Aim of our schemes:
"developing climbers through quality coaching"
NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering are UK-wide schemes designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. They're a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering, from novice to experienced, starting from age 7.
What are the awards?
Our two core award schemes for age 7+ are known as
NICAS Climbing and
NICAS Bouldering. We also offer
NICAS Wild Climbers (age 3+) and
NICAS Clip (age 6+).
The NICAS Climbing scheme involves climbing with ropes and harnesses. This is usually done with two people, one climbing, and one holding the rope and lowering the climber (the belayer). Belaying techniques are a key part of NICAS.
The NICAS Bouldering scheme involves "bouldering" - this is a form of climbing usually practised on small rock boulders, or at indoor walls. Bouldering is carried out at lower heights than roped climbing. The "boulderer" is able to climb down or jump down from the wall (so ropes and harnesses are not required).
Structure of NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering
NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering each have five progressive levels of award for complete novices to expert climbers. The scheme is split into two parts and takes a minimum of 80 hours to complete Levels 1 to 4 and an additional year to complete Level 5. Part one contains Levels 1 to 3 and part two contains Levels 4 and 5.
When you register with an
Accredited Centre you receive a logbook for Levels 1-3. Later you will be offered a booklet for Levels 4 & 5. A binder is available separately to keep the booklets and additional papers pristine. You will be awarded with a certificate as you pass each level.
What are the aims of NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering?
NICAS Climbing aims
- to develop climbing movement skills and improve levels of ability
- to learn climbing rope-work and how to use equipment appropriately
- to develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport
- to work as a team, communicate with, and trust a climbing partner
- to provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance
- to develop an understanding of the sport, its history and future challenges
- to provide a record of personal achievement
- to point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.
The five NICAS levels are:
1. New Climber
An entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.
2. Foundation Climber
Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall.
3. Technical Climber
A more advanced top-roping and bouldering award that focusses on developing technique and movement skills. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to climb and belay safely at any climbing facility (whether or not under supervision or with back-up) and operate in a responsible manner. Achievement at this level is broadly equivalent to a pass at GCSE.
4. Lead Climber
Concentrating on the skills required to lead climb proficiently. Aimed at developing a self-motivated climber who has a wide range of skills and has reached a high level of competence, with a desire to progress by identifying and setting goals.
5. Advanced Climber
The top-level award that focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing, as well as experience of local and national competitions.
NICAS Bouldering aims
- to develop climbing movement skills and improve levels of ability
- to learn how to use equipment appropriately
- to develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport
- to work as a team, communicate with, and trust other boulderers
- to provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance
- to develop an understanding of the sport, its history and ethics
- to provide a record of personal achievement
- to point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.
The five NICAS Bouldering levels are:
1. New Boulderer
An entry level award for candidates who wish to learn what bouldering is as a physical activity and how to use a bouldering wall safely.
2. Foundation Boulderer
Aimed at helping the candidate to understand how a bouldering wall works, and basic preparation and control while bouldering, with an introduction to equipment and movement skills.
3. Competent Boulderer
Corresponding to most bouldering–only centres’ “membership” standards. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to boulder safely at any bouldering facility and operate in a responsible manner.
4. Skilled Boulderer
Aimed at developing a self–motivated boulderer who has a wide range of skills and has reached a high level of competence, with a desire to progress by identifying and setting goals.
5. Performance Boulderer
The top–level award that focuses on improving performance, with advanced skills and knowledge of training and bouldering as well as experience of local and national competitions.