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Certification Levels

An instructor may have different certification levels for different teaching specialties. For instance, an instructor might hold a Level I in Hunt Seat and a Level II in Dressage. All specialties are available at all levels.

Certification at a particular level is determined by the candidate's test, interview and video scores. Candidates for Level III must also take the Level II tests. In a case where an instructor does not get a passing grade at the level he/she has applied for but does pass the tests for a lower level, he/she will earn certification at the lower level. For instance an instructor who is testing for Level II in Stock Seat would receive Level I in Stock Seat if her test scores pass at Level I, but not at Level II.

Levels of ARICP Certification

• Level I - Instructor in Training
• Level II - Instructor of Beginner through Intermediate
• Level III - Instructor of Beginner through Advanced

Level I - (Instructor in Training)

• Minimum age: 18 years; no minimum teaching experience required.
• Must pass all 4 general written tests with an averaged score of 80 or above. Specialty test scores must be 80 or above.
• No video of instruction is required.

This instructor has a good foundation as a horseman, but because of age or limited teaching experience does not qualify for Level II. The ARICP is recognizing a foundation and a desire to become a certified instructor. Upon reaching 21 years of age, and with 3 years of teaching experience, this instructor may challenge the Level II certification. At that time, the candidate must provide a video (VHS or DVD) and must re-take the written exams. The candidate with a Level I certification receives a substantial discount (50%) when returning to take the program for full certification.

Level II - Instructor of Beginner through Intermediate

• Minimum age: 21 years; minimum of 3 years of teaching experience.
• Must pass all general exams with an averaged overall score of 85 or above, and all specialty exams with a score of 85 or above.
• Must pass video evaluation for Level II.
• Has his/her own personal philosophy of riding instruction.
• Clearly knows personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Has thorough knowledge of specialty taught.
• Has understanding of safety procedures, and uses them.
• Has basic knowledge of horses and their care. Has awareness of styles of riding other than own specialty.
• Rides/has ridden at intermediate level or better.
• Can teach beginner through intermediate students in a competent manner.
• Has general knowledge of how horse and rider interact.
• Understands psychology of the rider.

This instructor enjoys teaching beginners and has the patience for the repetition necessary to develop new skills. The instructor does not rush his students or push them ahead of their physical ability, but allows time to form a solid riding foundation. A certified instructor is training a student to be a horseman, not just a rider. He is concerned with training his students to use proper safety practices and to continue using them as they develop in riding proficiency.

Level III - Instructor of Beginner through Advanced

• Minimum age: 25 years; minimum of 6 years teaching experience.
• Must pass all exams with scores of 90 or above on each.
• Must pass video evaluation for Level III.
• Is an excellent communicator.
• Has an outstanding personal philosophy of instruction.
• Clearly knows his own personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Has a thorough knowledge of specialty taught.
• Has an understanding of safety procedures, and uses them.
• Has a thorough knowledge of horses and their care.
• Rides (or has ridden) at an advanced level.
• Has advanced knowledge of training horses.
• Knows the elements of styles of riding other than his own specialty.
• Understands the psychology of the horse.
• Has participated in competition, if competition is an integral part of the style taught.
• Has knowledge of the practical application of stable management and horse care.

The Level III instructor is able to teach the more advanced rider as well as the beginner and intermediate rider. The instructor has ridden at an advanced level and understands the problems of advanced riders. This instructor is concerned with solving problems, not just dealing with symptoms. The instructor can also help with the training of horses, and can deal with specific training problems of his/her students'; horses. This instructor not only knows how horse and rider interact, but the whys behind it.

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