PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our open enrollment certifications and skills development workshops are designed to grow conceptual knowledge and strengthen practical skills to make you a better professional.  

Training and Certification Requirements

Get the Challenge Towers Certification Matrix and learn more about the requirements and competencies for ACCT Level 1, Level 2, and Challenge Course Manager training and certification.

ACCT Accredited

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Challenge Towers was one of the first Professional Vendor Members accredited by the Association for Challenge Course Technology and we offer a wide range of site specific and open enrollment trainings and practitioner certifications.  Challenge Towers trainings are tailored to your operation and instructed by passionate and experienced educators.

What You Learn

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Course material will vary from event to event, covering topics ranging from: Low Ropes - permanent and portable initiatives, High Ropes, Zip Lines, Giant Swings, specialty events, Climbing Walls, Facilitation skills, Advanced & Emerging Technologies, and Basic & Advanced Rescue Systems.

What To Expect

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Our courses are designed for everyone from new practitioners with no prior experience, to course managers wanting more professional development outside their site, to L2 practitioners wanting to re-certify. We also offer advanced training for challenge course professionals with a strong technical background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your questions about Open Enrollment Practitioner Trainings with Challenge Towers Aerial Adventures.

Level 1 and Level 2 Open Enrollment Training - Full Certification

Next Scheduled: April 22-27, 2024

Location: Blowing Rock, NC

Topics: This training is geared towards gaining conceptual knowledge that is broadly applicable to a variety of different course designs and operating systems.  We will be using Chapter 2 Operation Standards, Section C of the ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Challenge Course and Canopy/Zip Line Tours Standards.  The training will last up to 40 hours over 5 days with an additional 1 day for testing and will utilize demonstrations, manuals and standards review, hands-on application, and discussions.

Operations and Systems:

  • Low Ropes - Permanent and Portable Initiatives
  • High Ropes - Traditional Static, Dynamic Systems
  • Zip Lines, Giant Swings
  • Climbing Wall and Universal Belay Standards
  • Advanced and Emerging Technologies - Powerfan Free Fall Device, DEUS Controlled Descent Device, ALF Auto-Locking Climb Assist Pulley
  • Basic and Advanced Rescue Systems
  • Course Inspections and Inspection Intervals
ACCT Standards:
  • Core Competencies
  • Technical Competencies - General, Spotted Challenge Course Activities, Activities Using Life Safety Systems
  • Facilitation Competencies - Communication, Program Design, Assessment, Program Implementation
Equipment:
  • Traditional Participant Set Ups - Static & Dynamic PPE
  • Emerging Changes in the Industry of PPE
  • Staff PPE - ANSI/OSHA Compliance
  • Smart Belay Systems
  • PPE Inspections and Manufacturer Requirements / Recommendations

Who: Course industry operators, new and experienced, looking to boost their professional development.  This training will culminate a L1 or L2 Certification with successful completion of the course and exam.

Price: $950

Lodging Available: Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Level 1 Prerequisites:             

  • Minimum age of 18
  • No prior experience necessary

Level 2 Prerequisites:            

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Required to submit portfolio documenting 200 hrs as a Level 1 Practitioner

View the Full List of Certification Requirements

Challenge Course Manager Open Enrollment Training - Full Certification

Next Scheduled: Check Back for Spring 2024 Dates

Location: Asheville, NC

Topics: This training is geared towards gaining conceptual knowledge that is broadly applicable to a variety of different course designs and operating systems from an Administrative and Management position. We will be using Chapter 2 Operations Standards, Section A and B of the ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Challenge Course and Canopy /Zip Line Tours Standards.  The training will utilize a blend of instructional formats including group discussion, demonstrations, document review, video. There will be 6 hours of online content prior to attendance.

  • Professional Guest Speakers such as Lawyers, Insurance Brokers, HR Management, etc.
  • Outdoor Recreation Law
  • Liability Insurance
  • Risk Management System
  • Record Keeping 
  • Course and Gear Inspections
  • Human Resource Management
  • In-House Training Considerations
  • Marketing 

Who: Course managers, owners, and operators.  This training will culminate in a Course Manger Certification with successful completion of the course and exam.

Price: 

  • Training & Test - $895 (excludes food and lodging)
  • Training Only - $695 (excludes food and lodging)                                                                                                                 

Lodging Available: Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Prerequisites:             

  • Must be 21 years or older to test for certification
  • Level 2 Practitioner Certification (or 110 hrs training and 30 hrs of managerial training delivered by a Qualified Course Professional)
  • Submit portfolio documenting 500+ hrs experience
  • Required text: Current edition of the ANSI/ACCT Standards (digital or paper copy)

High Ropes Open Enrollment Training – High Activities Certification

Next Scheduled: TBD

Location: TBD

Topics: Prioritize reviewing ACCT standards to better equip participants on application within their site for the High Activities.  Challenge Towers makes a point to exceed standards.  Challenge Towers has access to a large variety of equipment and elements ranging from traditional systems to the new technologies being introduced to the industry.

  • High Ropes
  • Zip Lines
  • Giant Swings
  • Climbing Wall
  • High Activities
  • Facilitation Skills
  • Advanced & Emerging Technologies
  • Basic & Advanced Rescue Systems

Who: Course industry operators, new and experienced, looking to boost their professional development.  This training will culminate in a L1 or L2 High Activities Only Certification with successful completion of the course and exam.

