Looking to become a Fly Fishers International (FFI) Two Hand Certified Casting Instructor (THCI)? You are in the right place! On this page you will find the requirements, recommendations, resources for THCI certification, information on preparation, finding a mentor, and registering for a THCI exam. To begin your exam preparation, register for the FFI Casting Instructor Certification Program (CICP) email list to receive important communications regarding updates, exam prep and other CICP information. Click here to register. We especially recommend reviewing the THCI Candidate Roadmap. This guides you through the entire process and provides links to valuable resources, finding a mentor, and arranging a practice test to see if you are ready for your exam.
Requirements for THCI Certification
- You must be a member of FFI. Click here to join or renew.
- If you have no other CICP certifications, attend a required THCI Teaching Workshop via Zoom and pass a written exam. The written exam when required is typically administered at testing events. We recommend that you take the workshop at least 6 months before your exam. Click here for a workshop schedule and to sign up.
- Plan ahead and register for an exam when you predict you will be ready or as your mentor advises. There are no refunds of exam fees after ninety days before an exam date. Click here to read the exam fee payment/refund policy.
- Pass both a Written Exam and a Casting Performance Exam that demonstrate your teaching and two hand fly casting abilities.
Strongly Recommended
- Click here to register as a THCI candidate for our email list to receive communications regarding updates, exam prep and other important CICP information.
- Mentoring - The most important piece of advice for a THCI candidate is to work with a mentor. Mentors assist with preparations, tell their candidates what to expect during a test, and when their skills and knowledge are at the correct level for testing. To find a mentor, go to Find an Instructor, Mentor, or Examiner or contact casting@flyfishersinternational.org.
- Practice Tests - Starting several months before testing, participate in at least one full practice test and ideally more. Practice tests provide the opportunity for candidates to get detailed feedback and experience in exam situations. It may be helpful to be given a practice test by someone other than your main mentor(s) in order to get a broader perspective on your progress.
- Some candidates find it helpful to work with a casting partner or “buddy” who is also preparing for the THCI test, but this should not be viewed as a substitute for proper mentoring.
- Use of video recording of your casting, along with a motion analysis application, such as OnForm or Yogger, can be an invaluable help.
Resources for Two-Hand Casting Instructor Certification
Additional exam opportunities may be arranged by emailing the FFI Casting Coordinator at casting@flyfishersinternational.org.
Expectations
All Single and Two Hand Casting Instructors are expected to maintain proficiency in teaching and casting skills consistent with this level of certification by instructing, casting practice, and continuing education. All new and existing certified Casting Instructors should adhere to our Professional Expectations and Code of Conduct. There are opportunities for All Single and Two Hand Casting Instructors to bring their individual talents and energy to the Fly Casting Education Program by volunteering for some of its many teams. Advancement to Master level is encouraged.
Interested In A Different Certification?
For information on the available resources to become a CI, MCI, or THMCI choose one of the following.