• Information
& Testing Procedure •
Masters Instructor examination - information and requirements
Single Handed, Two Handed and Fly Dressing Disciplines
Introduction
The AAPGAI 'Master' Instructor is recognised as a person with exceptional ability and knowledge of game angling and fly-casting and is recognised as holding the highest level of achievement in fly-fishing Instruction anywhere in the World.
AAPGAI Masters form the backbone of our organisation. With the qualification comes the responsibility for provision of the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of all AAPGAI members at all levels. Masters particularly serve to implement and improve the AAPGAI Provisional Instructor Certification & Mentoring Programs and provide 'Instructing the Instructor' workshops during the Pre-Assessment weekend. Furthermore, it is from this group of committed Masters that members of the AAPGAI Assessment Committee are selected.
The 'Masters' 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.
Interviews & Written Examinations
As with all levels of AAPGAI examinations, the interview consists of questions covering a number of areas, including: Teaching skills & support equipment, fly fishing, fly& bait casting, fisheries law, fisheries science, fish conservation and etiquette. Interviews generally take place in a quiet classroom or small conference room. They may precede or 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 a Master Instructor. This is a difficult task for both you and the examiners, especially considering that they hope to see you pass the test as much as you want to pass it.
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 vary considerably. Questions will reflect the level expected of a Master Instructor.
Listed below are examples of the type of questions you might be asked during the interview. The questions listed are intended as thought-provoking questions that stimulate your thinking, depth and breadth of knowledge. You may or may not encounter these same questions again. However, if you can cope with these, you are well on your way to a pass.
Written examinations last one hour -Masters level candidates can anticipate questions that require sentences or short essay style answers.
Interview / Written Questions - Examples
What do you think are the main attributes of a good instructor? How would you go about organising a weekend of fly-fishing instruction for a small group of Professional Guides? What are the core principles of fly-casting? What do you consider to be the main responsibilities of an AAPGAI 'Master' Instructor? How would you improve the current examination program? Describe you own 'style' of single/ two handed Spey casting. What level of importance do you place on AAPGAI adhering to a fairly rigid program of testing?
Casting Performance Test and Instructing Ability
You should thoroughly study the requirements for Master certification located on the AAPGAI web site: www.aapgai.co.uk and the "Assessor Notes " sent by the secretary on receipt of your fees. 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 explain & demonstrate, with comfort and ease, the casts you are asked to execute.
Fees for Masters 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:
Be certified at AAPGAI - 'Advanced' Level Fly Casting Instructor in the relevant category - Qualification to be held at least 1year prior to taking 'Masters' examination. Or hold a similar qualification at a level recognised by the AAPGAI Committee.
Pass a comprehensive performance Fly Casting Test & Analyze casting faults (performed by testers) - (3 hours).
Demonstrate teaching methodology - Through the delivery of a 'Workshop' to an audience specifically targeted at our 'Provisional' Instructor Level - (30 minutes) The subject matter is the candidate's choice but the title will need to be sent to the examinations officer at least 4 weeks prior to the examination.
Pass an interview/ oral style examination (30-40 minutes)
Pass a written examination - (1hr)
AAPGAI Master Instructor - Benefits
A certificate suitable for framing
A 'Masters' Level Instructor Badge - Gold
A regular Newsletter for AAPGAI instructors & the opportunity to contribute.
Recognition as a Master Certified Casting Instructor and listed as such on the AAPGAI Website and other publications.
The opportunity to be considered to serve on the AAPGAI Assessor Committee.
*All Master Certified Casting Instructors are expected to assist in the delivery of all levels of the certification program.
Some examples of the type of Workshop that one could consider. This is not an exhaustive list and the final decision lies with the candidate with advice from the Examinations Officer.
§ The Single Spey and
its variations in detail.
§ Variations of overhead casting styles - advantages
and disadvantages.
§ Presentation casting techniques (single handed).
§ How to haul in every casting technique.
§ The ergonomics of SH fly casting.
§ What makes a good instructor?
§ Observations in fly casting fault finding.
§ Fly lines and rod loading.
§ How to 'trim-to-fit' a shooting head.
§ Fly-fishing knots for saltwater.
§ Why should you become an AAPGAI Instructor?
§ Casting techniques for DH sunk line salmon fishing.