Price: 

  • $750 (excludes food and lodging)

Lodging Available:Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Level 1 Prerequisites:            

  • Minimum age of 18
  • No prior experience necessary

Level 2 Prerequisites:            

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Required to submit portfolio documenting 200 hrs as a Level 1 Practitioner

Low Ropes Open Enrollment Training – Spotted Activities Certification

Next Scheduled: TBD

Location: Blowing Rock, NC

Topics: This training focuses on concepts like Stages of Group Dynamics, Challenge by Choice philosophy, the Experiential Model and a hard look at the ACCT facilitator competencies and spotted activities competencies.

  • Low Ropes
  • Permanent and Portable Initiatives
  • Facilitation Competencies and Skills
  • Experiential Education Concepts

Who: New and experienced, teachers or group leaders, looking to boost their professional development within the Low Ropes activities realm.  This training will culminate in a L1 or L2 Spotted Activities Certification with successful completion of the course and exam.

Price: 

  • $600 (excludes food and lodging)

Lodging Available: Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Level 1 Prerequisites:            

  • Minimum age of 18
  • No prior experience necessary

Level 2 Prerequisites:            

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Required to submit portfolio documenting 200 hrs as a Level 1 Practitioner

Skills Workshops

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Rope Access

Next Scheduled: TBD

Location: Blowing Rock Conference Center & High Gravity Adventures, Blowing Rock, NC

Topics: This workshop is focused on basic rope access, fall protection, and work at height systems and concepts guided by SPRAT/IRATA curriculum. The workshop will last up to 28 hours over three days and will utilize a blend of instructional formats including discussion, demonstrations, document review, video, and hands-on application. There will be 4 hours of online preparatory curriculum.

  • Inspection & Maintenance Access
  • Fundamentals of Rope Access in the Challenge Course Industry
  • ANSI/OSHA Compliant PPE and Working at Height
  • Rope Access Maneuvers on Two-Rope Systems
  • Rigging and Knots
  • Rescue Systems

Inspection CEUs: Earn up to 25 Inspection CEUs pre-approved by the ACCT

Who: Experienced challenge course professionals and operators (not designed for beginners)

Price: 

  • $450 (excludes food and lodging)

Lodging Available:Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Prerequisites & Policies:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a basic working knowledge of rope systems, simple rescue/evacuation systems, and PPE inspection
  • Must have proficiency with knots
  • Must have ANSI/OSHA compliant PPE for working at height
  • Must be in good physical condition with the ability to complete all tasks

Fundamentals of Inspection

Next Scheduled: TBD

Location: Blowing Rock Conference Center & High Gravity Adventures, Blowing Rock, NC

Topics: This workshop is focused on the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to more appropriately inspect traditional challenge courses, aerial adventure parks, and zip lines/canopy tours. The workshop will last up to 24 hours over three days and will utilize a blend of instructional formats including discussion, demonstrations, document review, video, and hands-on application.

  • Gain and Refine Knowledge of Fundamental Skills, Tools, and Techniques for Assessing Structures and Associated Equipment
  • Interpret ACCT/ANSI Standards as they Relate to Inspection
  • Field Inspection Techniques and Fundamental Concepts
  • Inspection Tools
  • Inspection of PPE
  • Inspection of Structures
  • Inspection of Specialty Devices and Aerial Adventure Technologies
  • Fall Protection Concepts and Compliance
  • Documenting Inspection Findings and Stop Use Notices

Inspection CEUs: Earn up to 21 Inspection CEUs pre-approved by the ACCT

Who: In-house inspectors or those looking to gain valuable experience to bring back to their course

Price: 

  • $450 (excludes food and lodging)

Lodging Available: Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Prerequisites & Policies:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a basic understanding of course inspection
  • Must be competent course operators
  • Must be in good physical condition with the ability to complete all tasks

Advanced Rescue

Next Scheduled: TBD

Location: Blowing Rock Conference Center & High Gravity Adventures, Blowing Rock, NC

Topics: This workshop on advanced rescue techniques is catered to traditional challenge courses, aerial parks, and zip line/canopy tour systems. This training will serve practitioners, inspectors and builders. The trainer(s) holds relevant credentials from ACCT, SPRAT/IRATA, AMGA, MRA, etc. The workshop will last up to 24 hours over three days and will utilize a blend of instructional formats including discussion, demonstrations, document review, video, and primarily hands-on application.

  • Practical Techniques for Implementation of Advanced Rescues
  • Standards Guiding Rescue Practices (ACCT, ANSI, ASTM)
  • Basics of Fall Protection and Work at Height Systems
  • Equipment Selection, Inspection, and Limitations
  • Prevention, Readiness, and Pre-rigging for Rescues
  • Rigging and Knots

Inspection CEUs: Earn up to 21 Inspection CEUs pre-approved by the ACCT

Who: Experienced challenge course professionals and operators (not designed for beginners)

Price: 

  • $450 (excludes food and lodging)

Lodging Available: Blowing Rock Conference Center – room availability and reservation information will be provided at the time of course registration. Other local hotels in the Blowing and Rock and Boone area.

Prerequisites & Policies:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a basic working knowledge of rope systems, simple rescue/evacuation systems, and PPE inspection
  • Must have proficiency with knots
  • Must be in good physical condition with the ability to complete all tasks