top Rope Guide level (TRG), entry at this level is open to anyone with appropriate climbing experience who wishes to work with clients in a top rope climbing and abseiling situation. At this level, candidates do not need to be lead climbers.

Single Pitch Guide level (SPG), entry at this level is open to candidates who are experienced, competent traditional lead climbers who wish to work with clients in single pitch climbing and abseiling situations. 

The ACIA currently operates with three pathways and several levels of qualification. The qualifications in each pathway are sequential and each build upon the knowledge, skills, and experience of the preceding level. At each level there is a training course and subsequent assessment, separated by an interim training period with a logbook requirement. The pathways and levels are:

• Indoor Climbing Guide (ICG)
• Indoor Climbing Instructor (ICI)

• Top Rope/Abseil Guide (TRG)
• Sport Climbing Instructor - single pitch (SCI)

Traditional climbing pathway - requires use of trad / leader placed protection

• Single Pitch Guide (SPG)
• Multi Pitch Guide (MPG)
• Climbing Instructor (CI)
• Instructor Trainer/Assessor (ITA)

OVERVIEW OF THE TRAINING SCHEME

The training scheme deals with techniques for the safe and effective instruction of rock climbing activities and assumes that all participants have knowledge of, and experience in, the basic techniques of rock climbing. Previous guiding or instructing experience is not necessary.

At each level there is a training course, consolidation period, and assessment. The duration of each course varies - see the individual course details. The training courses at each level are broken into seminar type sessions on various instructing techniques and there is plenty of opportunity for ‘hands on’ practice of the topics covered. All of the techniques that will eventually be tested at the assessment are covered during the corresponding course.

At the end of each course there is an interim period before assessment, during which a logbook must be kept. Interim logbook requirements vary at each level and some candidates may have extra requirements added if it is felt that they will need more experience or training before assessment. 

Once the logbook requirements have been met the candidate can attend assessment. Candidates take as long as needed to complete consolidation requirements and return for assessments.

It should be noted that candidates are not necessarily required to complete any assessments. The scheme is available to those who wish to complete the training courses without undergoing any assessment. This would suit people who just wish to acquire more skills and knowledge but are not interested in working in the industry and hence do not require a qualification.

Currency Requirements

There are ongoing currency requirements for all levels of guide and instructor. These are based on,

• A minimum requirement of guiding/instructing and climbing experience over the preceding three-year period at the specific qualification level
• Attendance at a full day practical revalidation/ professional development event within each three-year period (this can include a higher-level training or assessment course, an ITA facilitated professional development workshop, or other internationally recognized practical course)

Specific currency requirements are explained in detail during the courses.

All qualified instructors are required to meet the above requirements, as well as hold a valid first aid certificate and be a financial member of the association in order to be listed as current instructors on our database.