BHS Exams - Direct Entry Guidance There Are Two Main Routes to Gain Entry Into BHS Examinations Without Having to Start at Stage One

BHS Exams - Direct Entry Guidance There are two main routes to gain entry into BHS examinations without having to start at Stage One. If you already hold equine qualifications please refer to Section One of this document. If you hold equine qualifications that are not listed in Section One, you achieved your qualifications over five years ago or you do not hold any qualifications, but have industry experience you can apply via our RPEL process detailed in Section Two.

We strongly recommend that all candidates undergo training or have an initial assessment with a BHS Assessor to ensure they are at the relevant level for entry into the exam of their choice.

Section One – The qualifications listed in this section provide automatic entry into the relevant BHS examinations, there may be additional criteria required in order to enter these exams this would include the age requirements for each qualification and in some cases the BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate. To follow this route you will be required to submit copies of your certificates (and unit breakdown where required). All qualifications used must have been achieved within five years of the exam you wish to enter.

Section Two – This section details the procedure for applying to enter BHS examinations via recognition of prior experiential learning (RPEL). This process requires you to provide evidence to show that you have covered the BHS exam syllabi content either within equine qualifications or through practical industry experience. The evidence must be shown through your CV and references. As part of this process you may be required to undertake a riding assessment with a BHS Assessor.

Contents Page Section One 1-7  Pony Club Tests 2  SVQ and Work Based Diplomas 3-4  NVQ and SVQ 4-5  Essential Horse Knowledge Certificates 5  Progressive Riding Tests 5  Equestrian Tourism Qualifications 6  IGEQ Passports 6  UKCC Level 2 7  British Riding Club Tests 7 Section Two  RPEL Direct Entry Process 8-12  Referee form for (RPEL) Direct Entry applications 13

Section One

There are a number of qualifications that have been recognised as suitable to allow candidates direct entry into BHS exams. Any qualification held must have been taken within 5 years to ensure the candidate’s experience and prior learning remains current. If a candidate holds qualifications that were achieved outside the 5 year period they will be required to apply for direct entry via the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) process please refer to section two of this document.

Candidates may choose to apply for the direct entry route for either, the Horse Knowledge and Care section, the Riding section or both.

All candidates must supply qualification certificates (and unit certificates if applicable) of the qualifications which support their direct entry application.

All candidates wishing to apply for direct entry to BHS riding or coaching exams up to and including BHS Stage 4 and ITT are required to hold the BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate.

Pony Club Pony Club Test Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into A Test BHS Riding and Road Safety (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) BHS Senior Equitation exam BHS Gold Membership Minimum age:22 years AH Test BHS Gold Membership Minimum age:22 years BHS Stable Managers exam

AH Test BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care and Management Minimum age:19 years (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Management)

B+ Test BHS Riding and Road Safety (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) BHS Stage 4 Riding (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Riding and Training Horses) BHS Gold Membership Minimum age: 18 years B Test & Lunge Test BHS Riding and Road Safety BHS Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care)

BHS Gold Membership AND Minimum age: 17 years for BHS Stage 3 BHS Stage 3 Riding Minimum age: 18 years for BHS PTT (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses)

Candidates may take EQL Level 2 lunge a horse under AND supervision (a unit of the Stage 2 qualification), if they do not BHS PTT hold the PC Lunge Certificate. (EQL Level 3 Certificate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding) B Test BHS Riding and Road Safety (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) BHS Stage 3 Riding (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses) BHS Gold Membership Minimum age: 17 years It is strongly recommended that applicants have helped/worked at a riding establishment (preferably BHS Approved) before taking the PTT exam.

