TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

• Aim
  To provide training and assessment in a wide range of techniques for working with instructed groups in both horizontal and vertical cave systems. Some club cavers may wish to take part in the Training course to improve their skills in passing on techniques in the informal club-training environment. There is no obligation to proceed to assessment.

• Scope
  The Cave Instructor Certificate is the highest level of professional caving qualification available in the UK. It qualifies the holder to instruct and advise on all aspects of caving activity, at any level, and to all types of client group, without restriction. An additional endorsement is available for those leading trips into other than straightforward abandoned mines.

• Registration with the BCA Training Administrator (01629 650261) or via the BCA website for the CIC Scheme. Prior to attending a training course candidates should have gained at least two years active involvement in caving in a variety of systems and preferably in different areas as a minimum. They should be experienced cavers who are comfortable rigging and leading in grade IV vertical cave systems. Some experience of working with novices underground is essential. They should hold the LCMLA Level 2 Award (incl. SRT for the leader) and have acquired some prior experience of SRT self rescue techniques. Following training, and before embarking on assessment, candidates will undertake a six-month (minimum) 'consolidation period' when further training and relevant experience can be gained.
  
  Prior to assessment candidates should have acquired a wide and varied practical caving experience and knowledge gained over at least 4 years. This should include most of the major systems in their main caving area, plus at least 10 classic systems in a minimum of two other areas. The candidate must hold the LCMLA Level 2 Award (incl. SRT for the leader) and have gained a minimum of 20 days leadership experience.

• Content
  The Training Course takes place over four days and covers all major aspect of the syllabus in both practical underground and theoretical sessions. There are 3 key elements in the course:
  1. Training in up-to-date instructing skills and techniques for progression through horizontal and vertical cave systems, including discussion of leadership techniques, group management and instructing methods.
  2. Clear indication and information on the standards required in the Scheme and the role of the CIC holder.
  3. A personal action plan drawn up in consultation with the Course Director. This will indicate further experience / training required to develop skills or improve the candidates overall competence prior to assessment.
  
  Assessment comprises of four separate practical modules taken over five days within a twelve-month period, and involving at least two different Assessors.
  
  Module 1 Vertical Skills Surface Check (1 day)
  Module 2 Extended Caving Day (1 day)
  Module 3 Rigging in Vertical Systems (1 day)
  Module 4 Vertical Skills Instructing (2 days)
  
  Continued professional development takes place after gaining the CIC, with a formal revalidation every three years

• Minimum age
  18 years