Mountain Skills Assessment
This 2-day course assesses the skills developed in line with the Mountain Skills (MTBI) syllabus.
Course Overview
MS Assessment is held over two days and comprises both written and practical evaluation. Students will be observed demonstrating their skills associated with all aspects of the Mountain Skills syllabus, including a night navigation exercise. The MS scheme is not a certified qualification and Mountaineering Ireland does not produce certificates upon successful completion of the assessment, but successful students will have this recorded on the candidate Management System (CMS).
The successful candidate is someone who is confident and able to navigate from one major feature to another, e.g. col / summit / large re-entrant / large spur / major slope changes. They should be able to do this competently in clear weather and in mist or at night. They should be able to plan their day, look after themselves, adhere to good practice with regard to access and environmental matters, deal with minor emergencies, know what to do and who to contact in case of emergencies of a more serious nature, and know their limits in terms of terrain encountered. As a candidate you will only be looking after yourself.
Students will be asked to complete a short written home paper prior to attending assessment.
Programme
Day 1
09.15 - 23.00
Introductions and overview of the assessment process.
Depart for day on the hill:
• Kit and equipment
• Basic map interpretation
• Feature recognition
• Using a compass
• Planning and walking a navigation leg
Evening 19.30 - 23.00
Night navigation.
Day 2
09.15 - 17.00
• Navigation
• Dealing with hazards and emergencies
• Moving on steep terrain
• Environmental and access knowledge
Debrief
What you will Learn
Over the period of the assessment candidates will be assessed and bench marked against the MTBI Mountain Skills assessment criteria.
This includes areas such as decision making, safety and risk management, journey planning, understanding of the environment and personal skills in the appropriate environment.
An assessment provides candidates with the opportunity to receive detailed feedback from very experienced tutors. The assessment process should be viewed as a valuable development opportunity as it aims to enrich your skills by providing enhanced knowledge, understanding, and ultimately greater enjoyment for you on the hill.
For those candidates wishing to go on and gain nationally recognised qualifications this is also a great opportunity to get a feel for the assessment process.
Is this course for me?
Registration
Whilst attending Mountain Skills 1 & 2 is not a prerequisite for this assessment you must be registered on the Mountain Skills Scheme prior to attending the course with Mountain Training UK or Mountaineering Ireland.
First Aid
Prior to attendance on Mountain Skills Assessment candidates must hold a valid first aid qualification that must involve at least 16 hours of instruction and include an element of assessment.
Logged Experience (as per MTBI Syllabus)
At the start or prior to the Mountain Skills Assessment you must have:
• Completed an official Mountain Skills log book or D Log (CMS)
• Logged at least 14 walks OR at least 28 logged walks, if you have exempted yourself from Mountain Skills 1 & or 2 training
• At least 4 walks completed in the 2 months prior to assessment
• Walks in a variety of upland areas
• A current and valid First Aid Certificate
What Equipment do I need to bring?
Bring any of your own personal outdoor clothing and kit such as:
• Waterproof Jacket and trousers*
• Boots*
• Warm layers
• Fleece Jacket
• Hat & Gloves
• Head torch*
• Flask & water bottle
• 40L rucksack & liner*
• First Aid kit
• Notebook and pencil
• Items marked * can be borrowed from TNOC stores
What does the cost include?
This course is fully catered, and the course fee includes 1 night accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The course fee also includes all in-course transport and all specific technical equipment.
If you would like to book this course on a non-residential basis (Cost 162, which includes lunch and dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2), please contact the centre via email (admin@tollymore.com) or telephone (028 4372 2158)
Course Cost - £190.50
Please note, by enrolling into any of our courses you are accepting our Booking Terms and Conditions, please read them carefully before you make a payment.
