The scheme can be entered at this level, TRG is a foundation level qualification that covers the skills required to look after participants in top rope climbing and abseil environments, participants on the TRG courses should be active climbers (though there is no requirement to lead climb) and should be familiar with climbing in outdoor environments.

Entry requirements :

This course is designed for those who wish to gain qualification with the ACIA in order to work in the rock-climbing industry in a top rope / abseil guiding context. No previous guiding experience is necessary, though participants do need to be actively involved in rock climbing (indoors / outdoors) and have logged at least ten days personal experience with climbing/ abseil activities at outdoor crags in a variety of areas.

Candidates will be required to provide their own equipment and personal climbing gear for the course. Course content will include top rope bottom and top belay anchor construction; abseil construction, site selection; soft skill instruction – running a top rope session, pre & de-briefing, methods of group management; environmental impacts & etiquette at sites, ratios; teach belaying, rescue skills for top rope and abseil guiding.

Over the four days, candidates will cover a full range of techniques and issues relating to climbing instruction, including:

The setting up of safe and efficient top rope and abseil teaching systems using a variety of belays and sites.
Methods for conducting clients safely and efficiently on top-rope climbs.
Self rescue techniques and emergency situations related to top-rope and guided abseil situations.
Site choice with relation to safety, environmental factors and outcome for the participant.
Teaching techniques and group management issues.
Environmental and land management concerns.

Top Rope Guide consolidation period requirements (prior to attending assessment):

Logged experience showing at least five days guiding / supervising (assisting / co- delivering) Top Rope climbing and abseil activities.
Logged experience, minimum five days (min 20 routes logged) personal experience climbing at outdoor crags, at a variety of venues.
This mandatory logged experience is considered the minimum to enable prospective guides to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities, with candidates looking toward assessment ideally surpassing this.

Please see https://acia.com.au/course/top-rope-guide-course-3-days/ for full details.

Top Rope Guide Training