Instructor Certification Program

The IMBA Instructor Certification Program (ICP) offers professional training and certification for individuals who lead group rides or teach mountain bike skills clinics. With the ICP, IMBA is building on proven, successful methods nearly two decades in development, and aims to establish a global standard for mountain bike skills instructor training.

In January 2013, IMBA purchased the rights to the International Mountain Bike Instructor Certification from Shaums March, a two-time masters world champion in downhill racing. March collaborated with IMBA staff in developing the program curriculum and will serve as the ICP’s lead instructor trainer. Tammy Donahugh, a longtime IMBA staff member, professional mountain biker and certified skills instructor, is the program’s manager.

ICP courses will be offered year-round all over the world, but primarily in the U.S., Canada and the UK. The ICP program offers three levels of certification, each requiring IMBA membership.

• Level 1, Ride Guide: A one-day course that certifies an individual to lead group rides with a high level of competence.
• Level 2, Basic Skills Instructor: A three-day course that certifies an individual to teach basic mountain bike skills. Skills covered include body position, braking, shifting, climbing, cornering and more.
• Level 3, Advanced Skills Instructor: A four-day course that certifies an individual to teach advanced mountain bike skills. Skills covered include wheel lifts, steep descents, bunny hops, drops, jumps and more.