Performance Coach

Must be a qualified: Development Coach
Registration is an application process and requires approval from Mountain Training UK & Ireland
Training: 8 days plus some online sessions, spread over 3-4 months, delivered to a fixed training cohort each year (max. 12 places per cohort)
Assessment: Bespoke, includes a portfolio, an interview (viva) and a practical coaching assessment

Average time from training to passing assessment: Currently unknown (new qualification)

Ideal for: Experienced climbing coaches who want to design, plan, deliver and review bespoke interventions to help climbers make tangible improvements and achieve mid to long term goals.

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Performance Coach training incorporates multiple days of in-person training and some online sessions, delivered to a fixed cohort of candidates on an annual or biannual basis (depending on demand).

The training is a developmental scheme in itself, with a series of sessions attended over several months, with mentored practical assignments in between.

Training

Training includes an online introduction session, 5 in-person training days, and 4 online sessions. The cost of the full training package is £750. Candidates accepted onto a cohort must attend ALL training days and the online sessions.

The following proposed schedule is subject to change — some venues have indicated that route-setting may have an impact and as such, we will need to account for that closer to the time. Candidates will be kept up to date by the Coaching Development Officer.

Consolidation

Following completion of all Performance Coach units, candidates are required to create a portfolio as part of the assessment.

The 'portfolio' is not necessarily written, but candidates need to evidence the depth and breadth of their coaching experience, and developmental learning throughout the pathway. We have no interest in favouring the written word, not discriminating against those who find written evidence is not their strength. Hence, portfolios will be accepted as audio and video recordings as well as written documents. The import thing is to work with a mentor to ensure your portfolio represents your depth and breadth of coaching, and demonstrates you have the skills and experience to fulfil the syllabus.

Assessment

Once your portfolio has been approved by your mentor, and your application has been agreed by a member of the training and assessment team, you may proceed to book an assessment. Each assessment is a bespoke and holistic process and will include an interview of your experience and progress, as well as a final practical (observed) coaching session with a long-term client/climber.

You will be assessed against the syllabus competencies in the candidate handbook. At the end of the assessment you will receive one of two results:

• Pass
• Defer (requires reassessment)

Candidate handbook last updated: October 2025