Training - UIAA

Training
Commission

Training Projects
Website Area

The UIAA Training Commission became an independent Commission in 2022. Its principal work is the Mountain Qualification Label (MQL) programme — the UIAA’s internationally recognised framework for evaluating and accrediting instructor training programmes offered by Member Federations across climbing and mountaineering disciplines.

An MQL is a formal UIAA quality label awarded to a member federation’s instructor training programme that meets the applicable international minimum standard for a specific discipline. Once a programme is accredited, the member federation — not the UIAA — may issue qualification certificates to instructors who have completed training under that accredited programme. These certificates confirm that the instructor was trained under a UIAA-accredited programme. The UIAA does not certify individuals; it accredits programmes. Mountain Qualification Labels were first adopted by the UIAA General Assembly in 1993 in Santiago, Chile.

Following a period of restructuring throughout 2025 and early 2026, the Training Commission formally restarted its operations under a new structure in June 2026, following the Management Board’s decision (spring meeting in Bergamo, May 2026) to release the commission to operate independently. The Commission is now open to receive applications and enquiries from member federations.

General purpose of the UIAA Training Commission:

The Training Commission has three core functions:

It develops and maintains international minimum standards for instructor training across climbing and mountaineering disciplines;
It administers the MQL programme — including application, documentary review, on-site inspection, accreditation, and revalidation of Member Federation training programmes; and
It provides subject matter expertise and guidance on training best practice to UIAA member federations.

Current MQL Qualifications

Mountain walking and trekking
Winter mountain walking and snowshoeing
Sport climbing
Rock climbing
Ice climbing
Canyoning
Mountaineering (Alpine climbing)
Ski mountaineering

The Training Commission’s activities focus on

Developing, reviewing, and updating MQL Standards as climbing and mountaineering disciplines evolve
Conducting and overseeing on-site inspections of member federation training programmes by qualified external Inspectors
Supporting member federations in preparing their programmes for accreditation, including referral to experienced Mentors where appropriate
Collaboration with other UIAA Commissions including the Safety, Medical, and Mountain Protection Commissions — and with relevant external organisations, to advance the quality and safety of climbing and mountaineering training globally
Contributing to UIAA-wide guidance on training best practice for climbers and mountaineers