 Candidates are no longer required to be active members of the Pony Club  All PC direct entrants are required to take the PTT before progressing to the ITT or higher

The table indicates the highest level of examination a candidate can enter. A candidate may enter a lower level examination. 2

SVQ & Work Based Diplomas Work Based Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into Diplomas/SVQ Level 1 WBD/SVQ in BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care Horse Care Minimum age: 16 years (EQL Level 2 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care)

If a person holds a WBD at Level 2, which includes the units below, and they wish to take the BHS Stage 2, they will not be required to sit these units in the Stage 2.  Lunge a horse under supervision (L/600/3495)  Fit, remove and maintain tack for exercise (F/600/3493) Level 2 WBD/SVQ in BHS Gold Membership Horse Care Minimum age: 17 years

OR The following units must have been achieved as part of the WBD or SVQ: Level 2 WBD/SVQ in  Lunge a horse under supervision (L/600/3495) or SVQ Unit BHS Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care Racehorse Care Eq212 (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care)

Candidates may take EQL Level 2 lunge a horse under supervision (a unit of the Stage 2 qualification), if they do not hold this unit as part of their WBD. Level 2 WBD/SVQ in BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care Horse Care and Riding Minimum age: 17 years for Stage 3 (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care) Minimum age: 18 years for BHS PTT AND BHS Riding and Road Safety BHS Stage 3 Riding (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses)

The following units must have been achieved as part of the WBD AND or SVQ: BHS PTT  Lunge a horse under supervision (L/600/3495) or SVQ Unit (EQL Level 3 Certificate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding) Eq212  Ride a schooled horse (D/6003520) or SVQ Unit Eq217  Jump a schooled horse (L/600/3769) or SVQ Unit Eq218 Level 3 WBD/SVQ in BHS Gold Membership Horse Care and Minimum age: 19 years Management The following units must have been achieved as part of the WBD or SVQ: BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care and Management 3

OR  Exercise and improve the performance of horses using (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Management) Level 3 WBD/SVQ in lungeing or long reining (F/601/0136) or SVQ Unit Eq324 Racehorse Care and Management NVQ/SVQ Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into Level 3 WBD/SVQ in BHS Gold Membership Horse Care, Minimum age: 18 years for BHS PTT Management and Minimum age: 18 years for BHS Stage 4 Riding BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care and Management Riding Minimum age: 19 years for BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Management) and Management AND BHS Riding and Road Safety BHS Stage 4 Riding (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Riding and Training Horses)

The following units must have been achieved as part of the WBD AND or SVQ: BHS PTT  Exercise and improve the performance of horses using (EQL Level 3 Certificate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding) lungeing or long reining (F/601/0136) or SVQ Unit Eq324  Ride schooled horses to maintain training (T/600/4902) or SVQ Unit Eq316  Jump schooled horses to maintain training (A/600/4903) or SVQ Unit Eq321

NVQ/SVQ Candidates who have successfully achieved NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or Level 3 more than five years ago may apply for direct entry via our RPEL process.

NVQ/SVQ Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into NVQ/SVQ Level 2 BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 3 Horse Knowledge and Care Minimum age: 17 years for Stage 3 (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care) Minimum age: 18 years for BHS PTT AND BHS Riding and Road Safety BHS Stage 3 Riding (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) (EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses)

The following units must have been achieved as part of the AND NVQ or SVQ: BHS PTT  Ride schooled horses (EQL Level 3 Certificate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding) 4

NVQ/SVQ Level 3 BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care and Management Minimum age: 18 years for BHS PTT (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Management) Minimum age: 18 years for BHS Stage 4 Riding Minimum age: 19 years for BHS Stage 4 Horse Knowledge, Care AND and Management BHS Stage 4 Riding BHS Riding and Road Safety (EQL Level 4 Diploma in BHS Riding and Training Horses) (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) AND The following units must have been achieved as part of the NVQ BHS PTT or SVQ: (EQL Level 3 Certificate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding)  Schooling option

EHKC and PRT direct entry Routes

Essential Horse Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into Knowledge Certificate (EHKC) EHKC Level One BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care (Units 3a and 3b only) Minimum age: 16 years (EQL Level 2 Award in the Principles of Horse Care)

Learners achieving the EHKC Level One progressing to BHS Stage 1 will not be required to take Unit 3 - The Principles of Caring for Horses. However if they choose to do this they would not receive the BHS Stage 1 Care certificate or the EQL Level 1 Certificate in Horse Care.

