Brevard College
Outdoors

Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA)

Top Rope Climbing Instructor™ (TRCI) Course 

Single Pitch Instructor Curriculum

August 30-September 1, 2025

Cost: $500

Top Rope Climbing Instructor™ Course Description:

The Top Rope Climbing Instructor (TRCI) is the first step in the PCIA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) pathway.  The TRCI curriculum prepares instructors to set-up and manage groups of climbers on technical terrain with non-technical access at based-managed sites.  The TRCI is a 30-hour, 3-day program that is the foundation for the curriculum. 

The TRCI course builds upon the existing skills of competent recreational climbers and takes an in depth look at site selection, equipment, knot selection, anchor construction, rope systems, Leave No Trace practices, rescue and assistance skills as well as key instructional skills. Most importantly, the course stresses blending these skills together to form a more seamless and efficient climbing experience for participants. Upon successful completion of all course components participants are considered PCIA Top Rope Climbing Instructor Assistant Instructors. Assistant Instructors may elect to take an optional certification exam to achieve Top Rope Climbing Instructor™ Certification. The one day examination stresses efficient site and gear utilization, client and instructor safety, site management and educational delivery. The exam may be taken any time after completing all course components. This TRCI course is offered as a stand-alone course and can be followed with the two day Single Pitch Instructor Module.

Top Rope Climbing Instructor™ Course Prerequisites:

• Currently at least age 18.
• Shows an adequate experience level to the course provider illustrating that they are ready for the course. Examples include regular climbing for 2 – 3 years, a high intensity of climbing in the past few months, etc.
• Has lead climbing experience is highly recommended but not required.
• Is able to comfortably set-up base managed climbs, to belay, and to rappel without guidance and can demonstrate detailed familiarity with anchoring principles, natural anchors and artificial anchors (wedges, hexes, passive and active cams). These skills may be assessed at the start of the course.
• Possesses the personal equipment necessary for the course.
• Is capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 terrain while on a top rope.

Top Rope Climbing Instructor™ Course Length:

The course is 30 hours (3 days) with pre-course study and lesson preparation required.

Payment and Registration Details:

• Prerequisites must be confirmed by the host PCIA lead instructor before participation in the course. Once prerequisites are confirmed by the host, you will receive a PCIA specific registration link followed by the online handbook and final paperwork. 
• An online organizational meeting will be scheduled during the first week of August. 
• Precourse study and lesson preparation is required and will be distributed during the first online meeting.
• The course runs 8AM-6PM, August 30-September 1.
• Learning takes place at climbing sites. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. 
• The full SPI curriculum is available online on the PCIA website. 
• Registration includes a one year PCIA membership. 

Required Materials:

• Helmet
• Harness with belay loop and gear loops
• 1 Climbing Rope (60 or 70 meters)
• Single climbing rack 
• 4 pear-shaped locking carabiners
• 3 asymmetrical D locking carabiners
• 3 - 4 non-locking carabiners
• 1 cordelette (18-25 feet in length)
• 2 double shoulder 120cm slings
• 1 manual braking belay device
• 1 assisted locking belay device (such as a Gri-gri or Cinch)
• 1 Accessory cord or Hollow block to use as a friction hitch/3rd hand
• 1 Anchor line 30+ meters of 9-11mm static cord
• 1 First Aid Kit
• 1 Headlamp
  

Host Information:

Brevard College: Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education Program, BC Outdoors

Contact:

David Lackey, WLEE Faculty, lackeydc@brevard.edu

Location:  

Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712; Directions;   WLEE Barn, building #23 on the  Brevard College Campus Map & local outdoor sites. 

Meals: 

None provided.  Participants should pack their lunch, snacks and water for the daily trips to the climbing sites. There are several restaurants and grocery stores in Brevard within walking distance to campus that provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner opportunities.  

Lodging: 

No lodging is available on campus. There are several local options for hotels, B&B’s and camping, with visitor information available through the Brevard/Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce. 

Please be advised that overnight parking for non-residential students is not permitted. Brevard College does not allow camping (in cars or otherwise) on campus property.

Registration Information:

Tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration. Full refunds are available up to 30 days in advance of the course start. Within 30 days, a 50% refund is available. Please complete the form below in its entirety. Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Once payment is received a follow up email with confirmation and course paperwork will be sent.

Course Overview

The NOLS Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is designed to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. The online course and then classroom mini-lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning.

The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for urban and extended care situations. Special topics include but are not limited to: wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long term management problems, up-to-date information on all environmental emergencies, plus advice on drug therapies. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision-making, not the memorization of lists. Half of your time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision making abilities. Adult CPR is included in this course.

Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments.

More Details: Expectations, Gear List, Schedule, etc.

Course Schedule:

• Registered participants gain access to the online learning platform December 30, 2024. Expect to allocate 10-15 hours each week for 3 weeks on the platform
• Students must complete the online platform prior to arriving for the in-person/onsite portion of the course.
• The onsite portion of the course runs 8AM-6PM, January 20-24, with one evening session on January 22nd.

Host Information:

Brevard College: Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education Program

Contact: Neal Beam, Logistics Manager, beamnr@brevard.edu; 937.657.1763

Room and Board: 

No meals or lodging provided in course fee. 

Grocery stores and plenty of restaurants are within walking distance of some lodging. 

Please be advised that overnight parking for non-residential students is prohibited. Brevard College does not allow camping (in cars or otherwise) on campus property.

Registration Information:

Tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration. Full refunds are available up to 30 days in advance of the course start. Within 30 days, a 50% refund is available. Please complete the form below in its entirety. Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Once payment is received a follow up email with confirmation and course paperwork will be sent.

Some mind blowing content will go here and discuss this amazing opportunity to check out and use outdoor gear.

Check back for information about outdoor adventures facilitation and led by Brevard's amazing faculty and students.