As the leading provider of cycling education in the UK with over 50 courses, qualifications and education services on offer, naturally we receive many questions.
We have collated the most frequent ones into Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below so you can find the answers you need. However, should you require more support or cannot find your question below, please email education@britishcycling.org.uk. Links to other FAQs are found at the bottom of the page.
Applying
How do I apply for a course?
All courses delivered by British Cycling need to be applied for via the British Cycling Website. Some courses have pre-requisites which need to be satisfied in order to enrol.
The only exception is Mountain Bike Leadership, where course bookings are made through accredited providers. All learners will need to register with British Cycling before booking on their course.
Do I need to be a member of British Cycling to apply for a course?
No, for coaching, ride leadership and cycle training courses, but you do need to register with British Cycling and this is free to do. However, if you are successful in qualifying with British Cycling you will only be insured under British Cycling’s Insurance for Coaches, Leaders and Instructors with a valid Ride, Silver or Gold membership. See section on Insurance FAQs for more.
You do need to be a member with British Cycling to attend a MTB Leadership course.
How old do I need to be to apply for a course?
It depends on the course – but we accept applications from 14 upwards for our Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Cycling and the Cycling Award for Volunteers, from 16 for our Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Cycling, Level 2 Discipline Specific courses, Ride Leadership and Fun-MBL courses, but all other courses require an applicant to be 18 or older.
Is financial support available for courses?
Yes – both directly from British Cycling but there are a variety of local and nation funding streams available. Check out our page on Funding for more.
I have qualifications from another sport/cycling organisation/ and/or a degree, is there any recognition of my prior learning to allow direct entry to Level 2 or higher?
Yes – we have Recognition of Prior Learning routes for both coaching (enabling direct access to Level 2) and MTB Leadership (for Level 3).
How long will the course take to complete?
Courses vary in the time commitment required from learners. It is the responsibility of the learner to familiarise themselves with the time requirements of the course, which is detailed on each course page.
When will I find out if I’ve been successful or not in applying for a course?
Learners will be notified in 2-5 days of their application status.
When will I get my certificate?
Once all outcomes of a course are satisfied – including passing both online learning elements and practical days – then you will be emailed a link to access your certificate via British Cycling Learning.
For courses linked to the qualification framework, such as Level 1 & 2 in coaching and Level 2 & 3 in Cycle Training, certificates are issued by 1st4Sport – and can therefore take up to 2 weeks to arrive by post.
Why are some courses free and others I have to pay for?
British Cycling work with a variety of partners and are able to offer a limited number of courses for free, such as Ride Leadership courses for Breeze and Guided Rides, or Officials courses.
Transfers and cancellation
I need to cancel my place, is this possible?
Yes, though depending on when you cancel your place charges may apply:
Before the booking link closes - £0.00
After booking link closes - before the course starts – 50% of course fee
Once the course has started* – 100% of course fee
*A course starts from the time you are given access to online learning.
I need to transfer my place, is this possible?
Yes, though depending on when you transfer your place charges may apply.
Before the booking link closes - £0.00
After booking link closes - before the course starts - £75.00
Once the course has started - £100.00
What if I can’t continue with the course after starting?
If you need to withdraw your place after the course has started, the above cancellation charges apply. Alternatively, you can transfer your place, which also incurs charges.
What if British Cycling cancel a course and I can’t make the rearranged date?
Occasionally, due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen incidents that are outside its control (such as venue problems, equipment/utilities failure, a pandemic etc), British Cycling may have to cancel or postpone a course at short notice. These decisions are not taken lightly and we apologise for any inconvenience. However, the safety of the tutors and learners is the first priority when making these decisions. Learners are encouraged to contact British Cycling if they have any concern in such circumstances.
Learners who cannot attend the rearranged dates will be entitled to a full refund.
The course/practical day isn’t what I thought it was going to be, can I get a refund?
No – the above cancellation/transfer charges would apply. The information on the British Cycling website is in date and correct, giving an accurate description of what each course entails. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure they are booking on the correct course for them and their ability – however, if you do have any queries in advance we have a team on hand to support to ensure you find the right course. Please call 0161 274 2060 or email education@britishcycling.org.uk if you have any queries.
Outcomes, assessment and certification
How will I be assessed?
Most courses delivered by British Cycling utilise a ‘blended’ approach, meaning there is some online learning to complete alongside a practical day.
There is assessment or tests on both types of learning – you will need to complete and pass the elearning outlined in your learning programme before a course, and will also be assessed delivering practical activity (for coaching, ride leadership, MTB Leadership and cycle training).
All tutors follow British Cycling’s assessment principles of fair, consistent, robust, reliable and valid assessment. All learners will be given appropriate support to enable the best chance of passing assessment.
What if I do not pass the assessments?
For elearning, you can retake the test again immediately after receiving your result.
For practical assessment, you will be given an action plan from your tutor to go away and develop in advance of booking a re-assessment on a course in the future. When you are ready, email education@britishcycling.org.uk to book in your reassessment. Reassessment is free for the first reassessment, after which charges will apply – which will be communicated to you in the event you do not pass the first reassessment.
Will I get a job from this qualification?
All our recognised qualifications are industry leading and recognised as such, so employment is available in a wide variety of settings. However, this is up to you to the learner/qualification holder to find. There are a variety of opportunities, but limited opportunity to obtain employment directly with British Cycling.
Insurance
How do I get insured under British Cycling’s Insurance for Coaches, Leaders and Instructors?
Race Gold, Race Silver and Ride members who are normally resident in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and hold a valid British Cycling Coaching qualification and/or a British Cycling approved leadership or instruction qualification together with a valid First Aid Certificate and, where working with children, a valid safeguarding qualification. The cover provided is for the individual members and does not protect or indemnify any company/employer for whom they may be working.
Will getting qualified with British Cycling mean I am insured to lead cycling activity?
You will also need to have a valid British Cycling Membership and first aid certificate and, where working with children, will need a valid safeguarding certificate too. If you have all of this, you are insured.
Does British Cycling’s Insurance for Coaches, Leaders and Instructors cost extra?
No! As long as you have an approved qualification, British Cycling Membership (Ride, Silver or Gold), a first aid certificate and, where working with children, a valid safeguarding qualification then you access a higher level of cover. No extra charges apply.
Will British Cycling’s Insurance for Coaches, Leaders and Instructors cover my business?
Cover is extended for any British Cycling Federation coaching, leadership or instruction activity that is carried out on a commercial basis in which the coach, leader or instructor operates as a sole trader or business subject to a gross remuneration of £25,000 per annum.
The cover provided is for the individual member and does not protect or indemnify any company/employer for whom they may be working.
Can I use my qualifications abroad and be insured?
Yes! Public Liability insurance is provided on a worldwide basis although the United States of America, its incorporated and unincorporated territories and also Canada and its territories and provinces will be insured on a contingent basis and only if they have travel insurance that includes personal liability for the coaching activities that they are planning to undertake. Professional Indemnity insurance does not extend to the United States of America, its incorporated and unincorporated territories and Canada and its territories and provinces.
General
Which course is right for me?
In short – it depends! Always think about what you want to do, or use the qualification for rather. If you are looking to develop cycling skills, Coaching is probably your best route. If these skills are for safe riding on the road for transport, you might like to look at our Cycle Training courses. But if you want to lead rides on the road but not develop skills, the Ride Leadership course is perfect, though if those rides are off-road on technical terrain requiring a mountainbike, do look at our MTB Leadership qualifications. If you would like to support the delivery of cycle sport events, our Commissaire and Accredited Marshal courses are best for you.
