• Information
& Testing Procedure •
'Advanced'
Instructor Examination - Information & Requirements
Single Handed, Two Handed &
Fly Dressing Disciplines
Introduction
The AAPGAI Advanced Instructor qualification is recognised and awarded to those individuals who exhibit a broad depth of knowledge and experience in game angling and a high level of proficiency in fly casting and teaching techniques.
AAPGAI Advanced level Instructors form the largest part of our organisation. With the qualification comes the requirement to attend Continued Professional Development (CPD) workshops held throughout the year. All members are required to attend at least one session of CPD every 3 years. There will be some from this group of committed individuals who go on to take the 'Master' Instructor qualification.
The 'Advanced' level examination is intentionally rigorous and demanding in order to uphold the integrity of the entire certification process as well as maintaining the standards of game angling and fly-fishing in the UK. Advanced level candidates should be able to demonstrate their high level of ability with clarity and confidence.
The 'Advanced' level certificate in Fly Dressing is a 'bolt-on' qualification available to those members already holding the 'Advanced' level qualification in 'Trout or 'Salmon' disciplines or similar qualification of a level recognised by the AAPGAI committee. The Fly Dressing qualification is not available as a stand-alone qualification.
Interviews & Written tests
The interview consists of questions covering a number of areas in game angling including: Teaching, equipment, fly-fishing, casting, fisheries law, fisheries science, fish conservation and etiquette. Interviews generally take place in a quiet classroom or small conference room. They will normally follow the casting portion of the examination depending on the wishes of the examiners or the availability of the classroom or casting area. Typically, only you and two examiners are present. Occasionally, an observer, normally a Trainee Assessor may also attend.
In the limited time available (30-40 minutes), the examiners must pose questions they believe will adequately test your depth of knowledge in those areas listed. At the conclusion of the interview, the examiners must make a judgment regarding your knowledge level and whether or not it is sufficient to justify a passing grade. They want to give you ample opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge level; they must however make certain they uphold the standards of an 'Advanced' Instructor. This is a difficult task for both you and the examiners, especially considering that they hope to see you pass the test almost as much as you want to pass it.
There is no standard list of questions. The AAPGAI Assessor Committee develops questions they believe will test your knowledge and experience. With the diversity of backgrounds and the depth of experience of the examiners, potential questions could number into the hundreds. Yet, they have only a brief time to question you. Predicting precisely the questions you will get is impossible. You simply must be as knowledgeable and experienced as possible in these areas.
During the interview you may be asked to show practically some knots, identify some flies or show how to carry out some emergency repairs on rods or other fishing tackle. Listed below are the types of questions you might be asked during the interview. These examples are intended as thought-provoking questions, to stimulate your thinking about the depth and breadth of knowledge expected. You may or may not encounter these same questions again. However, if you can handle these, you are well on your way.
Some questions are straightforward. These can be addressed with a simple word or short sentence. Others will require an answer containing several points. And some do not have a single commonly accepted answer, but can be correctly approached in several acceptable ways, provided logic and common sense support your response. Then there is the odd question you may get just to determine how you might respond, similar to a student asking some strange question. Listen carefully and think before you respond to any question.
The Advanced Level written examination will consist of questions in multiple-choice format and questions requiring answers in the form of short sentences (100 words).
Casting Performance Test and Instructing Ability
The casting portion of the test is straightforward. You can either make the casts or you can't. The key here is frequent practice. You should thoroughly study the requirements for 'Advanced' certification located on the AAPGAI web site: www.aapgai.com
If your examiner asks you to do something you didn't anticipate, don't argue. Find out exactly what he or she wants and then do your best to meet their expectations. Sometimes examiners might ask for something not on the regular test to confirm or dispel a perceived weakness. Again, don't argue, just do it!
The casting portion will take place on water. And, some allowances may be given for other circumstances, such as an unfavorable wind. However, you must demonstrate, with comfort and ease, the casts you are asked to execute.
Fees:
Fees for Advanced Assessments Salmon (Double Handed), Trout (Single Hand) and Fly Dressing are £150 per discipline
All payments for examinations
to be paid in advance to AAPGAI Secretary:
Illtyd Griffiths, Carnedd - y - Gors, Glandyfi,
Machynlleth, Powys. SY20 8SS
Tel: 01654 781365 Mob: 07974 942 853 email: sewin2@hotmail.com
On receipt of fees the secretary will send electronically or by snail mail full assessor notes to the candidate to aid their preparation
Cheques made payable to AAPGAI, Booking forms to be found on the toolbar.
If you have any questions
regarding the examination process, please contact:
AAPGAI Examinations Committee: Glyn Freeman
AAPGAI Examinations Officer, Mid Farm, Fingland,
Kirkbride, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 5EN
Tel: 01697 351752 - Mob: 07808 563788 email: glyn.freeman@virgin.net
Requirements:
Except in Fly Dressing
(see notes above) be qualified as an AAPGAI -
'Provisional' Level Fly Casting Instructor in
'Trout' and/ or 'Salmon' or an alternative qualification
recognised by the AAPGAI Committee.
Pass a comprehensive performance Fly Casting Test
& Analyze casting faults (performed by testers)
- (2 hours) ·
Demonstrate teaching methodology through the delivery
of a short presentation (20 minutes) in front
of an audience ·
Pass an interview/ oral style examination (30-40
minutes) ·
Pass a written examination - (1hr)
Advanced Level Instructor - Benefits
A comprehensive insurance
that is unique to AAPGAI in the UK which covers
such areas as "advice" and cover for working overseas.
A certificate suitable for framing An Advanced
Level Instructor Badge
The right to wear jackets badges etc with AAPGAI
logos
A regular Newsletter for AAPGAI Instructors and
the opportunity to contribute.
Recognition as an "Advanced " Level Casting Instructor
and listed as such on the AAPGAI Website and other
publications.
The right to use the AAPGAI logo on promotional
material for individual members.
The opportunity to develop as an instructor and
go on towards the "Masters Examination". Advanced
Level Instructors will need to be qualified for
a minimum of one year before being considered
for Masters Assessment.
Advanced Level Instructors can become mentors
for Provisional Level candidates.
On becoming Advanced Instructors in two casting
disciplines the member becomes eligible to join
the AAPGAI Assessor Training Scheme.
Senior Assessors must be Master Members at two disciplines. Advanced Instructors who join the Training Scheme will be required during the three year training to undertake the Masters Assessments to ensure progression to Senior Assessor.