Exemption from training

Accreditation of prior learning with Mountain Training

Candidates who have completed a Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader training course, may be assessed at a 'lower' level, as long as they are registered for that scheme. For example if you have completed Mountain Leader training, you may attend a Hill and Moorland Leader or Lowland Leader assessment without needing exemption from training, as long as you are registered for that scheme. The same is true for Hill and Moorland Leader trainees, who may attend a Lowland Leader assessment without applying for exemption from training.

NB. If you decide to take an assessment for a scheme you have not been trained for, you still need appropriate experience in that terrain as each presents its own challenges, particularly with regards to access and common hazards.

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Exemption

Even for the most exceptionally experienced candidates, attending a training course can be extremely valuable; giving opportunities for learning, discussion and experimentation under expert guidance. Training course attendance is normally mandatory for candidates progressing to assessment and we would strongly recommend that all but the most exceptionally experienced candidates undertake a training course as part of their progression through the Mountain Training qualification schemes.

For the majority of our qualifications it is possible for exceptionally experienced candidates who feel they have a deep understanding of the competencies outlined in the syllabus to apply for exemption from training. To apply, individuals must meet the relevant assessment course prerequisites, as detailed in the relevant qualification handbook. This is a minimum requirement. Successful applicants commonly have significantly more relevant experience. If you hold Accredited Prior Learning (APL), or alternative training (e.g. an alternative qualification in another country) please disclose this at the point of application and include details in your DLOG.

All exemptions incur a non-refundable application fee, further details can be found below. Exemptions must be approved by Mountain Training and show on your CMS account before you book and attend an assessment course. Assessment attendance will not be accredited if you have not attended a training course or have not been successfully granted exemption.

If you have military experience and you wish to present this experience as part of an exemption application please apply in the same way.

Leadership Awards

This information covers the below leadership awards. Please see the bottom of this page for exemption from training information for the Winter Mountain Leader, International Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.

Syllabus and prerequisite experience requirements of each qualification scheme can be found in the relevant qualification handbook:

Climbing Wall Instructor and Abseil Module

Rock Climbing Instructor

Climbing Wall Development Instructor

Rock Climbing Development Instructor

Lowland Leader

Hill and Moorland Leader

Mountain Leader

Candidates based on the island of Ireland
If you are a candidate based on the island of Ireland and would like to apply for exemption from training for one of the leadership schemes above please follow the steps below:

 You will then need to complete an exemption application form and send this, to Mountaineering Ireland. The application form and Mountaineering Ireland address can be found here. Once this has been submitted and you fee is paid, your DLOG will be reviewed by a Technical Officer. The Technical Officer will consider the information presented and subsequently accept or reject the application. Please note this can take up to 10 days. In the case of rejection feedback will be given. There is no appeal process. 

If you have any questions about this exemption application process please contact [email protected].

Candidates based in England or Cymru
If you are a candidate based in England or Cymru and would like to apply for exemption from training for one of the leadership schemes above please follow the steps 1-3 below:

• Set up a Mountain Training account and register for the award scheme. You must be a member of a mountaineering council, such as Mountaineering Ireland, the BMC, or Mountaineering Scotland, at the time of registration, to find out why click here.
• Read the relevant syllabus to ensure you have a deep understanding of the competencies outlined. You will be assessed in these competencies during assessment.
• Enter sufficient experience to at least meet, but preferably exceed, the pre-requisites for the assessment of the qualification. This experience should be recorded in the DLOG of your Mountain Training account. Please see here for further information about DLOG.
• Once you have completed the above, call 01690 720272 (the office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) to pay the £50 exemption application fee. This fee can be paid by credit or debit card. Once this has been paid your DLOG will be reviewed by a Technical Officer. The Technical Officer will consider the information presented and subsequently accept or reject the application. Please note this can take up to 10 days. In the case of rejection feedback will be given. There is no appeal process.

If you have any questions about this exemption application process please contact [email protected].

Candidates based in Scotland
If you are a candidate based in Scotland and would like to apply for exemption from training for one of the leadership schemes above please follow the steps 1-3 above. You will then need to request an exemption from training application form from [email protected]. You will need to submit a completed exemption from training application form and exemption application fee (as detailed on form). Once this has been submitted and paid, your application will be reviewed by a Technical Officer. The Technical Officer will consider the information presented and subsequently accept or reject the application. Please note this can take up to 21 days. In the case of rejection feedback will be given. There is no appeal process. If you have any questions about this exemption application process please contact [email protected].

Winter Mountain Leader (all candidates)

Exemptions from training will only be given to exceptional candidates with considerable experience in Scottish winter conditions. There is no exemption from assessment. The scheme handbook can be downloaded from here. If you would like to apply for exemption from training for the Winter Mountain Leader please follow the steps below:

• Register for the Winter Mountain Leader and ensure your registration is approved. Please see here for further information about the registration process.
• Request an exemption from Winter Mountain Leader training application form from [email protected].
• Submit a completed application form, with appropriate fee and evidence of experience (as detailed on application form). Once this has been submitted and paid, your application will be reviewed by a Technical Officer. The Technical Officer will consider the information presented and subsequently accept or reject the application. Please note this can take up to 21 days. In the case of rejection feedback will be given. There is no appeal process.

If you have any questions about this exemption application process please contact [email protected].

International Mountain Leader (all candidates)

It is not possible to obtain exemption from training for the International Mountain Leader summer training. It is possible to apply for exemption from training for the International Mountain Leader winter training. The scheme handbook can be downloaded from here. To apply for exemption from winter training candidates must have:

• Registered and had registration approved for the International Mountain Leader. Please see here for further information about the registration process.
• Have successfully completed the assessment for the Winter Mountain Leader, Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, or British Mountain Guides winter. International training: only UIMLA, IFMGA or UIAA accredited courses will be considered.
• Have exceptional experience within the scope of the scheme - this should be evidenced in DLOG.
• Have avalanche training (e.g. alpine snowpack) and snowshoe experience recorded in their DLOG.

Once you have completed the above, call 01690 720272 (the office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) to pay the £50 exemption application fee. This fee can be paid by credit or debit card. Once this has been paid your application will be reviewed by a Technical Officer. The Technical Officer will consider the information presented and subsequently accept or reject the application. Please note this can take up to 30 days. In the case of rejection feedback will be given. There is no appeal process.

If you have any questions about the exemption application process please contact [email protected].

Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (all candidates)

It is not possible to obtain exemption from training for these schemes.