How to update your current instructor qualification

What is the Recognised Prior Learning route?

Our instructors deliver high-quality cycle training, using the National Standard for cycle training. By March 2024, all Bikeability cycle instructors must have registered to begin an Ofqual regulated qualification to teach.

The National Standard Instructor qualification launched in 2007. In 2015, the Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned a report to review the quality of this training. It highlighted various inconsistencies across the industry. As a result, the DfT’s Bikeability Support Team identified the need to review the instructor qualification.

The Level 2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training was introduced in 2019. This new qualification sits on a regulated framework, which is subject to external quality assurance. Tutors with a Level 3 Award for Instructing Cycle Training run the course.

In 2018, a competitive process was undertaken to engage an Ofqual regulated awarding body. 1st4sport are the current organisation who administrate this award.

Instructors with a National Standard Instructor status must convert to this new qualification. A Recognised Prior Learning route offers the opportunity to gain this new qualification, without having to start from scratch. Many industries use this approach to ensure consistency, despite different qualifications or backgrounds.

How does this affect me?

We know that you deliver fantastic cycle training. However, regulated registration is still required because it helps us ensure consistency. It’s important all Bikeability instructors are delivering to the same standard, so all new riders get the same great experience.

The Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) route brings your learning up-to-date and will help you achieve the Level 2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training. It makes sure that all instructors are delivering Bikeability to the current National Standard and Bikeability delivery guide.

All current National Standard Instructors must complete a new qualification. These instructors currently hold an NSIA, NSIP or NSIQ.

All instructors must register for the Recognised Prior Learning route before 31 March 2024. This is a requirement from the Department for Transport, which has increased the bursary to support instructors complete the qualification.

Do I need to complete a Recognised Prior Learning route?

If you have completed the original Recognised Prior Learning route, well done! You do not need to complete the new route because you have already achieved your Level 2 Award. 

If you were partway through the original Recognised Prior Learning route you can continue your current course or start the new RPL route. The new RPL route will be available to book with recognised delivery centres (RDC) from January 2022.  

Please consult with your tutor to help make this decision. We recommend those who have completed task seven in their current RPL route to carry on and complete. 

If you haven’t started the Recognised Prior Learning route yet, you have until 31 March 2024 to register for a course to update your qualification. You must sign up to complete the Recognised Prior Learning route with your local recognised delivery centre. The new RPL will be available to book from early 2022.

Click here for the contact details for all recognised delivery centres

How is the Recognised Prior Learning route funded?

If you have achieved your Level 2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training, you do not have to pay anything as you have received your qualification.

If you were already registered on to the Recognised Prior Learning course and choose to start the new route, your recognised delivery centre will be able to claim £200 towards your course costs. This should cover the majority of your course costs. Please discuss with your recognised delivery centre to find out if you will need to pay additional fees.

If you stay on the old Recognised Prior Learning route, there will be no additional costs.

If you are yet to sign up for the Recognised Prior Learning route, your recognised delivery centre will be able to claim £200 towards your course costs once you sign up. This should cover the majority of your course costs. Please discuss with your recognised delivery centre to find out if you will need to pay additional fees.

Click here for the contact details for all recognised delivery centres

What will I learn during the course?

The Recognised Prior Learning route reflects that you already practice as a cycle instructor. It is centred around one day of continuing professional development (CPD). This takes place in-person in the classroom. It includes practical activities, the opportunity to share good practice and be challenged. It is facilitated using a course handbook, which will be available digitally or in print.

The course will include the following:

Before the course:

• expert witness testimony
• self-assessment

Continuing Professional Development day, including:

• accessibility and differentiation
• teaching strategies
• risk benefit assessment
• how to deliver National Standard cycle training
• cycle maintenance
• self-reflection and reviewing your delivery

Post-Continuing Professional Development day:

• observation of performance while delivering Bikeability training
• personal development plan

This assessment will provide instructors with opportunities to evidence prior learning against the criteria for the Level 2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training. You will then receive a Level 2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training.