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Course Info

Climbing NGB Courses

Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Assessment

Putting yourself forward for the MCI assessment is a big step in your career progression. We strive to create a supportive atmosphere for you to perform to your best.

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BreakdownWhat's included?Kit List
Dates, Prices & Booking
  • Payment plans available

5 Days

Plas y Brenin

Instructor RatioVarious

Location

Plas y Brenin

Length

5 Days

Instructor Ratio

Various

Course Breakdown

Overview

Let’s face it, booking your MCI assessment feels like a big step… because it is! We have all been there. But if you’re ready to come and demonstrate all you’ve accomplished in your consolidation period, it’s time to book. During the week, we’ll do our best to give you a supported and fair assessment.

What to Expect

This five day, Mountain Training accredited programme will be arranged to take account of weather and other considerations, in such a way as to satisfy the spirit and detail of the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award syllabus.

Generally the course is run on the following lines:

  • Day One: Taking People Climbing
  • Day Two: Problem solving and improvised rescue
  • Day Three: Mountaineering Day
  • Day Four: Teaching Climbing
  • Day Five: Navigation

Experience Required

Prior to booking the assessment, you must have;

  • Attended a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor training course
  • Be familiar with the syllabus
  • Logged a minimum of 20 multi pitch climbs at VS 4c or above (since MCI training), a large proportion of which should be on mountain crags and major sea cliffs
  • Logged a minimum of 20 quality mountain days in sole charge of a group (since training)
  • Logged a minimum of 20 rock climbing teaching days with students (since training)
  • A reference from a referee
  • A valid first aid certificate.

Please ensure you have met the above prerequisites before booking.

How Should I Prepare?

You should be competent and familiar with all aspects of the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award Syllabus. You should also complete the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award Preparation Paper. You will need to prepare a 5-minute video, of your choice, on an historical or technical topic related to mountaineering or rock climbing. If you would like to discuss your preparedness for the assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Note: Our instructors will assess any safety equipment you bring with you. If they consider it to be below the required standard, you will be asked to use equipment provided free of charge by Plas y Brenin.

What's Included? Res vs Non-Res

Res

Non-Res

Instruction & Coaching

Expert, trained & qualified instructors

In-depth local knowledge

200+ years of combined team experience

PYB coaching ethos & tailored delivery

Fully insured for all activities

 Our instructor team shares venue insights, local tips, and tailors your experience based on individual and group needs.

Accomodation

Shared En Suite

Shared with your course attendees

Single En Suite Upgrade

Food

Fully Catered

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Packed Lunch

Afternoon Tea & Cake

Tea, Coffee and Cakes on arrival back at PYB

Two Course Evening Meal

Expedition / Camp Food

Facilities

Kit Hire & Course Equipment

Climbing Wall Access

Subject to availability, T&C’s apply

Laundry

Drying room

Evening lectures

Some at additional cost if lectures are charged

On-site physio

By appointment

Lake access

Free On-Site Parking

Free Wi-Fi

24hr front desk

Bar and restaurant access

In-Course Transport

Scheduled courses only*

Rolling Pool

T&C’s apply

EV Charger

* In-Course Transport is included for all scheduled courses. For Private Instruction, in-course transport arrangements need to be booked in addition (subject to availability at an additional cost).

Further Information

General CoursesScottish Winter CoursesSummer Camps

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to talk you through it.

Kit List

We offer extensive kit lists to help you prepare for your course, including our recommendations for the best in the business. We also have a wide range of equipment available for hire on-site at no extra cost.

View Kit List →

Dates, Prices and Booking

All dates and prices can be found on our booking platform.

Book 4-8 May 2026
Book 13- 17 July 2026
Book 17- 21 August 2026
Book 21-25 September 2026
Book 5-9 October 2026
 
Plas y Brenin works in close partnership with Mountain Training to ensure there are enough assessment courses available each year to meet demand. If a course is fully booked, please email us at info@pyb.co.uk .We will schedule additional assessment dates as soon as there are enough candidates.

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About Us

Managed by The Mountain Training Trust on behalf of Sport England


National Outdoor Centre
Capel Curig, Conwy
LL24 0ET
North Wales

info@pyb.co.uk+44 (0) 1690 720 214
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