Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning

Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning

• Do you have responsibility for leading safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions in order to achieve intended outcomes?

• Do you have one or more years outdoor learning work experience?
• Statements of support confirm your experience in instructing / leading / coaching in any outdoor activity.
• Do you have relevant instructor qualifications or RPIOL?
• Regulated qualification at RQF/CQFW Level 3 / SQCF Level 6 or higher e.g. Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship, Mountain Leader Award, Forest School Leader, etc.
• Equivalent experience is assessed through the RPIOL Award.

Recognition as an associate professional demonstrates you have experience working in outdoor learning and a commitment to professionalism and your own continued professional development.

• Benchmark your level of knowledge, skills and education to lead outdoor learning sessions
• Demonstrate your experience to customers and employers, and the value you bring
• Help improve the strength of our representation and voice inside and outside the sector
• Combined with IOL Membership to automatically become an Associate Fellow of the Institute for Outdoor Learning

Self-declaration of suitable experience on application form

Suitable Qualifications:
All qualifications and awards that are directly relevant to your work in outdoor learning and are at RQF/CQFW Level 3 / SQCF Level 6 or higher may be suitable.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship
• MTE Level 3 Rock Climbing Instructor
• MTE Level 3 Award in Lowland Leadership
• MTE Level 3 Award in Mountain Leadership
• Level 3 Forest School Leader
• Pearson BTEC Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities

IOL recognised qualifications and awards aligned to Outdoor Activity Instructor Occupational Standard at Level 3 can be found here. 

Suitable experience
Associate professionals in outdoor learning have a total of at least one years' experience delivering outdoor learning with responsibility for:

1. Leading safe and engaging outdoor learning sessions
2. Organising resources and deliver within agreed programmes
3. Preparing for and achieving planned outcomes

Work experience can be full time, part role or volunteer in any area of outdoor learning as an instructor, teacher, facilitator, coach etc in any outdoor activity.

Professional Recognition Process

Attaining professional recognition will further demonstrate your commitment to professional practice and your own continued professional development.

Submissions will be reviewed by an application review team against the published requirements. Depending on your eligibility, you may need to:

• Provide details of your outdoor learning work experience (template provided)
• Provide statements of support that confirm your experience (template provided for signature by peer or senior manager)
• Provide copies of certificates of relevant qualifications at the required level
• Provide evidence of an equivalent, existing professional membership at the level
• If required, additional information will be requested from applicants before a decision is reached