Rappelling is a rigorous and invigorating activity with both sporting and practical applications, used by law-enforcement and military personnel in tactical maneuvers as well as by adventure seekers. Interested persons can attain various levels of rappelling certification after completing course work and passing an exam that includes a test of written knowledge, knot-tying and on-site rappelling exercises. Some courses are offered only to law-enforcement personnel, while others are available to the public.
Safety First
Rappelling carries a number of potential dangers, so the cornerstone of any certification training endeavor is participant safety. The Rock Climbing website provides a succinct but comprehensive list of rappelling safety concerns, which include keeping loose hair and clothing away from your gear, keeping your brake hand on your hip and the rope, taking short steps with your feet positioned properly, staying in the fall line, and being cautious even on large overhangs. With practice, it becomes easier to integrate these practices into your rappelling without conscious thought, but complacency has no role in rappelling.
Class 1 Certification
Class 1 rappelling certification is provided by, among others, True Adventure Sports and covers the basics of both indoor and outdoor rappelling. The indoor class introduces students to rappelling safety, gear, knots and rigging points, while outdoor instruction covers these same topics in the context of their special particulars. Students then embark on a number of rappels before heading back inside to take the rappelling test and knot exam. In 2011, the total cost of both classes was in the range of $150.
Class 2 Certification
The next level of certification is Class 2 or advanced rappelling. First, students review what they learned in qualifying for Class 1 credentials. This is followed by instruction in special rigging, the physical and engineering concept of mechanical advantage as it applies to rappelling from the standpoint of pulleys, ascending and rope-walking techniques, auxiliary devices, changeovers, more advanced knots, special equipment and backup belaying. As with the level 1 course, participants do several rappels and then a changeover before returning inside for the rappelling test and knot exam. As of 2011, the cost was about $125 per person.
Class 3 Certification
This level of certification is rescue rappelling, wherein students make the transition from looking after themselves to being qualified to assist lesser-skilled or otherwise compromised rapellers. The course begins with a review of advanced rappelling and then moves into rescue rigging, rescue hauls, rescue devices, rescue knots, specialized safety procedures and protocols, rescue equipment, and emergency belaying. Students do several rappels and a few emergency changeovers, then complete staged rescues before heading indoors to take the rappelling test and knot exam. As with Class 1 instruction, the class cost about $150 as of 2011.
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