BHS Progressive Additional entry criteria required Direct Entry into Riding Tests (PRT) PRTs (1-6) BHS Gold Membership BHS Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care Minimum age: 16 years (EQL Level 2 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and Care)

BHS Riding and Road Safety AND (EQL Level 2 Award in BHS Riding Horses Safely on the Public Highway) BHS Stage 2 Riding (EQL Level 2 Diploma in BHS Riding Horses)

Equestrian Tourism Qualifications

Level 2 – Ride Leader The following units are in both BHS Stage 1 Horse Knowledge and Care (1 Jan 2011 onwards) and Ride Leader Level 2.

Unit 1 – Brushing off horses including putting on and taking off equipment Unit 2 – Horse husbandry, identification and handling Unit 3 – The principles of caring for horses

The above units are transferable between Stage 1 (1 Jan 2011 onwards) and Ride Leader Level 2. If a candidate is applying for Ride Leader Level 2 and already holds the above units they are only required to take units 4, 5, and 6 in order to gain the Ride Leader Level 2.

If a candidate holds Stage 1 Care (pre 2011) they will still be able to use this qualification to exempt them from Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 of the Ride Leader Level 2 qualification. Therefore they will only be required to sit Units 4, 5 and 6.

Level 3 – Ride Leader The following units are in both Stage 2 Horse Knowledge and Care (1 Jan 2011 onwards) and Ride Leader Level 3.

Unit 1b - Fit remove and maintain tack for exercise Unit 3a - The Principles of watering, feeding and fittening horses

The above units are transferable between BHS Stage 2 (1 Jan 2011 onwards) and Ride Leader Level 3. If a candidate is applying for Ride Leader Level 3 and already holds the above two units they are only required to take units 3, 4 and 5 in the Ride Leader Level 3 in order to gain the full certificate.

If a candidate holds Stage 2 Care (pre 2011) they will still be able to use this qualification to exempt them from the above units of the Ride Leader Level 2 qualification. Therefore they will only be required to sit Units 3, 4 and 5.

If you hold the BET Assistant Ride Leader or BET Ride Leader (pre 2013) please contact BHS Education for further information via [email protected].

IGEQ Passport

International candidates must hold a minimum of the International Level 1 IGEQ Passport to qualify for direct entry. If you hold an IGEQ passport and wish to use this to gain direct entry to BHS examinations please contact the BHS Education Department; [email protected] or 02476 840508.

UKCC L2

Candidates who have achieved UKCC Level 2 in Coaching Equestrian Riding will not be required to sit Theory Units 1-4 of the PTT. If applying for the BHSAI they must have achieved the BHS Stage 3 and PTT but are not required to complete a portfolio.

Riding Clubs

British Riding Club Members holding the BHS Riding Clubs Senior Equitation and Senior Horse Welfare certificates may apply for direct entry via our RPEL process.

Section Two - Application for Direct Entry into BHS Exams via Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Candidates may apply for direct entry into any BHS exam* with the exception of the FBHS. If you hold Pony Club or Work Based Diploma qualifications (achieved within the last five years) please refer to our Direct Entry Guidance, these qualifications may provide you with a direct entry route. If you hold other equine qualifications, you achieved your qualifications over five years ago or do not hold any qualifications, but have industry experience you can apply via the following process.

All applicants for direct entry into a riding or coaching exam up to and including BHS Stage 4 and ITT must hold the BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate. International applicants should contact the BHS Education Department.

A non-refundable fee of £50 will be required for all RPEL applications; this should be submitted with the application form.

Please note: RPEL direct entry applications may take considerable time to complete. Applications will be reviewed within 10 working days and a response will be sent to applicants. However in many cases further evidence is required to complete applications. For this reason we advise that applicants wait for the RPEL application process to be completed before they select an exam date.

