Climbing Wall Development Instructor Assessment

The Climbing Wall Development Instructor is the nationally recognised scheme that covers the skills required to safely teach climbers to lead climb on purpose built artificial walls.

We use some of the best walls in the UK, and, naturally for Beyond the Edge, some of the best and most experienced instructors in the UK.

Who is it for ?

The Climbing Wall Development Instructor assessment is for those who have already completed the CWDI training course. The scheme is suitable for individuals who have a passion for climbing, and who want to work with groups in the outdoor sector, schools, or in the voluntary sector. It is also useful for individual climbers who want to expand their knowledge and become safer climbers.

Climbing Wall Development Instructor Assessment – Overview

The one day Climbing Wall Development Instructor assessment starts by looking at your personal climbing and then looks at your ability to supervise and teach others.

We use large commercial walls to give you the greatest variety of learning situations.

Climbing Wall Development Instructor Assessment – Format

This one day Climbing Wall Development Instructor assessment looks at your competence to deliver safe and rewarding lead climbing sessions as well as demonstrating safe personal climbing. All aspects of the syllabus will be covered at some point over the assessment.

A typical course looks like:

Introductions. You, us and the course. Following this and possibly a quick look at the home research paper, we will ask you to demonstrate your personal competency before moving onto demonstrating your ability to structure a lead climbing session and manage progressions in an informative but fun way.

Whilst this is an assessment, we take every opportunity to develop your skills so that you come away ready to wow your first group with your skills, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Detailed guidance notes on the Climbing Wall Development Instructor syllabus and a skills check list are available here.

Course Details

  • Location: Sheffield
  • Cost: £105 per person
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Ratio: 1:4
  • Level: Instructor
Select course date

More Information

  • Course Dates
  • Bespoke Dates and Locations

    If there are two or more of you that want assessment or training, or you would like some different dates or a specific location, please contact the office and we will arrange something to suit your diary.

  • Meeting Point

    We meet at 10:00 at the Foundry Climbing Centre in Sheffield.

  • Equipment Required

    In addition to your normal climbing clothing, harness, and rope etc you will need to bring any props or equipment that you would need to run a safe and inspiring lead climbing session for a group. You will also require some money to pay for access to the climbing wall.

  • Recommended Reading

    We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Climbing Wall Development Instructor Assessment Joining Instructions.

    • The Climbing Wall Development Instructor Handbook contains all the details of the syllabus and the remit of the award. This Handbook can be downloaded from the Mountain Training website.
    • The official handbook of the Mountain Training Climbing schemes is: Rock Climbing essential skills & techniques. Libby Peter.
    • The BMC have a range of useful articles and a dedicated YouTube channel BMC TV covering a range of walking issues.
    • Mountain Training also have a YouTube channel, which can be found here.
  • Eligibility

    Prior to attending the Climbing Wall Development Instructor assessment you must have:

    • Completed a CWDI training course or been granted exemption by Mountain Training.
    • Be familiar with the syllabus
    • Have logged a minimum of 100 different lead climbs, at least half of which must be a grade of French 6a or above at three different major climbing walls.
    • Have assisted in the supervision of at least 5 teaching leading sessions delivered by a suitably qualified person. These 5 sessions must have personal reflective comments recorded on DLOG.
    • You will ideally have physically attended (i.e. not online) a first aid course which involved at least one full day or eight hours of instruction and included an element of assessment.  Our First Aid courses can be found here. If you have not yet gained a First Aid certificate, you can still attend, however your pass will not be validated until you present evidence of having attended a valid first aid course

    Some answers to frequently asked DLOG questions can be found on the Mountain Training website here.

     

  • Accommodation Options

    This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require. There is lots of accommodation in the Sheffield area to suit a range of budgets. Please contact the office if you would like any advice on accommodation.

FAQs

  • How do I book ?

    The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay.  If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.

    For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.

  • Does the course include accommodation ?

    Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.

  • Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...

    You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.

Course Details

  • Location: Sheffield
  • Cost: £105 per person
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Ratio: 1:4
  • Level: Instructor
Select course date

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