Mountaineering Instructor Certificate (MIC)
Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Overview
This award trains and assesses candidates in the skills required for instruction of mountaineering, both summer and winter, including snow, ice and rock climbing. It builds on the skills acquired in both the
MIA and
ML(W) awards; both of which candidates must hold to access the MIC scheme. The MIC is an extensively used professional award.
Download the Award Information here
Mountaineering Instructor Handbook
Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Registration
The winter element of the Mountaineering Instructor scheme is considered the minimum standard for those instructing the skills of snow and ice climbing. All candidates must first register specifically for the MIC scheme and satisfy the following conditions.
Applicants must:
- Hold the Mountaineering Instructor Award.
- Hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award.
- Have 20 days logged experience of winter party management. At least half must be post Winter ML assessment.
- Lead winter climbs at Grade III or above.
- Have logged at least 10 routes at Grade II or above and at least 10 at Grade III or above in a minimum of three main mountain areas of the UK.
MIC registration form
Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Video
Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Course Materials
Learning Resources are available to buy hereMountaineering Instructor Certificate Information
The scheme provides training and assessment in the skills required to teach, train and assess general mountaineering, rock and ice climbing and related activities.
There are two qualifications that comprise the scheme:
- The Mountaineering Instructor Award (MIA) - for instructors working in summer conditions. The syllabus includes multi-pitch rock climbing, scrambling and other mountaineering skills. Also included are elements of training and assessment that are necessary for those directing and working on schemes such as ML, SPA and WGL.
- Mountaineering Instructor Certificate (MIC) - for instructors working in winter conditions. Additional skills required for winter mountaineering and winter climbing are covered. Also included are elements of training and assessment that are necessary for those directing and working on schemes such as Winter ML.
All of the courses that make up the Mountaineering Instructor scheme are designed specifically for conditions encountered within the United Kingdom and Ireland.