What is direct entry?
Direct entry is a route that can recognise learning, skills and experiences to allow entry to BHS assessment without having to begin at Stage 1.
Direct entry means entering a BHS assessment based on previous experience or qualifications without holding the standard entry requirement (pre-requisites). For most BHS/BHSQ qualifications and units, the standard entry requirement is often the BHS/BHSQ qualification or unit at the level below. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of equivalent skills, knowledge and understanding. This could be based on a combination of other equine qualifications, competition history, work or life experience. Direct entry is a route accepted for assessments at Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 and Performance BHSI.
We welcome applications from individuals who are looking to join the BHS Career Pathways at any point in their career, based on evidence of their learning and experience.
We recommend you read our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy in addition to the guidance below. You must be a gold member to book and take BHS assessments.
It is important to note that direct entry does not award BHS or BHSQ qualifications, or units towards BHS or BHSQ qualifications. To be awarded a BHS or BHSQ qualification you must achieve all required units of the qualification via BHS assessments.
If you have any queries about applying for a BHS assessment via direct entry please contact us.
We offer two direct entry routes:
Route one: Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)
Appropriate certified learning from another recognised organisation can be used for entry to BHS assessments.
The qualifications/awards we accept for RPCL are listed below. If your qualification isn’t listed, you may apply for direct entry following our RPEL route.
Route two: Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL
A process where entry requirements for BHS assessments are met via appropriate knowledge and skills acquired through life, work and/or competition experience.
RPEL is for learners who may:
- Hold a qualification/s not recognised by the BHS for RPCL
- Or have significant relevant industry experience such as work
experience and competition history
If you’re unable to fulfil the specific entry requirements by a qualification or other evidence (for Care, Lunge and/or Riding skills) we offer a coaching only RPEL route to gain entry into BHSQ Level 2 Unit 4: Stage 2 Coaching
Is direct entry right for me?
If you’re considering either route we encourage you to contact us to discuss your experience, what qualifications you want to achieve and the options available to you.
We also encourage you to undergo training or have an initial assessment with a BHS Assessor, BHS Accredited Professional Coach or at a BHS Approved Riding Centre. An initial assessment can provide you with support and guidance when considering if direct entry is the right option for you.
Before applying, please make sure you understand all assessment criteria and methods for the assessment/s you want direct entry into. BHS assessments are practical and progressive with their content and the way in which we assess ensures relevance to our industry. We find many learners beginning at Stage 1 often feel more confident, relaxed and prepared for their BHS assessments as they progress.
You should also be familiar with our assessment booking terms and conditions, including booking timeframes and Skills Record requirements.
If you wish to apply for entry to a Ride, Riding Out or Coaching assessment up to and including Stage 4, you need to hold the BHS Ride Safe Silver Challenge Award (or BHS equivalent). If you can provide evidence that you’ve covered the breadth of the Ride Safe syllabus within your application you may be exempt from this. If your permanent home address is not in the UK or Republic of Ireland, you are exempt from Ride Safe.
If you’re granted entry into a BHS assessment this isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be successful on the day of your assessment. Any candidate can be asked to retire from an assessment should there be any health and safety concerns.
How do I apply?
Route one: Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)
The qualifications listed in this section can provide direct entry into the listed BHS assessment. Please read the guidance carefully as there may be specific requirements we need to see within qualifications. There may also be additional pre-requisite criteria to enter the assessment, for example, our minimum age requirements and BHS Ride Safe. This is listed in the ‘Additional entry criteria’ column.
Copies of your certificates (and unit transcript where applicable) are required for all RPCL applications.
The guidance below highlights the highest level of BHS qualification you can gain direct entry to based on the qualification you hold. You’re also very welcome to enter at a lower level. Please note if you’re unsuccessful at a lower level, we wouldn’t be able to accept a later assessment booking via RPCL for the higher level.
If you wish to book via RPCL, please call us on 02476 840508 in the first instance to discuss your booking. We can then advise how to send photocopies of your certificate(s) to us. Please note, we’re unable to reserve or confirm an assessment booking until RPCL application evidence is verified.
Pony Club UK qualifications
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We require that all Pony Club qualification certificates are signed by the assessor(s) and either the Area Representative or District Commissioner. You are not required to be an active member of the Pony Club to apply for RPCL.
