Climbing Wall Instructor Program
About
The AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Program, established in 2007 and internationally endorsed by the UIAA in 2009, is the only globally recognized certification for climbing wall instruction in the U.S. This 2.5-day program provides at least 20 hours of training and assessment, covering risk management, teaching techniques, and technical skills for managing instructional programs at climbing facilities. Designed for instructors, facility managers, and outdoor educators, successful participants earn certification at either the Top Rope or Lead Climbing standard.
Program Overview
Program Details
Climbing Wall terrain is indoor or outdoor artificial climbing structures designed specifically for rock climbing activities. There are two AMGA certification levels for this terrain: Lead Climbing Wall Instructor and Top Rope Climbing Wall Instructor.
- Top Rope Climbing Wall Instructors are eligible to teach climbing movement and top rope climbing skills instruction on artificial climbing structures.
- Lead Climbing Wall Instructors are eligible to teach lead climbing skills on single pitch artificial climbing structures in addition to the skills taught by Top Rope Climbing Wall Instructors.
Top Rope Certification pre-requisites:
- AMGA Professional Membership
- 18 years of age at the time of the course.
- At least one year documented personal climbing experience (a minimum of 30 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors in the last 12 months.)
- Ability to comfortably climb 5.7 on top rope on artificial surfaces.
- Ability to top rope belay with a manual braking device or an assisted braking device.
- Ability to tie the figure eight follow through and familiarity with the figure eight on a bight and overhand on a bight.
- An understanding of the proper use of personal climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, carabiners, and ropes.
- Prior teaching and/or having observed basic climbing courses is recommended, but not required.
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Lead Certification pre-requisites:
- AMGA Professional Membership
- 18 years of age at the time of the course.
- At least one year documented personal climbing experience (a minimum of 50 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors in the last 12 months.)
- Ability to comfortably climb 5.9 on top rope and competently lead climb 5.8 on artificial surfaces.
- Ability to competently belay a lead climber with a manual belay device and assisted braking device.
- Experience teaching (formally or informally) the use of personal climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, belay device, carabiners, and ropes.
Upcoming Programs
Climbing Wall Instructor Program
Contact the AMGA national office to apply to our Provider Programs.
CWI Provider Program
Based throughout the country, CWI Providers teach AMGA CWI Courses and facilitate CWI Exams.
