To get started on the International Mountain Leader qualification you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• You must have successfully completed the Mountain Leader qualification
• You must have recorded 20 quality international summer mountain days in DLOG
• You must have recorded 20 quality winter days in the UK or overseas in DLOG
• You must have a referee endorsing your experience in DLOG

If you can tick all of the above boxes, here's what to do next:

• Register for the International Mountain Leader scheme (this costs £79)
• Notify Mountain Training (via the SEND TO MT button in DLOG) that your DLOG is ready to be reviewed

Register now - please note it can take up to 30 days for your registration to be reviewed.

Training course bookings must not be made until your International Mountain Leader registration application has been approved by Mountain Training.

You will be notified by email by Mountain Training with the result of your application. Applications with less than the minimum experience cannot be approved.

The registration fee is non-refundable. However, if your application is not successful, you will receive feedback on how best to fulfil the experience requirements and your registration application will be held open for six months, during which you can submit an updated record at no extra cost.

The International Mountain Leader qualification is administered by Mountain Training UK and Ireland, an organisation that includes staff and representatives from across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Working as an IML

The IML trains and assesses the holder to lead groups in different mountains all over the world, where the skills and equipment of alpinism are not required. IMLs cannot provide tours on glaciers and permanent snow, and where the planned use of a rope is necessary. However, IMLs can work with groups on high altitude treks as well as lead groups on snowshoes. Candidates are advised that following the departure of the UK from the EU there is no longer an automatic right for UK nationals to work in EU countries, aside from the Republic of Ireland (all of our qualifications are run on a United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland basis). UK citizens must now obtain work permits for each individual EU country they wish to work in. Each country in Europe is different with some requiring full residency in order to be able to work there.

BAIML is currently updating the ‘Working Abroad’ guidance available to members on the BAIML website, as the situation in Switzerland and many EU countries is now clearer.

Candidates considering registering on the UK IML award scheme are strongly advised to become fully conversant with the requirements of the countries they wish to work in before committing to this scheme.

Do you have additional needs?

Do you have a physical or mental impairment or disability which may require a provider to make reasonable adjustments so that you can take part in a training or assessment course? Find out more.

Not quite right?

If this doesn't sound like the right qualification for you, consider the following:

• Mountain Leader
• Winter Mountain Leader

You could also read through our 'Which scheme is right for me?' page.

International Mountain Leader candidate handbook

The International Mountain Leader handbook has full details about the scheme including the syllabus and supporting guidance notes. This latest version includes updated guidance for both the summer and winter elements of the scheme.

Summer Training

Before you book onto an International Mountain Leader Summer training course, make sure you have done the following:

• You must be registered on the scheme

Summer training lasts for 5 days and courses are run by two of the National Centres: Glenmore Lodge or Plas y Brenin. There is no exemption from training.

Winter Training

Before you book onto an International Mountain Leader Winter training course, make sure you have done the following:

• You must have completed International Mountain Leader Summer training

Winter training lasts for 5 days and courses are run by two of the National Centres: Glenmore Lodge or Plas y Brenin.

The Syllabus

International Mountain Leaders should be competent in the following key areas, all of which will be covered, to a greater or lesser extent, during both five day training courses.

• The mountain environment
• An overview of the legal and economic situation in countries in which IML award holders work
• Group management and the responsibilities of the group leader
• Teaching
• Anatomy and physiology
• Physical ability
• Navigation
• Weather
• Security in mountainous terrain
• Emergency procedures
• Bivouac and survival skills
• Expeditions
• Snow-covered terrain

Detailed information on each of the above topics can be found in the International Mountain Leader Handbook and the onus is on you to be competent in all of them by the time you come to assessment.

The Book - International Mountain Trekking

International Mountain Trekking has been written specifically for people pursuing Mountain Training's International Mountain Leader qualification and it includes essential tips and information for those who wish to lead internationally as well as being a useful learning aid for recreational walkers. The book is split into 11 chapters covering topics including planning, trekking at altitude, snowshoeing, hazards, navigation and dealing with problems while travelling. Its functional design with easy-reference pages, striking illustrations and images make this book an indispensable guide to the skills required for hill walking overseas.



Buy now

British Association of International Mountain Leaders

BAIML supports aspirant and qualified International Mountain Leaders in the UK and represents them at the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations. BAIML offers a range of workshops for trainee and qualified leaders as well as a quarterly magazine, gear deals/discounts, a monthly newsletter and an insurance deal. After you have completed International Mountain Leader summer training you will be invited to join BAIML as an Aspirant Member for free until the end of the membership year (31st December).



Visit the BAIML website

Summer Assessment

Before you book onto an IML Summer assessment, make sure you have done the following:

• You must have attended an International Mountain Leader Summer training course (there is no exemption from training)
• You must be familiar with the syllabus
• You must have passed the Speed Navigation Test
• You must have physically attended and completed (i.e. not online) a first aid course which involved at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and included an element of assessment
• You must have gained further experience since completing the Summer training.

The International Mountain Leader Summer assessment is 4 days long and is based outside the UK.

Assessments are run by Glenmore Lodge and Plas y Brenin.

Winter Assessment

Before you book onto an International Mountain Leader Winter assessment, make sure you have done the following:

• You must have passed the International Mountain Leader Summer assessment
• You must have completed International Mountain Leader Winter training
• You must be familiar with the syllabus
• You must have physically attended and completed (i.e. not online) a first aid course which involved at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and included an element of assessment
• You must have logged a minimum of 60 days experience: 30 quality international summer days and 30 quality winter days (of which at least 10 should be overseas).

The International Mountain Leader Winter assessment is 5 days long and is based outside the UK.

Winter assessments are run by Glenmore Lodge and Plas y Brenin.