Outdoor Instructor
Qualification and Career Information

Here is some further information on the National Governing Body (NGB) Qualifications, the activities that they are relevant to and some outdoor activity instructor career information.

National Governing Bodies
BMC/MLTE | BCU | RYA | BCF/SMBLA | GNAS

BMC/MLTE

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC)

You must be over 18, and be a member of the BMC to register for your SPA or ML.
www.thebmc.co.uk www.mlte.org

Single Pitch Award (SPA)

Before registering for the training award, you must have a genuine interest in rock climbing and the supervision of groups on single pitch crags.
The Training Course lasts for two days. Before undertaking the course you must have at least twelve months experience of rock climbing, and have led a minimum of 15 graded outdoor climbs with leader-placed protection. Some of this climbing experience will be gainedon the course.
In the Consolidation Period you are advised to gain experience climbing at as many different venues as possible, both as an individual and when assisting the supervision of others. A minimum of six months between training and assessment is recommended by the MLTE.
The Assessment Course lasts for two days. Before you undertake the assessment, you must have:

• Led a minimum of 40 outdoor climbs using leader-placed protection on a variety of rock types, some of which must be 'severe' grade or above
• Assisted with the supervision of climbing for approximately 20 sessions (half days or evenings) at a variety of locations
• Have a 16 hour first aid certificate

Mountain Leader Training England (MLTE)

Before registering for the ML, you must have at least 12 months experience of hill-walking and have an interest of leading groups in the hills.
When you register you will receive a logbook for recording your walking and supervising experience.
The Training Course lasts for six days, where you must have logged at least twenty quality mountain days.
During the Consolidation Period you will be increasing your personal experience in mountain areas, preferably with some practice in leading groups. You will need to have logged a minimum of 40 quality mountain days, with at least eight nights camping (four of which must be wild camping).
The Assessment Course lasts for five days and you must have a 16 hour first aid certificate. The course includes a two night expedition and your result will be a pass, defer or fail.

British Canoe Union

www.canoe-england.org.uk

Diagram of Canoe England Coaching Award Scheme

BCU Two Star

This is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddle sport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, both in canoe and kayak learning a variety of skills in journeying and boat movement.

UKCC Level 1 Paddlesport

This is a coaching qualification that lasts 4 days (2 days training, 2 days assessment). Using 2 star test paddling skills, you progress a learn how to coach beginners.

Covering kayaking skills leading to the UKCC level 1 coach award in both canoes and kayaks.From basic paddle strokes and manoeuvres as well as rescue skills. An introduction to fundamentals of good coaching and the understanding of coach technical and tactical aspects. It includes both training and assessment over 4 days, introducing the session planning, delivery and review, and safe practice, along with top tips, games and activities to use in your sessions. The aim is for you to gain the confidence, skills and techniques you need to encourage and improve others. There is a mixture of practical tasks, a multiple choice question paper, and tutor questioning for assessments.

BCF/SMBLA

Trail Cycle Leader (TCL)

The Trail Cycle Leader Training Award lasts for 2 days and involves practical and theory elements. This training course covers aspects such as maintenance and repair, mountain biking techniques, teaching and coaching mountain bike skills, route planning and access, leadership, mountain bike navigation, incident management and preparation for assessment.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Dinghy

Level 1
For novices, this RYA start sailing course will introduce you to the experience of sailing. Within this two day course you will learn all about boat controls, boat handling and experience sailing out on the open water by yourself. Much of your time will be spent afloat learning basic maneuvers and by the end of the course you will be able to helm a dinghy under the supervision of an instructor.
Level 2
To become a competent sailor in light winds with an introduction to sailing techniques, maneuvers, rigging, launching, capsize drill, safety and basic rules of the road. By the end of the course you should be able to sail in light winds without an instructor on board.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Power Boat

Level 1 & 2
No prior boating experience is necessary. This course equally suits beginners and experienced boaters. Most people take Level 2 and bypass Level 1 (Level 1 is not a pre-requisite for Level 2).