What is NICAS?
The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) provides a structured progression for indoor climbing and bouldering. Awards are delivered at NICAS-accredited centres, with skills built in stages from first steps on the wall through to advanced climbing and coaching pathways.
NICAS is widely used by climbing walls, schools and youth programmes. Level 1 awards introduce movement, equipment and safety; later levels develop technique, belaying, lead climbing and personal responsibility. Bouldering and roped climbing follow parallel NICAS pathways.
Popular qualifications on adventuro
Browse every certification we list on the Certifications tab.
Choosing a course
Choose the roped or bouldering pathway based on how you want to climb. New Climber suits people learning to climb on ropes with a partner; New Boulderer focuses on unroped wall climbing with mats below. Young climbers often start with Wild Climbers or Level 1 before progressing.
NICAS courses run in sessions over weeks at accredited walls rather than as single intensive days. Check the centre's age limits, whether logbooks are included and how assessment is scheduled. Leave a comment when you book if you are transferring from another scheme or need a specific NICAS level.
Official standards
Award structures and centre accreditation are published by NICAS at nicas.co.uk. Your accredited climbing centre confirms the level, session format and assessment when you book on adventuro.
