INDOOR CLIMBING

In House Training - What it says on the tin really - trained by the establishment to specifically the way the individual centre requires, every instructor requires this over and above their standard qualifications so they work within individual centres guidelines, but there are no guarantees that the person providing that training has any qualifications or that bad practice is not being passed along. No assessment or Certificate.

Climbing Wall Award (CWA) - A fairly new award - Specific to leaders wishing to teach on artificial structures.

OUTDOOR CLIMBING

Southern Sandstone Leaders Award (SSLA) - This award was started by Kent, (Chris Tullis was one of the technical advisors) Surrey and East Sussex County Councils to provide an properly assessed but site specific qualification for Southern Sandstone crags. Being site specific it's a perfect first step on the qualifications ladder or for school teachers and youth leaders who only take groups on sandstone crags or rarely take groups out.. Holders of this award have to be able to climb to an average standard on Southern Sandstone and be able to safely lead a group. Assessed by an MIA so there is a proper assessment and certificate attached. - The absolute minimum qualification you should accept.

Single Pitch Award (SPA) - Holders of this award have had to put in some serious work to achieve it.. The award is nationally recognised and holders can instruct groups on any Single Pitch in the UK. Holders will have experience of climbing on multiple crags in the UK. Assessed by an MIA so there is a proper assessment and certificate attached. - The qualification you should really be looking for.

Mountain Instructors Award (MIA) - Top level climbing qualification, Holders will have put a lot of time and effort into gaining this award.

LOGOS

There are very few official logos that you need to be aware of.

Adventurous Activity Licensing Authority - A legal requirement for any one wishing to instruct under 18's. - Centres displaying this logo will have been inspected and reach the required standard for teaching under 18s adventurous activities - Ask to see proof.

  Mountain Leader Training Association - Governing body of national awards. The MLTA do not endorse any climbing companies. (Meaningless)

British Mountaineering Council- National Governing Body for climbing and hill walking, The BMC do not endorse any climbing companies. (Meaningless)

Criminal Records Bureau - again do not endorse any climbing companies, but all serious instructors should have a CRB check (Meaningless)