Why study online with Impact:
Study online, at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home or workspace. A quick and efficient way to train up your team.
Study from anywhere
Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of route setting, and how to maximise your skills to get better faster.
Become a better setter
Become part of our growing community of climbers and route setters who share a passion for creating movement in all its forms.
Join our community
E-LEARNING
STUDY WITH IMPACT FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
Introducing our state-of-the-art E-Learning platform, designed to bring Impact Route Setting Education to students around the world. Whether you’re looking to train your in-house route setting team, provide a seamless induction for new staff, or start your setting journey, our hassle-free online courses make professional development accessible and easy.
With a blend of interactive learning, expert instruction, and flexible modules, this platform equips your team with the skills and knowledge they need to work safely and effectively, whilst giving you the peace of mind and reliability of a nationally recognised qualification.
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WHO IT'S FOR
ROUTE SETTERS, APPRENTICES & CLIMBING WALL STAFF
Our Route Setting Essentials course is designed to be the perfect induction and initial training for;
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Route setters working as freelancers in in-house setting teams.
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Staff responsible for any washing, stripping or fixing setting problems.
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Wall owners, head setters or staff responsible for designing and managing route setting operations.
COME AWAY WITH
A RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION
Whether you're looking to take your first steps into route setting or prove your competence with an industry recognised qualification, Route Setting Essentials is the perfect course for you.
Now accredited by the ABC (Association of British Climbing Walls) and forming the introductory part of the RSD (Route Setting Development) Pathway.
ROUTE SETTING ESSENTIALS
GET CERTIFIED WITH OUR INTRODUCTORY ONLINE COURSE
We are the creators of the world's first online route setting course, Route Setting Essentials: a complete certification in the fundamental skills of route setting.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
THE ROUTE SETTING ESSENTIALS
In this course, you’ll progress through 9 modules designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for professional route setting. Starting with core principles like safety, equipment handling, and setting fundamentals, you’ll advance into more complex areas such as setting & stripping, fixing problems, and risk management. By the end of the course, you will have the confidence and competence to create safe, engaging routes while maintaining industry best practices in any bouldering gym.
7. fixing common problems
8. climbing Wall standards
9. compliance & documentation
MODULE 1
ROUTE SETTING REGULATION FRAMEWORK
What is covered?
We take a look at the route setting regulation framework in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Covering what is mandatory and what is advised, and lastly what the consequences are for not following industry best practise guidance & legislation.
How is it taught?
This module is taught via 3 presentations, case studies, and assessed by multiple choice exam.
Study time
The total study time for this module is around 30 minutes.
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MODULE 2
ESSENTIAL TOOLS & PPE
What is covered?
How to safely use Impact & Oil Pulse Drivers, their functions and the pro's and cons of both. Understanding the varieties in bits, bolts and screws. Essential PPE equipment such as eye and ear protection, gloves and footwear and how and when to use them. Hold washing equipment, hazardous substances and how to keep yourself safe.
How is it taught?
1 video, 1 presentation, 3 resources packs and one multiple choice assessment.
Study time
The total study time for this module is 40 mins.
MODULE 3
HOLD ATTACHMENT & SELECTION
What is covered?
Everything you need to know about climbing holds & volumes. We cover how they are made, common styles, how to recognise left/right hand holds and specific foot holds and how to pick holds that go together in sets or families. This module also covers how different holds are attached, what the best practice guidance is for a range of hold types, what options we have as route setters and where to draw the line.
How is it taught?
This module is taught via 2 videos, 3 resources 1 multiple choice assessment.
Study time
The total study time for this module is around 1 hour.
MODULE 4
WORKING AT HEIGHT
What is covered?
National accident statistics, RIDDOR reporting, and the classification of working at height. How to use a range of different types of ladders safely, how to conduct pre-use checks and the current standards of safe ladder usage. IPAF and MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform).
How is it taught?
This module is taught via 1 presentation, 1 resource and 1 assessment.
Study time
The total study time for this module is 15 mins
MODULE 5
MANUAL HANDLING
What is covered?
The current manual handling legislation and how it applies to work in a climbing wall, specifically route setting. How to adjust workload and systems to reduce the effect MH has on us. What constitutes 'good' manual handling technique, and how to lift to avoid injury.
How is it taught?
This module is taught via 1 presentation, 2 resources, and 1 multiple choice assessment.
Total study time
The total study time for this module is around 20 mins.
MODULE 6
HOW TO STRIP A SECTION OF WALL
What is covered?
Start to finish stripping guidance on how to work systematically to reduce workload, minimise risks and increase efficiency. Specific guidance on removing large, heavy holds and volumes.
How is it taught?
This module is taught via a video and a multiple choice assessment.
Total study time
The total study time for this module is around 15 mins.
MODULE 7
FIXING PROBLEMS
What is covered?
Step-by-step guidance on fixing common route setting issues, such as cross threading, removing stuck bolts/holds, snapped or rounded screws and repairing damaged t-nuts. We look at the mechanisms that cause these issues to better understand how they occur in order to reduce the risks of them happening in the first place.
How is it taught?
This module is taught via a video and a multiple choice assessment.
Total study time?
The total study time for this module is around 20 mins.
MODULE 8
CLIMBING WALL STANDARDS
What is covered?
Current standards for artificial climbing walls and where to find them, including guidance for the height, fall zones, and modifications of bouldering walls. Why this is applicable to us as route setters, and how knowledge of these standards can improve our judgement when it comes to the safety of our routes.
How is it taught?
This module is taught in a presentation and multiple choice assessment.
Study time
The total study time for this module is 15 mins.
MODULE 9
COMPLIANCE & DOCUMENTATION
What is covered?
This module outlines the documentation you need to have in place before you do any route setting work in a climbing wall. Such as Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments, Method Statements and Work Instructions, EAP (Emergency Action Plans) and Insurance. Understand who is responsible for ensuring this is in place and what the consequences are for any missing documentation.
How is it taught?
This module is taught in a presentation and multiple choice assessment.
Study time
The total study time for this module is 20 mins.
