MSF certification

[DailyCommuter]

I would like to get the certification to became an instructor/rider coach. I have already contacted my states' safety coordinator and am awaiting a response. I have noticed on the forum thought that some of you have this cert. Can you describe to me how you went about it and what were the requirements? Thank you.

 

[SPORT]

for the Mass MSF program, I'd say start HERE.

Or you can go to the official MSF web page and search HERE.

Hope this helps.

Sport

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

That's great news, DC. Good on you for making that decision/commitment. Here's a LINK to the MIP class I went through in Illinois. It's probably similar, if not identical, to the MSF Instructor Prep class that's administered in other states as well. It was about an 85-hour commitment and taught by a MSF "Chief Instructor". In general terms, it involved successfully completing a BRC course, hours and hours of breaking down every aspect of the class and every exercise of the BRC to know not only HOW to effectively conduct it, but to know how to best evaluate and coach a student during each exercise. We (the instructor candidates) spent a great deal of time teaching each other and, after several weeks, taught actual students as the Chief Instructor watched and evaluated us. There was also a written exam and a required first aid class in there too.

Heavy time commitment up front, but for me (and every other instructor I know), well worth it. Good luck to you. Let us know how things progress.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Certainly not easy, but a very satisfying accomplishment. In CA, I had to retake the basic class (at my own expense) then observe several range and classroom sessions. First aid and CPR certifications are needed. CA now requires a Live Scan, since some of the students are minors. In preparation for the course, there is a hefty homework assignment.

The actual course was either seven consecutive days, or three weekends (Fri evening, all day Sat and Sun). The staff are sticklers for punctuality and will disqualify any tardy candidates up to and including the last day.

Some of the time is spent in a classroom with sessions about how adults learn. On the range, volunteers attempt to teach each exercise then get critiqued on how badly they did. Gradually the 'coaches' improve as they learn from the trainer. While each pair of 'coaches' are running the show, the rest of the class fills the role of the students.

At the culmination of the class, each rookie coach is assigned some exercises for both range and classroom then graded on how they perform with a class made up of real students. The group of coaches conduct a full BRC, under the close scrutiny of the trainer.

Drop me a line if you have questions. I don't profess to be an expert but I can share my own experiences.

 

[DailyCommuter]

I think I will ned to retake the BRC class again, I found out one of the requirements is to have completed the BRC within the last year. Which is odd because the second requirement was to be licensed for at least 2 years, and to have several years of varied riding experience under you're belt. I guess they want a fresh BRC in you're head so you can teach it better? whatever No Pain No Gain. It's something I want to do so I will Git'r'Done somehow.