In order to qualify for direct entry into BHS examinations your application must show that you have the required level of knowledge and skill for entry into the examination of your choice. Evidence should include details of your riding ability and horse care knowledge if taking part in both these sections. If entering the Intermediate Teaching Test or Senior Coach exam, evidence of your coaching experience must be provided.

Please refer to the entry requirements of the relevant exams on the BHS website via the following link; http://www.bhs.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/exams-and-qualifications. You will need to consult the current syllabi to ensure you are familiar with the knowledge requirements (all syllabi are available on the BHS website). Evidence provided should encompass the knowledge requirements for each exam prior the requested entry point (e.g. if requesting entry to Stage 3 the knowledge requirements at stage 1 and 2 should be evidenced).

If you require any further information or advice please contact the BHS Education Department.

To apply for direct entry please fill in the application form and send to; BHS Education Department, BHS, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ or email to [email protected]. When we have received your application we will contact you to confirm receipt.

Your application for direct entry must include:  RPEL Direct Entry Application Form

 A copy of your C.V.

 2 professional references (it is strongly recommended that one reference is from a BHS Assessor)

 Copies of your certificates (If you have taken any equestrian qualifications)

In circumstances where we feel further evidence is required to support an application, and to satisfy health and safety requirements, we may request that candidates undergo a ridden and lungeing assessment. If you require reasonable adjustment to your riding assessment please fill in a reasonable adjustment form and submit with your application.

*Whilst we accept applications for entry into the BHS Stage 2, candidates should be aware that if a riding assessment is requested the cost of their application may be more than the cost of taking the BHS Stage 1. 8

C.V.

You are required to submit a copy of your C.V. outlining your equestrian career to date, information within your C.V. should be relevant to your application. You should also provide details of your competition experience/record, with supporting evidence of results i.e. from British Eventing, British Dressage, British Show jumping or recorded results from British Riding Clubs.

Professional References

References should be from equestrian professionals who have knowledge of the BHS examination system, e.g. BHS Accredited Professional Coaches or BEF (e.g. BE, BS or BD) Accredited Trainers. In most cases a reference from a BHS Assessor will be required in order for an application to be approved. The assessor providing the reference must be approved to assess at the pre requisite level of entry to the exam which the candidate wishes to enter. Should you need assistance finding a BHS Assessor please contact the BHS Education Team.

References should include information relating to the entry requirements of the exam the candidate wishes to enter. For example, it should confirm the candidate’s competence in riding, stable management (including lungeing) and coaching (if entering exams with these three entry requirements). For exams with riding entry requirements, the reference should contain details that the referee has seen the candidate ride two different horses on the flat and over jumps to the standard required for entry into the exam.

For entry into Equestrian Tourism exams the reference should contain details that the referee has seen the candidate ride one horse and demonstrated; competent riding skills including canter, riding up and down hills, opening and closing gates and security over a jump.

Your C.V. and references must reflect your prior learning and experience to satisfy the entry requirements for the exam you wish to enter.

IGEQ passport holders

If you hold an IGEQ passport and wish to use this to gain direct entry to BHS examinations please contact the BHS Education Department; [email protected] or 02476 840508.

Riding and Lungeing Assessments

In circumstances where an additional riding or lungeing assessment is requested, the candidate will be required to arrange an assessment with an assessor. The assessor must be approved to assess at the pre requisite level of entry to the exam which the candidate wishes to enter (e.g. if applying to enter Stage 3 the assessor must assess at Stage 2). For riding assessments the assessor must see the candidate ride two different horses on the flat and jumping to the standard required for entry into the exam. Assessments should take place at a BHS Approved Training Centre, where this is not possible assessments must take place at a BHS Approved Centre. If you need assistance locating centres and assessors in your area please contact the Education Department.

Acceptance of RPEL for direct entry

We will write to you to provide written confirmation of the level of exam you have been accepted entry into.

When an application for direct entry is granted, this will be valid for a period of 5 years, after which date the candidate will be required to resubmit their application to show that their prior learning and experience remains current and relevant.

