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FAQ > Beginning Falconry Award
Read further details on the Falconry award
What sort of qualification is the Beginning Falconry Award?
The Beginning Falconry Award is a Customised Award meaning that has been developed specifically for and by the falconry industry to meet their particular needs. The award is of a basic level suitable not only for 'beginners' but also for more experienced bird of prey keepers and falconers who want or need to demonstrate through an Award that they meet a level of competence.
What does the Beginning Falconry Award cover?
There are two main parts or 'units' to the Award, the first is bird of prey management and husbandry and the second is falconry basics. In order to achieve the full award you must complete both, though a 'unit' certificate will be issued if you only complete one of these parts. The certificate will state the part of the Award that has been achieved. For more detail on the content of the award see the Candidate Workbook in the downloads section on the falconry page.
Who offers the Beginning Falconry Award?
The award is not offered directly through Lantra Awards but through a number of 'Administration Points' (APs) that have been approved by Lantra Awards to administer the Award. These include British Falconry Clubs and Welsh Hawking Clubs as well as a large number of bird of prey centres, some colleges and even a few prisons. So if you want to access the award you will need to contact one of these APs all of which are shown on the list of APs in the downloads section.
What do I need to do to get the Award?
In order to achieve the Award you must first register with an AP. If you are a beginner it is likely that you will go on a course during which you will be trained and assessed along the way. See below if you are an experienced falconer. Whatever the case you will need to demonstrate basic knowledge for example of housing, health, hygiene, feeding and equipment. This is done through gathering evidence which may be written but alternatively could involve other methods including verbal explanations. You also need to demonstrate some practical elements to show for example that you can safely pick up, carry and weigh a bird of prey.
I am dyslexic, do I need to do a lot of writing for the Award?
No - but you must demonstrate that you are competent by gathering evidence to this effect for example photographs, diagrams, downloads or even verbal or recorded descriptions or explanations to an Assessor. More experienced falconers should have plenty of evidence to hand to show their competence in this field.
Who assesses me for the Award?
Each AP has at least one Assessor that has met the criteria to become an Assessor and has been trained to assess for the Award. They are also experienced falconers themselves though in some cases they may be assessing falconers that are far more experienced than themselves. This is fine given the basic level of the Award.
I'm an experienced falconer, how do I get the Award?
As an experienced falconer you are advsed to contact an AP and arrange for an assessment to take place. You should not need to go on a course but you must still gather evidence to show that you are competent. An assessor will support you with this process and will submit a claim for your certificate when they are happy that you've provided all the evidence needed.
How do I become an Assessor for the Award?
You will need to meet the minimum criteria and attend a training day at the cost of £125 (from 1 October 2009). The application form can be downloaded from this website on the falconry page.
How does an organisation become an AP for the Award?
You will need to meet the minimum criteria as set out in the application form which can be downloaded from this website on the falconry page. There is a one off administration charge of £35 (from 1 October 2009).
How do I get more information about the Award?
If you have looked at the information in the downloads and still have unanswered questions contact Lantra Awards or your nearest AP as shown on the list.