Accredited training to guide climbing activities on an artificial surface.
This training covers the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead and supervise dependent participants during single pitch top rope climbing activities on artificial surfaces according to predetermined activity plans which might be self-developed or developed by others.
- Training comprises both a practical and theoretical component. Competency must be achieved in both areas if a statement of attainment is to be issued.
- A risk assessment and work plan from each student is required after the completion of the course.
- Statements of Competency are issued from the RTO PACI (Professional Association of Climbing Instructors).
2026 COURSE DATES
Please note: you only need to book into the first session of the course, which will automatically enrol you in all days of the three day course.
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March 25,26,27 Venue TBC (minimum numbers required to run)
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Sept 2,3,4 Venue TBC (minimum numbers required to run)
This course requires a minimum of 4 people to run and the maximum number of participants is 6.
None of the dates work for you? Private bookings can be arranged on request. Contact Us for a quote and to organize a date to suit you. . Alternatively if you have your own wall, contact us for a quote.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our awesome instructors are highly trained and accredited by PACI (Professional Association of Climbing Instructors). Put simply, they are subject matter experts. They’ll provide all the theory material you’ll need to get a firm understanding of the concepts you’ll learn, as well as ample opportunities for practical application. Don’t leave it to guesswork, get trained by the best.
Find out more about our instructors.
LOCATION
See “2026 Course Dates” above for current dates and locations.
Alternatively, courses can be run on demand:
- We come to you!
- Our instructors are based in Brisbane, additional travel fees will apply if your wall is located outside of Brisbane (please contact online@pinnaclesports.com.au or call 3368 3335 for a quote).
- It is presumed that the artificial surface has appropriate equipment that conforms to the relevant standards and is within date (including auto belay servicing). If there are any doubts with regards to the age or reliability of the equipment, please advise prior to course commencement. If you require assistance with certifying your wall, please contact our sister company Seima Safety info@seimasafety.com.au or call 0433 977 065.
- If the appropriate equipment is not available please advise and equipment can be supplied for the duration of the course. If you wish to purchase equipment to keep, please contact us for a competitive quote on climbing equipment.
- NOTE: If the instructor arrives and is unable to utilize the equipment and has not been advised prior, the course will be delayed until appropriate equipment is sourced and additional charges for the instructor's time will apply.
- If you do not have a suitable wall, we will endeavour to source an alternative location but additional fees will apply and available dates may be restricted (please contact us to discuss).
SESSION TIMES
- The course is 3 consecutive days of training.
- Training days start at 7:30am and finish at 5pm.
COURSE CONTENT
- Planning a climbing activity
- Select and organize equipment and resources.
- Briefing a participant
- Guiding a Climbing Activity
- Assess the use/setup of an auto belay as per SISOCLM005.
- Rescue training
UNITS OF COMPETENCY
- SISOCLM001: Top rope climb single pitches, artificial surfaces
- SISOCLM005: Establish belays for single pitch climbing on artificial surfaces
- SISOCLM008: Lead single pitch climbing activities on artificial surfaces, top rope climbing
- SISOPLN002 Plan outdoor activity sessions
- SISOPLN004 Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities
- PRE COURSE PREPARATION
- PACI Exams MUST be completed, prior to the course start date and submitted to the instructor on the first morning of the course.
- PACI Study guides are sent with the booking confirmation and are available as a downloadable link. Study guides assist with the completion of the exams. Allow a day to complete the exams.
- Statements of attainment will not be issued unless exams are received completed
- Take some time to practice your knots (refer to course outline and Knots Study Guide)
- Ensure you have all the meeting times from your instructor (If you need to organise gear from your instructor let them know well in advance)
- Unique Student Identifier - Each participant will require a Unique Student Identifier (USI). A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number made up of numbers and letters that gives students access to their USI account. A USI will allow an individual's USI account to be linked to the National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Data Collection allowing an individual to see all of their training results from all providers including all completed training units and qualifications. The USI will make it easier for students to find and collate their VET achievements into a single authenticated transcript. It will also ensure that students' VET records are not lost.The USI will be is available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life and be recorded with any nationally recognised VET course that is completed from when the USI comes into effect on 1 January 2015. For more details, please refer to this page. A statement of attainment will not be issued unless we have received a USI. If you have a valid USI please advise at time of booking. If you require a USI, click here to create one (this should take about 5 mins)
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy Prerequisites - To comply with government reporting, all students must complete the LLN (Language, literacy and numeracy) self-assessment questionnaire. The LLN form is sent at the time of booking. Return the completed form within 1 week of booking onto the course. This is to ascertain if further assistance is required or not.
