Combined Course C1-C9 (New.01)

(Fully revised 08/10/25). Modules C1 to C9, Theory and Practice.

Course Overview

A Comprehensive Bird of Prey Management and Training Course in 9 modules.

Experience the convenience and efficiency of studying two essential courses in one seamless program. Our combined course covers both “Keeping Birds of Prey” (Modules C1 to C5) and “Training Birds of Prey” (Modules C6 to C9), offering you access to all the necessary resources in one place.

With integrated lesson content, detailed worksheets, recommended study materials, and knowledge assessments, this course provides everything you need to become proficient in the care and training of birds of prey and owls

Who is this course for?

This combined course is designed for both aspiring and experienced falconers, aviculturists, and bird of prey professionals and enthusiasts. It provides a thorough understanding of the essential aspects of bird of prey management, from the basics of housing and nutrition to the techniques of training and flying. Whether you are preparing to take on the responsibility of keeping these magnificent creatures or aiming to refine your training skills, this course offers a comprehensive educational journey.

Full List of Modules:

Module C1 – Accommodation and Equipment: Learn how to create safe and suitable environments for birds of prey. This module covers the design and maintenance of aviaries, perches, and other essential equipment to ensure the well-being of your birds. Inclkudes detailed assessments of materials and their suitability.

Module C2 – Feeding and Nutrition: Understand the dietary needs of birds of prey. This module provides in-depth information on sourcing, preparing, and storing food to ensure optimal health and performance.

Module C3 – Monitoring and Maintaining Health: Gain the skills to monitor the health of your birds effectively. This module focuses on common health issues, preventative care, and the steps to take in case of illness or injury.

Module C4 – Catching and Restraining Birds of Prey: Master the techniques for safely catching and restraining birds of prey. This module teaches you how to handle these birds with care and precision, minimizing stress and risk to both the bird and handler.

Module C5 – Legislation: Are you informed about the legal requirements and ethical considerations surrounding the keeping and training of birds of prey. This module introduces you to the relevant legislation. There are legal penalties for keeping birds of prey in unsuitable conditions, and for buying and selling certain species. Do you know what they are?

Module C6 – Falconry Furniture and Equipment: Explore the various types of equipment used in falconry, including jesses, hoods, leashes, creance and gloves. Learn how to choose, maintain, and properly use these tools to enhance your training sessions and promote welfare.

Module C7 – Species Characteristics, Purchase, and Collection: Delve into the specific characteristics of different birds of prey species, and how this affects your choice of raptor. How does the method of breeding and rearing affect the type of raptor you are interested in. Don’t make an expensive and potentially painful mistake. This module guides you through the process of selecting the right bird, purchasing, and safely transporting it to your facility.

Module C8 – Initial Training, Manning, and Weight Management: Begin the training process with confidence. This module covers the initial steps of manning a bird of prey, establishing trust, and the crucial skill of managing its weight and mental attitude and physical performance to ensure successful training outcomes.

Module C9 – Flying an Unrestrained Bird of Prey: Learn the essential techniques of flying a bird of prey in the open. This module focuses on the principles of free flight, including recall training, hunting, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Also covering legal aspects oif free-flying a top predator and remaining on the right side of the law.

This course is an invaluable resource for anyone dedicated to the care and training of birds of prey, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure you are well-prepared to meet the challenges of falconry and bird of prey management. accommodation and equipment

Certification

“Our mission is to improve the welfare of raptors and owls in the care or control of people. We achieve this through education and training, and issue formal certificates of competence to successful candidates. Our courses are the only courses based directly on the ‘National standards for bird of prey welfare’. Derek Hartshorne, Director Raptor Awards Community Interest Company”

You may study this course just for fun, working through each module at your own pace and studying as much or as little as you need. However, you can also work towards formal recognition through our certification process.

Competent candidates interested in obtaining a certificate for this course must complete both the theory and practical at one of our approved centres. Completion of the theory alone will not fully certify you.

• Full Award: For the full award, candidates must demonstrate competence in both the theoretical and practical components of the course. This is usually achieved by attending a formal course of instruction with an approved Raptor Awards Instructor. This includes face to face assessment of skills such as handling, flying, food preparation and otherwise caring for birds of prey. The instructor will also observe and question candidates to establish knowledge and understanding.
• After successfully demonstrating their skills in practical assessments, along with successfully demonstrating competence in Knowledge and Understanding, candidates receive a full award certificate, indicating comprehensive competence. Raptor Awards have approved assessors in various parts of the UK and in some overseas territories.
• Remote assessment: Raptor Awards can also offer remote assessment of practical skills for candidates with existing experience that are not able to attend one of our approved centres. Contact admin@raptorawards.co.uk if you are interested in remote assessment of your skills.
• Reasonable adjustments can be made for candidates with recognised needs – contact Raptor Awards if this applies to you.

• Theory-Only: Candidates can complete the theoretical components of the course by remote, online self-study using the materials in the course and additional external sources through personal research. To demonstrate competence, you must complete all the online quizzes for assessment, C1-9. Alternatively, you may complete worksheets and submit them to an assessor. You will be assessed on a) your Knowledge of each module, and b) your Understanding of the application of that knowledge. Assessments are usually conducted remotely, and may require you to submit further work, or in some cases speak to an assessor directly. Theory certificates will only be issued once worksheets or quizzes C1-9 have been completed to the pass mark or above.
• Theory only certificates can be issued for those that wish to solely complete the theory assessments.
• Please note that this does not certify you alone, in order for the Raptor Award certification to be obtained, the full award must be completed.

Enjoy your studies, and good luck with the course.