Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor training course format change for 2026

The Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor training course format will change for 2026 onwards.

 

When is it changing?

The change will come into effect in 2026.

 

What is changing?

The current nine-day single block training course will be changed to two separate five-day courses.

 

Why is it changing?

• To improve the effectiveness of learning by allowing time to practise and develop skills from the first course before moving onto the second course.
• To enable a varied pace of learning for all candidates – individuals will be able to choose the length of gap between the two courses, subject to availability.

 

What is the evidence that change is needed?

Mountain Training runs periodic reviews of its qualifications and has in recent years developed a far more comprehensive suite of climbing-related qualifications. The Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification has been and will continue to be a key component of our overall delivery system. There are however a number of drivers for change, which include the relatively low first time pass rate, a drive for greater diversity and a need to ensure this qualification was integrated more effectively into those around it.

 

Is the assessment changing?

No, there will be no change to the format of the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor assessment.

 

Mountain Training UK & Ireland and the providers are currently working out the fine detail of the programmes and dates for 2026. They will be released very soon!