POST COURSE PAPERWORK
Participants are required to submit to their instructor no later than 2 weeks after the final course date:
- Detailed Risk Assessment
- Detailed Activity Plan
Please note:
- All work must be the student's own, students will sign off that the work plan and risk assessment is their own. Plagiarism will result in a fail mark
- Exams must be completed and handed back to the instructor by the final date of the course
WHY CHOOSE TEAM PINNACLE?
With more than 20 years of experience, Pinnacle Sports is South East Queensland’s leading provider of rock climbing and abseiling training and experiences. Our reputation for high quality outdoor experiences has been built on low instructor to participant ratios, meaning you get more time to do the rad stuff! Here at Team Pinnacle, we love all things vertical and we’re looking forward to sharing our passion with you.
THE FINE PRINT
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age
- Participants must be fit and healthy for climbing at the time of the course
- Participants require a current First Aid Certificate, including current CPR
- Participants must be able to speak, and understand the English language. This requirement is stipulated on the grounds of safety at height
- Completed LLN self assessment questionnaire must be handed back prior to course commencement
- Statement of Attainment (Certificate) will be sent electronically.
- A valid USI must be supplied for a Statement of Attainment (certificate) to be issued.
- This activity is subject to minimum and maximum numbers to run. In the event that the minimum number of participants are not available, the activity may be rescheduled. A decision is made the week prior to the activity.
- Bookings must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Electronic Study materials and paper exams will be sent after payment is received
- Spectators are required to attend the safety briefing
- All spectators under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied and supervised by an adult
Please ensure that you are aware of our full terms and conditions including our cancellation policy before booking.
To enquire about additional dates
Why learn with Pinnacle Sports?
Our guides hold nationally recognised qualifications (Lead/Guide Single Pitch Abseil and Lead/Guide Single Pitch Climb; or higher). Our team completes an annual vertical rescue refresher each year to ensure their skills are current. With over 20 years of experience delivering rock climbing and abseiling programs and courses, and a reputation for high quality courses and passionate instructors, you're sure to learn a lot with Team Pinnacle.
Courses & Workshop FAQ
Where do your courses, workshops or programs run?
- Our Kids/Youth Programs run at Kangaroo Point, Glass House Mountains and Indoor.
- Our Climbing Technique Workshop 101 and 201 and Top Rope Anchors Fundamentals runs at Kangaroo Point. Our Abseil, Top Rope, Sport Lead and Self Rescue course run at Kangaroo Point and the Glass House Mountains.
- Our Falling with Confidence Workshop runs at Mt Tibrogargan, Glass House Mountains.
- Our Trad Workshop runs at Mt French and Mt Tibrogargan, Glass House Mountains.
- Our Vertical Rescue and Lead Single Pitch Climb Top Rope Climbing/Abseil on Natural Surface Course run at Kangaroo Point and Glasshouse Mountains.
- Our Lead Single Pitch Top Rope Climbing on Artificial Surface runs at your indoor venue or check your booking confirmation for the location.
- Alternative locations can be organised on request.
How long do your courses, workshops and programs run for?
- Our Outdoor Climbing Technique Workshop 101 & 201 runs for 4 hours in total.
- Our Falling with Confidence Workshop runs for 4 hours in total.
- Our Top Rope Anchors Fundamentals Workshop runs for 6 hours in total.
- Our Abseil, Top Rope, Sport Lead, Self Rescue & Trad Workshop course run for 2 days.
- Our Vertical Rescue and Lead Single Pitch Climb/Abseil on Natural Surface course runs for 5 days.
