Is IAM F1RST overshadowed by RoSPA Gold?
Discussion
Does anybody have a feel for how popular the IAM's F1RST is (e.g. within their local Group)? How well is it doing 
Only a few of my local IAM group have tried for a F1RST. However, there's an active RoADAR group locally. I wonder if those wishing to move on from an IAM pass will simply join RoADAR, because a RoSPA Gold is generally renowned as the gold standard. What do you think?
The IAM is offering something distinctive with its Masters programme. Should it have offered something distinctive for F1RST too?
Only a few of my local IAM group have tried for a F1RST. However, there's an active RoADAR group locally. I wonder if those wishing to move on from an IAM pass will simply join RoADAR, because a RoSPA Gold is generally renowned as the gold standard. What do you think?
The IAM is offering something distinctive with its Masters programme. Should it have offered something distinctive for F1RST too?
Edited by SVS on Wednesday 11th September 22:22
SVS said:
Does anybody have a feel for how popular the IAM's F1RST is (e.g. within their local Group)? How well is it doing
Only a few of my local IAM group have tried for a F1RST. However, there's an active RoADAR group locally. I wonder if those wishing to move on from an IAM pass will simply join RoADAR, because a RoSPA Gold is generally renowned as the gold standard. What do you think?
The IAM is offering something distinctive with its Maters programme. Should it have offered something distinctive for F1RST too?
Since F1rst was introduced 'our' group is running at 20-25% of test passes gaining a F1rst. No current member has bothered to retake the test or a Member's Assessment in an attempt to 'upgrade' to a F1rst. The IAM web-site states there are over 1,000 persons who have gained a F1rst.Only a few of my local IAM group have tried for a F1RST. However, there's an active RoADAR group locally. I wonder if those wishing to move on from an IAM pass will simply join RoADAR, because a RoSPA Gold is generally renowned as the gold standard. What do you think?
The IAM is offering something distinctive with its Maters programme. Should it have offered something distinctive for F1RST too?
Edited by Glosphil on Saturday 24th August 00:58
Surely F1rst is just a particular grading on the normal IAM test, not a separate qualification. Retaking the test to try for a F1rst would be like aiming to move from a Silver to Gold grade with RoSPA. I guess the difference is that RoSPA members have to retake the test periodically, but IAM is 'A Pass for Life'.
The IAM should have just called it 'Platinum' or 'Double Plus Super-Gold' and by-passed the 'which is best' question.
The IAM should have just called it 'Platinum' or 'Double Plus Super-Gold' and by-passed the 'which is best' question.
S. Gonzales Esq. said:
Surely F1rst is just a particular grading on the normal IAM test, not a separate qualification. Retaking the test to try for a F1rst would be like aiming to move from a Silver to Gold grade with RoSPA. I guess the difference is that RoSPA members have to retake the test periodically, but IAM is 'A Pass for Life'.
The IAM should have just called it 'Platinum' or 'Double Plus Super-Gold' and by-passed the 'which is best' question.
Comparing one to the other can only be done by an examiner who does both organisationsThe IAM should have just called it 'Platinum' or 'Double Plus Super-Gold' and by-passed the 'which is best' question.
SVS said:
I didn't want to start another 'Which Badge is Better'' thread 
Pointless, IMO.
I agree there's not much point in that discussion, but I was obliquely referring to this: Pointless, IMO.SVS said:
... I wonder if those wishing to move on from an IAM pass will simply join RoADAR, because a RoSPA Gold is generally renowned as the gold standard. ...
...and the perception amongst many people that because it's called 'Gold', then it must be better than an IAM pass that you don't know the level of.Given what my own driving was like back in 1993 (I think) when I did it, a RoSPA Gold doesn't always represent a particularly high standard.
I have an IAM pass from way back and RoADA Gold. The general consensus is that there is a majority overlap between a RoADA Bronze and and IAM Passs but that many IAM passes would have got a Silver or Gold. As said the Examiners are the only ones who can truely tell you.
I would not that there is a common base for the test in Road Craft but the examiners appear to have slightly differenty focus on what they look for. As such it appears to be tought slightly differently on the road. For that reason alone, I would be tempted to look at the other group for futher training rather than "promotion" in the same group. It may give a different view on skills and application.
I would not that there is a common base for the test in Road Craft but the examiners appear to have slightly differenty focus on what they look for. As such it appears to be tought slightly differently on the road. For that reason alone, I would be tempted to look at the other group for futher training rather than "promotion" in the same group. It may give a different view on skills and application.
We have an examiner in Bristol who does both IAM and ROSPA tests.
He has stated in general terms:
ROSPA Bronze = IAM fail
ROSPA Silver = IAM pass
ROSPA Gold = IAM F1rst
And before anyone asks, IAM Masters is above/more demanding/less forgiving than an IAM F1rst. It's marked using the same 27 categories (each graded 1 - 5) just as the IAM Advanced test is - but the standard expected to achieve say a 1 is considerably higher.
He has stated in general terms:
ROSPA Bronze = IAM fail
ROSPA Silver = IAM pass
ROSPA Gold = IAM F1rst
And before anyone asks, IAM Masters is above/more demanding/less forgiving than an IAM F1rst. It's marked using the same 27 categories (each graded 1 - 5) just as the IAM Advanced test is - but the standard expected to achieve say a 1 is considerably higher.
Whereas the IAM Staff Examiner for the South East, who's also a RoSPA Examiner, recently said that a F1RST is higher than RoSPA Gold In other news, bear scientists say they are close to discovering who sh!ts in all those woods.
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