British Orienteering

Club Instructor Qualification

This Qualification is aimed British Orienteering affiliated Club members. To develop orienteers through high quality introductory orienteering sessions within the safety management system, insurance and policies of the deploying organisation.

Launching Monday 9 March 2026

Instructors will be able to introduce and deliver the sport of orienteering in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment, providing high-quality sessions that follow the policies of an affiliated British Orienteering club and are delivered from technical difficulty 1-3 in areas graded A, B, or B+.

This qualification will follow a formative assessment process.

Anyone over the age of 16 may attend the course and will gain their certificate when they reach 18yrs.

Are there prerequisites?

The only prerequisite is that you must be over 16 years of age and will gain your certificate and be deployed when you reach 18yrs.

It will be an advantage, although not essential, if you have knowledge of orienteering prior to the course.

What is a person who has achieved an Orienteering Instructor qualification able to do?

To introduce and deliver the sport of orienteering in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment, providing high-quality sessions that follow the policies of an affiliated British Orienteering club and are delivered from technical difficulty 1-3 in areas graded A, B, or B+.

What does Orienteering Instructor training involve?

In the course, you will be provided with the knowledge you require to introduce the basic skills of orienteering and be given the opportunity to discuss and practice using this knowledge. The course follows a blended learning format with 6 short, bitesize elearning modules, together with around 12 hours of practical, in-person learning, and you will be expected to join in with group discussions and activities.

What are the learning outcomes of the training?

Plan sessions which introduce the basic understanding of how to use an orienteering map and include the following skills:

  • Plan sessions which introduce the basic understanding of using an orienteering map.
  • Ensure that sessions meet the agreed safety standards
  • Develop orienteering skills in areas  A, B, B+ with clear boundaries that have been risk assessed as safe for the level of participants involved
  • Using instructing cards to plan and deliver a progression of exercises to teach the skills and techniques from map orientation to compass and pacing.
  • Organise and deliver introductory orienteering competitions.

Is there an assessment – if so, what form does it take?

This qualification will follow a formative assessment process.

How much does the course cost?

The cost will depend on a number of factors, including the tutor, venue, and the number of places on the course. A typical course with 8 places will cost circa £110 per learner.

Do I need a license to Instruct?

Yes – to ensure that you are insured to Instruct.

What are the requirements of the license to Instruct?

The term 'Licence to Instruct' identifies those Orienteering Instructors meeting the following criteria:

  • Are a current member of British Orienteering
  • Demonstrated competence against the standards required for a Club Instructor
  • Signed to confirm you accept the British Orienteering Code of Conduct for Coaches/ Instructors - British Orienteering Code of Conduct
  • An appropriate First Aid qualification
  • Attend a relevant Safeguarding course (tutor-led for children or online if you only coach adults)

Instructors who are licensed to Instruct will be covered by the British Orienteering Public Liability (£10m) and Professional Indemnity insurance (£5m) and will be able to register and run activities within the remit of their role. Please note that under the British Orienteering insurance policy, you will only be covered while you are Instructing in an area which is determined by your Club Instructor Qualification and your level of First Aid qualification.

Please note that it is likely that an instructor will need a DBS. To check your eligibility, follow this link.

In Scotland, all coaches/Instructors (licensed or not) are legally obliged to have a PVG if they intend to coach in Scotland. 

Course Sign up

If you, as a club member, wish to sign up for a Club Instructor course, please discuss with your club, as there may be other members interested too.  As a Club, please contact your Regional Coaching Rep or coachingadmin@britishorienteering.org.uk

Course Dates

Please see the Coaching Courses page. This course will launch on Monday 9 March 2026.

For more information, please contact coachingadmin@britishorienteering.org.uk