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BICP aMTB Level 1 & aMTB Level 2 Skills Instructor Certifications

The BICP aMTB Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Certification course introduces stability and biomechanics, teaching strategies, site selection, goal setting, proper demonstrations, keywords, progressions, and error detection and correction for the Adaptive Level 1 Fundamental Skills.

This course provides comprehensive, hands-on training in the fundamentals of mountain biking and adaptive mountain biking. Participants develop a foundation for teaching professional, systematic, and safe mountain bike skills clinics, including personal riding skills, proper form, teaching methods, progressions, and consistent terminology.

The aMTB Level 1 course is taught using a combination of two-wheeled mountain bikes and adaptive cycles. Participants will explore how the BICP Fundamental Elements and Level 1 skills apply across different cycles, riders, abilities, and movement patterns.

Effective mountain bike instruction involves more than demonstrating skills. Participants will develop their abilities in planning and preparation, risk management, site selection, clear communication, rider assessment, group management, and appropriate skill progression.

Length: 3-day in-person certification course, plus required online coursework.

Cost: $700 USD + A $65 USD BICP aMTB Level 1 Membership will be added to your purchase.

Course Requirements

To successfully complete the BICP aMTB Level 1 certification, participants must:

  • Complete the required online coursework (approximately 24 hours).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the course material.
  • Meet the BICP Minimum Ride Standard for required skills.
  • Successfully complete teaching simulations and practical assessments.
  • Demonstrate appropriate communication, leadership, group management, and professional conduct.

The BICP uses the Minimum Ride Standard when evaluating participants for certification.

BICP certification courses are skills-teaching courses, not skills-learning courses.

Participants attending the in-person certification course are expected to arrive proficient in the required riding skills and capable of performing them at or above the BICP Minimum Ride Standard. Successful demonstration of the required skills during the course is a prerequisite for certification.

Prerequisites

Participants must:

  • Hold a BICP Ride Leader Certification. (Included in the aMTB Level 1 course fee.)
  • Hold a current First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Have three or more years of mountain bike riding experience.
  • Have volunteer or professional experience in the bicycle industry or cycling community.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Have good communication skills.
  • Have a strong desire to help others progress safely and have more fun on their bikes.
  • Be fluent in spoken and written English.

Wilderness First Aid certification is strongly recommended.

Upon Successful Completion

Successful completion of the course and practical assessment qualifies a BICP aMTB Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor to:

  • Instruct individuals and groups in mountain bike fundamental skills in a professional, systematic, and safe manner.
  • Conduct a Pre-Ride Assessment to evaluate individual riders and groups.
  • Assess and identify common errors in fundamental riding skills.
  • Provide appropriate corrections and progressions based on rider needs and abilities.
  • Prepare and implement teaching plans and establish goals for future skills clinics.
  • Apply the BICP Fundamental Elements when working with riders using two-wheeled and adaptive cycles.
  • Make responsible decisions related to terrain, site selection, progression, risk management, and rider readiness.

Participants Will Be Evaluated On

  • Fundamental Elements.
  • Skill Descriptions.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Teaching Methods.
  • Group Management.
  • Error Detection and Correction.
  • Progressions.
  • Communication.
  • Leadership and Professional Conduct.

Goal = Balance + Stability + Control for all riders.

BICP aMTB Level 2 Intermediate Skills Instructor Certification

The BICP aMTB Level 2 Intermediate Skills Instructor Certification course builds upon the aMTB Level 1 Fundamental Skills and introduces the teaching and application of aMTB Level 2 Intermediate Skills. The course expands participants’ understanding of stability and biomechanics, teaching strategies, site selection, goal setting, proper demonstrations, keywords, progressions, and error detection and correction.

This course provides comprehensive, hands-on training focused on teaching intermediate mountain bike skills to adaptive riders. Participants further develop their ability to assess riders, select appropriate terrain, demonstrate skills, identify and correct errors, and create effective progressions based on the individual rider, adaptive cycle, terrain, and desired outcome.

