ITRA Training Schema Overview
ITRA is not a training provider and does not provide courses directly. ITRA Working Groups have developed training curriculum which is taught by ITRA certified instructors.. The ITRA training framework consists of two key elements: attendance and assessment.
ITRA instruction is primarily aimed at attendance or participation-based teaching, where students are introduced to eithers skills or knowledge. Such elements of instruction are codified into “learning objectives”, which are a specific skill or area of knowledge and assigned a unique ITRA learning objective number (i.e. ITRA-236).
ITRA assessment is solely a competency assessment of a candidate against learning objectives that have been grouped into a formal ITRA qualification, i.e., ITRA Rope Level 1. The candidate is awarded the qualification after successful assessment. Learning objectives are not assessed in isolation. Assessment only occurs collectively across learning objectives as part of being assessed for a qualification.
These learning objectives and qualifcations are detailed in the ITRA Syllabus and can be found in the document library
ITRA Certificates
ITRA currently offers four types of certificates that are issued by the association.
The first is an “attendance” certificate, which confirms the student has attended a specific event with one of our instructors. This may range from a 1 hour session to a multi-day workshop. The course title is given by the instructor. Some instructors also choose to provide their own branded certificates for their courses instead.
The next is an “introductory” program certificate, meaning the student has attended/participated in all the learning objectives for an ITRA qualification, but has not been assessed for competency. This certificate is issued by the association to members upon payment of a fee. This may require the student to attend multiple courses in order to be eligible for its award. An example would be the ITRA “Introduction to Rope Responder”.
The third is our practitioner “qualification” certificate, meaning the student has been formally assessed for competency against the respective ITRA qualification. They are required to revalidate this every three years to maintain currency and must also continue to be a member of the association. An example would be the ITRA “Level 2 Rope Technician” qualification.
Lastly, we have an “appointment” certificate for our instructors. Instructors must hold a Level 3 qualification in the appropriate discipline, submit an instructor portfolio, and undergo an assessment by an ITRA registered assessor.
ITRA Instructors
ITRA does not limit the number of instructors in an area. Instead ITRA takes an inclusive approach to becoming an instructor and encourages all technical rescue practitioners and instructors to be part of ITRA.
Additional information on becoming an instructor can be found in the document library
ITRA Assessors
Assessors are appointed by ITRA after undergoing a structured process that requires them to show evidence of experience, qualifications and competency in the areas they wish to assess in. ITRA Assessors are those that are responsible for assessing ITRA Instructors.
The primary role of the assessor is to ensure that each Instructor demonstrates performance of the required competencies in a safe, effective, and professional manner and, in accordance with ITRA systems and standards.
Additional information on becoming an assessor can be found in the document library