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 knowledge and skills.
2. Safe practices.
3. Effective group management skills on and off the cliff.
4. Sound environmental awareness and practices.
5. Effective teaching skills.
6. Informed climbing ethics, philosophy and historical perspective.
7. Competent emergency response.

The training scheme can be entered at Top Rope Guide level (TRG), entry at this level is open to anyone with some 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.

The training scheme can also be entered at Single Pitch Guide level (SPG), to enter at this level candidates need to be experienced, competent traditional lead climbers.

The ACIA currently operates with two pathways and several levels of qualification. The qualifications 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:

• 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 the sport of rock climbing and assumes that all participants have knowledge of, and experience in, the basic techniques of rock climbing. Previous instructing experience is not necessary.

At each level there is a training course, interim logbook 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. It is also possible for candidates to apply for exemptions from some or all of the interim requirements if they feel they have sufficient previous experience. The onus is on the candidate to apply.

At the end of each training course candidates are also appointed an ‘adviser’, normally from the course staff. The adviser is a contact for the candidate to consult regarding logbook requirements or any other problems before assessment. Once the logbook requirements have been met the candidate can attend assessment. Candidates take as long as needed to complete logbook 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.