Is IAM F1RST overshadowed by RoSPA Gold?

[SVS]

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?

Edited by SVS on Wednesday 11th September 22:22

[SVS]

IFG? It could catch on

I didn't want to start another 'Which Badge is Better'' thread Pointless, IMO.

I was merely wondering about the IAM's marketing (including marketing to existing members) vs. RoADAR.

[SVS]

mph1977 said:

the IAM vs ROADAR topic is always going to be 'won' by ROADAR ...

... but you get a nicer badge from the IAM

[SVS]

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.

[SVS]

Rick101 said:

Bit disappointed to see there is not a group for York/North Yorks, largest county in the country.

What about these groups in Yorkshire?

[SVS]

Hi Rick,

Rick101 said:

Its not like down South, Yorkshire is a big place!

Might drop them an email but suspect they'll be too far away to be viable.

It's not hugely different in some parts of the South. There are RoSPA bike tutors in London, but who are members of the Sussex-based group 50 miles away. It's definitely worth contacting all the groups within an hour of you, because you may get lucky and find one has a tutor closer to you. Failing that, you could always meet a tutor halfway.

[SVS]

Yes, the IAM and RoSPA are essentially the same. In fact, many will argue that RoSPA's the better of the two. (Though I don't wish to reopen that debate, as it's been argued plenty of times.)