BHS Exams

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vikkiandmonica

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Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone could explain how you become an instructor via the BHS exams? Are you required to go through all of the stages, or can you fast track some? I am working in a Camp America program over the summer where I'll be teaching children to ride, so would this experience allow be to bypass any exams? I have also seen that you can do apprenticeships that allow you to go straight to stage 3 or 4, but would it be better to do this or just do the BHS exams?

I think I have my stage 1 certificate somewhere from when I was little, do they expire or should this be alright?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions :p Thanks if anyone can help :)
 
Right, what you have to do is your PTT or your Preliminary Teaching Test, this is a proper exam where you'll be assessed on your practical skills and theoretical knowledge. You are not allowed to teach under the BHS until you have passed this exam. In order to take you PTT you must have completed Stage 1 and 2, and once you have your PTT you may then teach:) Its supposed to give you the opportunity to practise your teaching skills before you take your AI (sort of like a provisional license). Your BHSAI or ‘Assistant Instructors’ means you are a qualified BHS instructor able to teach a wider ability of rider - only now can you really call yourself a BHS Qualified Instructor. In order to become an AI examination you must first complete you Stage 3, which in itself is quite and advanced exam. Next is the Intermediate teaching test, this will make you a BHSII (Intermediate instructor) it will allow you to safely teach a high level of rider, from novice to elementary standard without supervision, you should take your stage 4 before sitting this exam. Last is the BHSI (instructor) a huge exam at an extremely high level, in order to sit you I you need to od completed your Stable Managers and your Senior Equitation and Coaching - once you've completed your I you are qualified to teach Advanced Medium Dressage and Fox Hunter Show Jumping.
All of these are rather prestigious exams should not be treated lightly, it can take years to become AI and tens of years to become an I. As far as I'm aware you cannot just jump to stages 3 and 4 you need to do them all in a certain order, and how little are we talking? You have to be 16+ to take your stage one:)
Hope this helps:) I'll do my best if you've got any more questions!

For more information see...
http://www.bhs.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/exams-and-qualifications

The Syllabuses include all aspects of Care, theory, riding and practical assessments required at each exam:)

Stage 1 Syllabus...
http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/BHS/Files/PDF Documents/Exams/Stage 1 Syllabus and Guidelines.ashx

Stage 2 Syllabus...
http://www.southstaffs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Stage-2-Syllabus-and-Guidelines.pdf

Stage 3 Syllabus...
http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/BHS/Files/PDF Documents/Exams/Stage 3 Syllabus and Guidelines.ashx

Stage 4 Syllabus...
http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/BHS/Files/PDF Documents/Exams/Stage 4 Syllabus and Guidelines.ashx
 
Thanks for your reply Machogaeth, you're post is very helpful! I think I must have done a different exam as I was a child when I did it, I just can't remember what it was :p

Regarding skipping exams, it was on a website I actually saw it that offers "An Advanced Apprenticeship in Horse Care & Management (Riding) which provides direct entry to BHS Stage 2, 3 or 4." I wasn't too sure if direct entry meant you don't have to do the prior exams, or something different... If that apprenticeship did allow you direct entry, then I was thinking that may be the best way to go as it is government funded and you get a small wage by doing groom type work alongside it.

Thank you again for your help :)
 
Certain qualifications (Pony Club, NVQ/Work Based Diplomas and Intermediate Apprenticeships) allow direct entry to certain levels of BHS exams. There is full info here http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/BHS/Files/PDF Documents/Exams/Exams Direct Entry Prerequisites.ashx

If you do not hold any of these qualifications then you must start from Stage 1 and work up. (The BHS does consider applications from those who have EXTENSIVE experience in the industry - usually higher level competition riders).

The route you choose will depend on your own circumstances etc. Please keep in mind that apprenticeship funding can sometimes be limited to certain age groups etc.

Marchogaeth has explained the progression through the stages etc and there is plenty of info on the website but just shout if you have any further questions. (One small correction to March's post, it is now possible to take your BHS Stage 1 from 14 years old, though they do encourage candidates to be 15+. Previously it was 16)
 
I doubt you'd have done Stage 1 as a child as the age limit used to be 16 and now it's 14 I believe.

Whilst a decent apprenticeship may allow you direct entry, it's worth knowing how the BHS run their exams and you only get this by doing them. Not sure I'd want to go straight in the Stage 3 exam without knowing the system.
 
Thank you for the replies. I don't think it was the Stage 1 I did, I just can't remember what it was haha. By the sounds of it, it does seem better to just do the BHS exams in order. As far as training for the exams go, do you have to pay for those sessions on top of the cost of the exam?

Thanks again for all the help :)
 
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