PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
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TRAINING COURSES
3 - 5 DAYS | IN-PERSON
CORE TRAINING COURSES REQUIRED FOR LEVEL 1-4 CERTIFICATIONS
These training courses are designed to refine your abilities, build your knowledge, and make you a better coach by emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience. By pushing your limits and unlocking your full potential, you'll be well-equipped to provide exceptional coaching and support to your riders.
Certifications are awarded when a coach demonstrates the required skill competencies during specific assessments conducted during a training course.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
2 DAYS | IN-PERSON
SUPPLEMENTAL COURSES & CERTIFICATIONS
These courses are designed to support coaches' professional development through short, specialized training that enhances their knowledge and broadens their skill set.
Additionally, the Intro to Air and Advanced Air courses offer an opportunity to earn GSMBC Supplemental Coach Certifications, bridging the gap between the traditional 1-4 Certification Tiers.
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ONLINE COACH EDUCATION (OCE)
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
These programs are about meeting industry needs and offering professional, online coach education (OCE) courses and resources between the on'-bike training and progression courses.
For the first time, professional mountain bike coaches can continue to develop and learn with a wide spectrum of webinars, online classes and through a community of passionate mtb coaches. Built by coaches, for coaches, GSMBC’s Mentorship Programs raise the bar when it comes to industry training resources for instructors and coaches.
CHECK OUT THE GSMBC COURSE COMPARISON TABLE FOR MORE INFO ON HOW ALL THE COURSES FIT TOGETHER AND PROGRESS FROM ONE TO ANOTHER, UP TO LEVEL 4.
CERTIFICATIONS VS. TRAINING
We have separated certifications from courses to clarify their roles within the coach education system:
Courses are training programs, offered in person or online, that provide the essential knowledge and skills for coaches to develop to the next level.
Certifications are awarded when a coach demonstrates the required skill competencies during specific assessments conducted during a training course.
While certifications are often achieved through courses, this distinction emphasizes the real value of courses: the training, knowledge, and skill development they provide. Certifications are important, but the primary focus should be on the growth and expertise gained during the course.
For example, earning the Level 1 Certification requires meeting the standards in the Intermediate Coach Training Courses and demonstrating proficiency in coaching and riding skill assessments.
For Level 2, 3, and 4 Certifications, GSMBC takes a modular approach allowing multiple training programs as part of each certification.
This approach combines the simplicity of a linear certification pathway with the benefits of modular elements, creating a versatile, diverse, and highly effective training system for mountain bike coaches. We strive to offer the best educational experiences in the world.
Explore our 4-Tier Certification Pathway for more details on the process.