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How do I become an ITRA Instructor?

To become an ITRA Instructor you will first need to hold the ITRA qualification through Level 3 for the appropriate discipline.  For example, if you wish to become an ITRA Rope Rescue Instructor, you will need to have a current qualification for Level 1 Rope Responder, Level 2 Rope Technician, and Level 3 Rope Advanced.

Note: as of January 2022, ITRA discontinued issuing Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor certifications for all disciplines.   Going forward, the certification is simply “Instructor” (no level).   

If you are a Level 1 or 2 Instructor right now, you have until December 31 2022, to a) get assessed as a level 3 technician and b) also get assessed as an Instructor. After this date, if you do not hold a current level 3 certification in your discipline, you cannot hold an instructorship for that discipline.  One reason for this change is that “Instructors” can now assess all students performing their technical LO’s.  The ITRA Board felt that an Instructor needs to be accomplished at the art of teaching and be skilled enough to recognize advanced mistakes. There are also some liability concerns with having people with only level 1 skills labeled as instructor. 

Application process

There are two paths to the application process which is either through non-direct entry which is for those that already possess ITRA qualifications in the disciplines they wish to deliver training in, or direct entry which is for those that do not hold any ITRA qualifications but may have transferable knowledge and skills from other previous training and operations that is comparable. The Working Groups will assess each application.

Non-direct entry

The following criteria applies to non-direct entry:

  • An applicant must hold a Level 3 ITRA qualification in the discipline they wish to deliver
  • The qualification must be in date
  • An assessment will be required in instructional delivery (as per ITRA Instructor Candidate Skill Form) by an ITRA Assessor
  • The assessment will be carried out typically over one or two days depending on the discipline
  • The cost of the Assessment will be at the applicant’s expense.

Direct entry

The following criteria applies to direct entry:

  • An applicant must hold a Level 3 ITRA qualification in the discipline wish to deliver so first must access an ITRA Direct Entry Level 3 Qualification
  • An assessment will be required in instructional delivery (as per ITRA Instructor Candidate Skill Form) by an ITRA Assessor
  • The assessment will be carried out typically over one or two days depending on the discipline
  • The cost of the Assessment and membership will be at the applicant’s expense.

Both non-direct and direct entry

For both entry paths, an adult learning or Instructor certificate is required under the following criteria:

  • Applicants must possess an adult learning/Instructional qualification
  • Applicants must evidence that they are active in their discipline(s) with regards to continual professional development, training or operations
  • Evidence should be validated by current experience.

Accepted adult learning evidence

There are many types of adult learning courses and certificates available in many countries which are too numerous to list. When evidence is submitted for the application, the relevant Working Group will assess it to ensure that the qualification is acceptable. In some cases, the qualification may be internal to an organization by policy and not a printed certificate.  The working group will have ultimate approval authority reference a candidate’s ability to teach adults.

Generally, the adult learning qualifications accepted will consist of the necessary components to deliver theory and practical training to adults. Components include roles and responsibilities as an educator, planning, communication, delivery methods, inclusive learning approaches, education and training resources.

Accepted Instructor qualification evidence

There are many types of Instructor qualifications available also. Examples include Instructor courses that may be specific to a discipline such as Fire Department Rope Rescue Instructor or general Instructor qualifications such as a military general instructor qualification that covers instruction in a wide variety of disciplines.

When evidence is submitted for the application, the relevant ITRA Working Group will assess it to ensure that the qualification is acceptable.

Generally, the Instructor qualifications accepted, are comparable with the adult learning qualification and will consist of the necessary components to deliver theory and practical training to adults.

References

Two references are required by the applicant.

The references should be:

  • Preferably from an ITRA Instructor or Assessor, or:
  • Other relevant Instructor/Assessor of a recognized organization/company.

The references should not be from:

  • Anyone related to the applicant (i.e., relative, co-worker, personal friend, etc.).

 

How to apply

Applicants who believe they have met the above requirement are to apply using the following process.

  • Complete the Instructor Application Portfolio and upload all the necessary documentation (instructions are contained within the online form)
  • Once the application has been received by ITRA, notification will be given that the application is being considered
  • On successful application, applicants should access an ITRA Assessor via the ITM
  • The applicant will then undergo an assessment in instructional delivery in the discipline in which they wish to be an instructor
  • On successful completion of the above, links of ITRA Instructor training material will then be sent to the applicant for them to complete
  • Once the above is complete, they will then be approved signed off by the relevant ITRA Working Group
  • If the applicant is not yet a Regular Member, a membership application must be submitted and the fee paid (currently $150 USD)
  • Note: Applicants may have to abide by other conditions as set by ITRA, which may change from time to time. This may include mandatory administrative updates which are typically delivered virtually/online.

Once all of the above is completed, and the paperwork/results have been submitted to HQ, the certification will be processed by ITRA administration, training records will be updated, certificate(s) issued, and the candidate will be notified via email.