Courses Overview

Courses Overview

PMBIA SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The PMBIA Certifications train instructors how to teach using modern, proven teaching theories and methodologies combined with the proven, skill-based model approach to gravity sports that provides a detailed analysis of the skills, physics and biomechanics within mountain biking.

This model gives instructors a deeper understanding of mountain bike skills and techniques while providing them with an organized framework of knowledge from which to teach. Together with the PMBIA Teaching Models, this enables mountain bike instructors to offer safer, more effective lessons to a greater variety of students, than ever before.

The PMBIA Certifications are unique in their ability to train instructors how to teach in both cross country and downhill environments, while also training and evaluating instructors on both their teaching and guiding skills to the highest standards in instructor certifications.

PMBIA Courses Overview

 

CERTIFICATION COURSES

The PMBIA currently offers multiple levels of certification courses for instructors and guides. Every PMBIA Certification course trains instructors how to teach and guide mountain biking in all trail environments, from cross country trail networks to lift-accessed, downhill bike parks. 

RIDE GUIDE

The 1-day Ride Guide Certification Course is an entry-level course designed to train local volunteers and biking advocates who wish to safely lead small, beginner groups on green and blue trails. This course is highly recommended to help newer riders or instructors prepare for the Level 1 Certification.

LEVEL 1 BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE  INSTRUCTOR

The 3-day Level 1 Certification Course is designed to train instructors how to teach skills and maneuvers to beginner to low intermediate mountain bikers, on green and blue trails. 

LEVEL 2 INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR

The Level 2 Certification requires instructors to complete either the 4-day Air Instructor Course or the 4-day Tech Instructor Course. These courses train experienced instructors how to teach intermediate to advanced riders, on green, blue and single black trails. The Air course focuses on teaching in lift-accessed bike park environments, while the Tech course focuses on teaching in cross country trail networks. However, instructors from either course will learn the relevant skills to teach and guide any student, in any trail environment. 

LEVEL 3 REFINED, ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR

The Level 3 Certification requires instructors to complete both the 4-day Air Instructor Course and the 4-day Tech Instructor Course, and the Kids Module. The purpose of this modular approach to the Level 3 Certification is to provide a training pathway that builds a diverse, adaptable and refined, advanced instructor that can truly benefit the mountain bike industry. A PMBI Level 3 Instructor will be able to work to a high degree of competency in a huge variety of mountain bike programs and industry positions.

LEVEL 4 EXPERT SKILLS COACH

The 5-day Level 4 course is for very experienced Level 3 instructors wanting to learn the necessary skills and tools to transition into coaching advanced to expert riders, during long term skill development coaching programs. The Level 4 Certification Course trains instructors how to assess and develop the technical skills of riders on any terrain, up to and including black diamond and double black diamond ability levels. Instructors will also learn more about instructing vs. coaching skills, providing them with the tools necessary to either teach an expert rider on a half-day lesson, or coach someone over a weekly, monthly or even seasonal period.

The PMBI Level 4 (previously known as the PMBI Level 3, prior to 2022) is the top-tier certification in the mountain bike industry, akin to Level 4 Instructor Certifications in the Ski and Snowboard Industries. This course requires a mastery in riding and teaching skills expected from full-time, professional, career instructors or coaches. 

DEVELOPMENT MODULES

The PMBI Association currently offers multiple professional development modules. These modules provide continued learning and professional development opportunities for PMBIA Instructors that hold a minimum PMBI Level 1 Instructor Certification. 

The 1-day Kids Module trains instructors how to apply their knowledge and skills from PMBI Certification courses, specifically to teaching kids mountain bike programs. 

The 1-day Adaptive Module trains instructors how to prepare for, assist with and teach beginner three-wheeled adaptive mountain bike programs. The PMBIA is proud to have an Adaptive Working Group within its Technical Development Team that is working hard with key stakeholders to continue to build Adaptive Programming for Adaptive Riders and Coaches. 