If you hold Irish Pony Club Tests please contact education@bhs.org.uk for further information on the direct entry route they provide
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) and Work Based Diplomas (WBD)
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Please note when booking we will require both the qualification and unit certificates.
Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Coaching Qualifications
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BHS Challenge Awards
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BHS Progressive Riding Tests
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If you have not been issued your final Progressive Riding Test certificate, please ask your BHS Approved Centre to apply for this via the BHS Approvals Department on 02476 840809.
BHS Equestrian Tourism Qualifications
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Equine Apprenticeships
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Route two: Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)
To apply via RPEL we ask that you provide a collection of evidence to demonstrate how you’ve met the entry requirements for the BHS assessment you’re applying for. Evidence may be historical, for example a learner that could ride at the required standard but can no longer do so due to injury.
We have three different processes for RPEL application depending on what is most suited to you and the assessment/s you want to enter. Each route will require different evidence.
What should my evidence demonstrate?
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Your evidence should detail how you meet the entry requirements (skills, knowledge and understanding) for the assessment/s you want to enter. For example, if you’re requesting entry to the Stage 3 Care assessment you must evidence you have the skills and knowledge covered at Stage 2 Care. You’re not asked to provide evidence that you’re at the standard to pass the assessment you wish to enter.
If you’re applying to enter a care assessment, your evidence should demonstrate that you can work safely and efficiently around suitable horses. Your referee should observe you carrying out practical tasks and taking part in professional discussions to highlight your knowledge of areas such as fitness or nutrition.
If you’re applying to enter a riding assessment your evidence should demonstrate your ability to ride on the flat and over fences (where applicable) to the required entry level standard. This will include riding a minimum of two different horses. Please note, to enter a dressage specific ride assessment at Stage 3 or above you must demonstrate that you’ve achieved a minimum of Stage 2 standard of jumping.
To enter a Coaching unit at Stage 2 or above, you must provide detailed evidence that you’ve covered the Stage 2 Care, Ride and Lunge as these are the pre-requirements to enter Stage 2 Coaching. If you’re applying to enter Stage 3 Coach or above, evidence of your coaching skills must also be included.
Please refer to the entry requirements and assessment criteria of the relevant assessment/s for more information. We recommend you contact the BHS Education Team before considering RPEL so we can advise you on the relevant entry requirements to the assessment/s you wish to apply for.
How long does it take to process an RPEL application?
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Gathering the required evidence for your application can take considerable time so please factor this into your planning. For this reason, we advise that you wait for the RPEL application process to be completed before you select an assessment date.
Although we aim to provide feedback on your initial application within 15 working days, we may ask for additional evidence before we can approve an application, so please do take this into consideration. The Education Team are unable to reserve places on assessments whilst RPEL applications are considered.
We’ll confirm to you the level of assessment you’ve been accepted entry into.
When we confirm your RPEL application, this will be valid for a period of five years, after which date, if you’ve not booked your BHS assessment, you’ll be required to resubmit your application to show that your prior learning and experience remains current and relevant.
Please refer to one of our three RPEL routes below.
1. RPEL applications for direct entry to Stage 2, Stage 3 or Stage 4 assessments for achievement of Groom, Groom with Riding or Coaching qualifications
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What evidence do I need to submit?
There are two parts to the RPEL application process.
Part one: Submit initial evidence for review
Your initial application for RPEL must include:
- £50 application fee. This is payable at the time of part one submission and is non-refundable.
- RPEL direct entry application form
With the following evidence:
- Your CV detailing your equestrian work, competition and experience
- A detailed reference from an industry professional such as an Accredited Professional Coach covering your care, lungeing, riding and coaching skills (as applicable)
- Copies of any equine qualification certificates that you may hold
- Copies of any affiliated competition results (if applicable)
Your initial application is reviewed by the BHS Education Team. You’ll be contacted to discuss your application and progress to part two of the application process.
Part two: BHS Assessor Endorsement
You’ll be asked to provide an endorsement from a BHS assessor. The assessor endorsement will involve a spot check of specific skills (practical and/or ridden) to verify you’re at the required standard. Guidance will be given to you and the assessor regarding the skills required to be evidenced.