The aMTB Level 2 course is taught and assessed on adaptive cycles, allowing participants to develop a deeper understanding of how the BICP Fundamental Elements and teaching methodology apply across different adaptive cycles, movement patterns, rider abilities, and terrain.

Effective intermediate-skills instruction requires instructors to look beyond the execution of individual skills. Participants will develop their abilities in planning and preparation, risk management, site selection, clear communication, rider assessment, group management, terrain progression, and appropriate decision-making.

Length: 3-day in-person certification course, plus required online coursework.

Cost: $750 USD + A $65 USD BICP aMTB Level 2 Membership will be added to your purchase.

Course Requirements

To successfully complete the BICP aMTB Level 2 certification, participants must:

  • Complete all required online coursework.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Level 1 Fundamental Skills and Level 2 Intermediate Skills.
  • Meet the applicable BICP Minimum Ride Standards.
  • Successfully complete teaching simulations and practical assessments.
  • Demonstrate appropriate skill selection, progressions, error detection, and corrections.
  • Demonstrate effective communication, leadership, group management, risk management, and professional conduct.

The BICP uses the Minimum Ride Standard when evaluating participants for certification.

Prerequisites

Participants must:

  • Hold a current BICP aMTB Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Certification.
  • Hold a current First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Meet the required BICP Minimum Ride Standards for the course.
  • Have experience teaching mountain bike skills.
  • Have experience working with adaptive riders and adaptive cycles.
  • Have good communication and group-management skills.
  • Have a strong desire to help riders progress safely while fostering positive, inclusive learning experiences.
  • Be able to perform basic trailside repairs appropriate to the cycles used during the course.
  • Be fluent in spoken and written English.

Wilderness First Aid certification is strongly recommended.

Upon Successful Completion

Successful completion of the course and practical assessment qualifies a BICP aMTB Level 2 Intermediate Skills Instructor to:

  • Instruct individuals and groups in fundamental and intermediate mountain bike skills in a professional, systematic, and safe manner.
  • Conduct a Pre-Ride Assessment to evaluate individual riders and groups.
  • Assess rider readiness before introducing intermediate skills, terrain, or progressions.
  • Identify and diagnose common errors within fundamental and intermediate riding skills.
  • Provide appropriate corrections and progressions based on the rider, adaptive cycle, terrain, and desired outcome.
  • Prepare and implement teaching plans and establish appropriate goals for future skills clinics.
  • Apply the BICP Fundamental Elements across different adaptive cycles and rider movement patterns.
  • Select appropriate teaching locations and terrain for intermediate skill development.
  • Make responsible decisions related to terrain, progression, risk management, rider readiness, and environmental conditions.

Participants Will Be Evaluated On

  • Fundamental Elements.
  • Level 1 Fundamental Skills.
  • Level 2 Intermediate Skills.
  • Skill Descriptions.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Teaching Methods.
  • Site and Terrain Selection.
  • Group Management.
  • Error Detection and Correction.
  • Progressions.
  • Communication.
  • Leadership and Professional Conduct.

Adaptive Mountain Biking

Adaptive mountain biking requires instructors to understand that the same riding outcome may be achieved through different movements, techniques, or equipment configurations.

No two riders are the same, and adaptive cycles vary considerably in their design, handling characteristics, rider position, and available movement.

Throughout the aMTB Level 2 course, participants will deepen their understanding of how the BICP Fundamental Elements and intermediate skills apply to different adaptive riders and cycles. Participants will explore how changes in rider movement, cycle movement, terrain, speed, and equipment affect stability and control.

Rather than attempting to reproduce a single technique across every cycle, instructors will learn to identify the intended outcome of a skill and determine appropriate movements, teaching strategies, and progressions for the individual rider.

The instructor’s role is to observe, assess, adapt, and provide the rider with an appropriate pathway toward greater independence and skill development.

Goal = Balance + Stability + Control for all riders.