Disclaimer

Any candidate can and will be removed from an examination should there be any health and safety concerns. Should a candidate be removed on the basis of health and safety, no refund will be provided for partially completed units or units that have not been attempted. Once a candidate has booked their exam the standard exam booking conditions will apply.

Where candidates are granted entry into a BHS examination this is not a guarantee that they will be successful. We strongly recommend that all candidates undergo training or have an initial assessment with a BHS Assessor to ensure they are at the relevant level for entry into the exam of their choice.

RPEL Direct Entry Process

Fill in the RPEL Direct Entry Application form and submit with the £50 fee to the BHS Education Department, BHS, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2XZ or email to [email protected] and provide contact details so we can call you to take your fee.

Your application should include all of the following:

 A copy of your C.V.  2 professional references (A reference from a BHS Assessor is recommended)

 Copies of your certificates (If you have taken any equestrian qualifications) OR  IGEQ passport (£50 fee not required)

BHS Education will confirm receipt of your application

BHS Education will review your application and provide a response within 10 workings days . Your application will be reviewed by a panel of equine professionals. In circumstances where it is deemed that further evidence is required to support an application we may request you have a riding and/or lungeing assessment.

Riding Assessment You will be required to arrange an assessment with an assessor at a BHS Approved Training Centre. Please contact the Education Department if you require assistance.

Once completed your assessor will submit the outcome of your assessment to the BHS.

Application Approved Application not Approved

The BHS will contact you to confirm your The BHS will contact you and explain why your application has been approved application has not been successful. We will Your direct entry approval will remain valid for 5 endeavour to provide guidance on the most years. suitable route for you into the BHS examination system.

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your application you may appeal the decision. Please refer to the BHS Education Appeals and Complaints Policy and the guidance on how to make an appeal.

Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) Direct Entry Application Form

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date Receipt of application confirmed to candidate Payment received 1. CANDIDATE DETAILS First name(s) Surname Previous surname(s) Date of birth Membership Number Address

Telephone number Home Mobile E-mail address

2. PERSONAL INFORMATION Height Weight Please make sure that the above details are accurate as the examination venue may require you to be weighed before allowing you to ride their horses in the interests of the horses’ welfare.

3. DETAILS OF THE EXAM(S) YOU ARE REQUESTING ENTRY INTO (please tick) Stage 2 Care Stage 4 Care SE ETCM Stage 2 Riding Stage 4 Riding SC Stage 3 Care PTT SM Stage 3 Riding ITT ETRL3 Other: ______4. APPLICATION CHECKLIST Please tick if supplied

C.V.

1st Professional Reference (BHS Assessor)

2nd Professional Reference

Copies of certificates

IGEQ Passport

5. Please state whether you have previously taken any BHS qualifications (excluding BHS R&RS/Ridesafe).

I have not previously taken any BHS qualifications

I have taken the following BHS qualifications: ______12

Referee form for (RPEL) Direct Entry applications

The aim of this reference is to help us decide whether a candidate has the level of knowledge and skill required for entry into a BHS examination. Please make sure you are familiar with the content of the exam syllabi, we need evidence which encompasses the knowledge requirements within each qualification prior the requested entry point (i.e. if a person is applying for entry into BHS Stage 3, we need evidence that they have the required level of skill and knowledge to cover the syllabi at Stage 1 and 2). Evidence should include details of the candidate’s riding ability and horse care knowledge if taking part in both these sections. If entering the Intermediate Teaching Test or Senior Coach Exam, evidence of the candidates coaching experience must be provided.

You may only be able to provide part of this evidence.

BHS exam syllabi are available on each exam page via the following link: http://www.bhs.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/exams-and-qualifications

Exam applicant is requesting entry into: ______

What is your relationship to the applicant: ______?

Please state how the candidate meets the requirements:

Please continue on a separate sheet if needed and attach to this form.

Signed ______

Please print name ______

Qualifications (optional) ______