The Mountain bike Instructors’ Award Scheme offers the opportunity to gain competence in leading cyclists in both on and off road environments.
Completion of training course alone, without taking assessment course, is not a qualification in itself, although it may be considered benefit to the trainee.
There are six different levels of training and instruction:

1. Level One - Basic Skills - allowing access into low-level terrain, with little potential hazards I.e country parks, canal towpaths and non-wilderness areas where help is almost immediately accessible.

2 Level Two -  Intermediate Skills - allowing access into wild country, with the potential hazards that surround such terrain. Candidates must be in possession of BELA Award or equivalent, such as Walking Group leader Award (AGW), (APL). For low level rides on Bridleways below 600m in wilderness areas.

3. Level Three - Advanced Skills - allowing access into Mountainous Terrain and the potential hazards that surround such an environment. Must have ML Award, WGL (appropriate Level applies), or equivalent. This level covers areas as defined as mountainous by the MLTB, on substantial tracks.

4. Level Four - Trainer Assessor - allowing training for Level 1 and Level 2 and the ability to access Level 1.

5. Level  Five - Trainer Assessor - allowing training for Level 1 and Level 2 and the ability to assess Level 2.

6. Level Six - Trainer Assessor - allowing training to Level 3 and the ability to assess Level 3.

The course syllabus covers areas such as :

Group Management.

Responsibilities  of the Group Leader.

Navigation.

Access and Conservation.

General Skills.

Technical Skills.

Personal Equipment.

Group Equipment.

Weather.

Additional Interests.