We can provide details of BHS assessors. The cost of the assessor endorsement will be arranged between yourself and the assessor.
If you’re considering this route we encourage you to contact us to discuss your experience, what you want to achieve and the options available to you.
2. RPEL applications for direct entry to Performance assessments for achievement of Performance Centre Manager, Performance Centre Manager with Riding or Performance Coach BHSI qualifications
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What evidence do I need to submit?
Significant industry experience, including competition history, is required from anyone wishing to apply for direct entry to any of the Performance level qualifications and their relevant units. As part of your application, we require you to complete practical training with a BHS assessor (who assesses at Performance assessments) or a Performance Coach BHSI or Fellow (FBHS) within a BHS Approved Riding Centre. This coach can then sign off an RPEL training record and provide a reference which you will include as part of your RPEL application.
Your application for RPEL to the Performance BHSI assessment must include:
- Your £50 application fee. This is payable at the time of submission and is non-refundable.
- RPEL direct entry application form
With the following evidence:
- Your CV detailing your equestrian work, competition and experience
- Your completed RPEL training record sign off
- A reference from the coach who signed off your training records
- Copies of any equine qualification certificates that you may hold
- Copies of any affiliated competition results
RPEL training record templates:
Please download the relevant RPEL sign off for the assessment/s below. The templates also outline the level of experience required within your CV.
- Performance Care and Management units
- Performance Ride and Coaching units (Eventing Disciplines)
- Performance Ride and Coaching units (Dressage)
- Performance Ride and Coaching units (Show Jumping)
If you’re considering this route we encourage you to contact us to discuss your experience, what you want to achieve and the options available to you.
3. RPEL applications for direct entry to Stage 2 Coaching unit for achievement of ‘Coaching Riders’ qualifications
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This route is applicable if you’re unable to fulfil the specific pre-requisite entry requirements for the Stage 2 Coaching unit. Where the achievement of a particular skill or skills within Stage 1 and Stage 2 Care, Lunge and Riding requirements cannot be evidenced this alternative route is available.
Please note this route allows entry to and achievement of the Stage 2 Coaching unit but will not award/allow achievement of the BHSQ Level 2 Foundation Coach in Complete Horsemanship (Stage 2) qualification. This route will also allow learners entry to Stage 3 Riding Dressage if Stage 2 Jumping cannot be achieved.
What evidence do I need to submit?
We’ve created an RPEL Evidence Log specifically for this route. This will be signed off by the trainer and/or employer then sampled and verified by a BHS assessor. We can provide details of BHS assessors should you need them. The cost of the assessor verification will be arranged between yourself and the assessor.
You can also submit historical reference/s or historical competition history. This would be relevant if you could previously work or ride at the level, but can no longer do so.
The RPEL Evidence Log will include:
- For Care units: Either demonstration of the skill or the learner can instruct an assistant to complete the skill/task to evidence the underpinning knowledge of safe practice
- For Lunge unit: The learner can instruct an assistant to complete the skill/task to evidence the underpinning knowledge of safe practice
- For Riding units: Observation of a horse and rider combination to identify elements as required in the syllabus (for example, correct trot diagonals and canter leads)
Who can sign off the Evidence Log?
- A BHS Accredited Professional Coach who is qualified to at least Stage 3 Care, Lunge and Ride
- A coach within a BHS Approved Riding Centre who is qualified to at least Stage 3 Care, Lunge and Ride
- An RDA Advanced Coach
- If you train with a coach or employer who doesn’t fall in an above category, a family member or close friend, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Only a current BHS Assessor can sign the Assessor Verification at the back of the evidence log.
If you’re considering this route please complete our initial enquiry form and we’ll get back to you to discuss your experience, what qualifications you want to achieve and the options available to you.
International group for equestrian qualification (IGEQ) passport
IGEQ passport holders applying for direct entry to BHS assessments need to complete the RPEL application form with a copy of your CV. You may be required to take an assessment with a BHS Assessor. You won’t be required to submit any references at this stage, and the £50 application fee will be waived via this route.
Alternatively, you may apply through the full RPEL process as noted in this application guidance with a fee of £50.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively, you can call us on 02476 840508.