The Online E-Bike Module is designed to provide relevant tools, information and techniques for instructors looking to teach or guide on Class 1 e-MTB’s (pedal-assist only, limited to 20mph/32kph). In June 2022, this will be exclusively available to up to date, current members, free of charge, after logging in to their member profile. 

The 2-day Air Module works as great preparation for the full, 4-day Air Instructor Course. This module is also used for those instructors who need to retest the riding or teaching components from the Air Instructor Course, or who need to recertify as part of the PMBIA three-year recertification process. 

The 2-day Tech Module works as great preparation for the full, 4-day Tech Instructor Course. This module is also used for those instructors who need to retest the riding or teaching components from the Tech Instructor Course, or who need to re-certify as part of the PMBIA three-year recertification process. 

The 2-day L4 Module is available to Level 3 Instructors only, and works as great preparation for the full, 5-day Level 4 Instructor Course. This module is also used for those instructors who need to retest the riding or teaching components from the Level 4 Instructor Course, or who need to re-certify as part of the PMBIA three-year recertification process.

RECERTIFICATION COURSES

The PMBI Association currently offers a variety of recertification pathways, depending on the level of certification, and requires instructors to re-train every three years. Instructors can reset the three year timeline by taking any certification course or development module, prior to the three year expiration date.

This system is key in ensuring the PMBIA members maintain consistent, professional teaching and guiding practices within the mountain bike industry, while allowing flexibility and encouraging instructors to continue progressing through the PMBIA certification and training system. 

  • Instructors can avoid having to take a recertification course by taking any course or module prior to their three-year certification expiry date.
  • Recertification is required when a member does not take any other course or module within a three year cycle.
  • Recertification must be for the current level and type of certification held, only.
  • Level 4 Instructors must re-certify via the 2-day L4 Module 
LEVEL 1 RECERTIFICATION

This online program enables all our members worldwide to benefit from training and support from PMBIA to keep their teaching skills fresh and sharp, so they can continue to inspire and safely create the next generation of riders. This program is an essential component to all the PMBIA Recertification Pathways, so every instructor is up to date with the latest techniques and tools to teach beginner to low-intermediate riders. 

LEVEL 2, 3, 4 RECERTIFICATION

The following table outlines the specific pathways for Level 2, 3, and 4 Instructors, including the e-prep (online reading and worksheets for the respective module) and on-bike components. These pathways utilize the 2-day Air, Tech and L4 Modules, to complete the on-bike components of the recertification process. Regardless of certification level, candidates will only need to attend a maximum of two-days on-bike training, as part of their recertification process.

PMBIA Recertification Pathways

PLEASE NOTE

All Levels of Recertification will need to complete the L1 Online Re-cert Program. This is because the Level 1 content is the foundation of all the certifications and therefore acts as the template that the Level 2, 3, and 4 Certifications build on. 

The L1 Online Recert Program for Level 2, 3 and 4 Recertifications only will be complimentary and therefore included in the price of the Air, Tech or L4 Modules.

Level 2 instructors can only re-certify on the same type of course. For example, a Level 2 Air instructor can only re-certify via the Air Module and not the Tech Module.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW 2022 4-TIER CERTIFICATION SYSTEM

Considering the change from a three-tier certification system to a four-tier certification system in 2022, the following information outlines how instructors in the old system can continue their training and certification in the new system. 

The aim is to ensure any new designation of instructor certification levels must maintain the strict assessment and training standards of the PMBIA. The Level 3 course prior to 2022 was always designed to be a top-tier, instructor-training, industry leading certification, similar in standards and degree of difficulty to current top tier certifications, such as the Level 4 ski and snowboard certifications. The new four-tier system within PMBIA adds a level of training and certification between the 2021 Level 2 and 3 certifications. This will provide a more progressive and attainable training system for instructors, while encouraging a more diverse training pathway to build more adaptable, skilled and relevant mountain bike instructors. 

FAQ’S FOR COURSES 2022 & ONWARDS

LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION FAQ’S CLICK HERE

LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION FAQ’S CLICK HERE

LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION FAQ’S CLICK HERE

LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATION FAQ’S CLICK HERE