- Our Lead Single Pitch Top Rope Climbing on Artificial Surface runs for 3 days.
Are there any skills prerequisites?
- Introductory courses, workshops and programs do not have any prerequisites other than have fun and do your homework if required. These courses are: Climbing Technique 101 (Outdoors), Top Rope Anchors Fundamentals, Abseil Course, Top Rope Course.
Specific prerequisites for advanced courses:
- Sport Lead & Falling with Confidence: Must be top rope climbing comfortably on mid level in a gym or climbing 13-14 Outdoors.
- Trad Workshop: Competent lead belaying single pitch sport climbs, comfortable sport leading at minimum 14-15 grades.
- Vertical Rescue / Self Rescue: Top Rope or Abseil course required.
- Lead Single Pitch Climb/Abseil on Natural Surfaces: Vertical Rescue is a prerequisite.
- Lead Single Pitch Top Rope Climbing on Artificial Surface: Nil prerequisites however participants need to complete knots practice and exams prior.
How do I know if I should book in for Technique Workshop 101 or 201?
We've designed our 101 workshop for those that are brand new to the world of climbing. If you have climbed indoors before but are not able to surpass intermediate climbs at your gym, we recommend completing workshop 101 first. If you can manage common techniques such as rock overs, mantles, toe hooks and heel hooks, the 201 class would be a more suitable choice.
Why complete a course, workshop or program with Pinnacle Sports?
Our guides hold nationally recognised qualifications (Lead/Guide Single Pitch Abseil and Lead/Guide Single Pitch Climb; or higher). Our team completes an annual vertical rescue refresher each year to ensure their skills are current. With over 20 years of experience delivering rock climbing and abseiling programs and courses, and a reputation for high quality courses and passionate instructors, you're sure to learn a lot with Team Pinnacle.
What is the minimum age requirement for a course, workshop or program?
- Climbing Technique Workshop 101 and 201, Sport Lead, Trad Workshop, Falling with Confidence Workshop, Abseil, Top Rope, Self Rescue & Vertical Rescue — minimum age is 15 years.
- Lead Single Pitch Climb/Abseil on Natural Surface and Lead Single Pitch Top Rope Climbing on Artificial Surface minimum age is 18 years.
Is there a maximum age limit?
No! If you're feeling fit, healthy and capable, we'd be thrilled to have you join us on a program or course. Refer to individual activities for fitness level requirements.
Are there any height or weight restrictions?
There are no height restrictions for courses or programs. There are no set weight restrictions, however we do need to get you into a harness. Our maximum harness waist size is 120cm.
What equipment do you supply?
We supply all the equipment required for the duration of the course, workshop or program including harness, helmet, ropes, carabiners etc. Please treat this equipment with respect.
Can I use my own equipment?
Yes, however use of your equipment is subject to it being within date and in a fit for purpose condition. Your instructor will inspect and their opinion is final. If they are not comfortable with the equipment, you will be supplied with equipment from our kit.
What do I wear?
Clothes that allow freedom of movement, enclosed shoes (with grip), long hair tied back, remove jewellery e.g. rings/watches/large piercings.
What happens if it's raining? Or too hot? Or storming?
Our courses and programs run in the great outdoors and will normally operate in all but exceptional circumstances. If these circumstances arise your activity will be postponed and rescheduled. All decisions are made in the interest of staff and participant safety. Unless you hear from us, assume your activity is going ahead. View our full weather policy in our Courses T&Cs
Can I book at a time that is not available on the calendar?
Absolutely! We can cater for private group bookings (4 people minimum) providing we have team available. The more notice you give us the easier it is to accommodate you. Please phone 07 3368 3335 or email online@pinnaclesports.com.au to arrange.
What if I can't make it? Can I reschedule?
Please refer to our full cancellation policy in our Courses T&Cs
Can you cater for larger groups e.g. schools, clubs, parties, defence groups?
Yes! Contact us for a quote. We can cater for private group programs or courses and our instructors can travel to you. Include the number of participants, preferred location and course type. Contact us on 07 3368 3335, email online@pinnaclesports.com.au or complete the this form.