CWI Provider Program
About
CWI Providers are key to the AMGA, delivering CWI Certification Programs nationwide. We seek experienced educators with strong group facilitation skills, technical climbing knowledge, effective communication, and a commitment to inclusive, supportive learning.Becoming a Provider is a 5-day AMGA-led training and assessment. Graduates are endorsed, not employed, by the AMGA and teach through approved host facilities. Hosts manage liability and tuition; Providers are paid by the host and pay annual dues plus a per-student fee to the AMGA.
Steps to Become an CWI Provider:
- Apply for the 5-day CWI Provider Training Course & Exam (see prerequisites below).
- Attend & Pass – Gain provisional status to teach CWI Programs at a 6:1 ratio.
- Provisional Period – A performance-based evaluation phase, during which AMGA may audit programs. Continued eligibility and annual renewal depend on meeting CWI Provider standards.
Program Overview
Program Details
This intensive program combines lectures and hands-on teaching to train new CWI Providers. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course—there is no single exam. A minimum score is required to pass, and unsuccessful candidates must reapply. Candidates rotate between provider and student roles and are evaluated daily using the CWI rubric.
Focus Areas:
- Teaching and demonstrating curriculum content
- Facilitating guided practice and managing student risk
Candidates must demonstrate mastery of the CWI curriculum, teach "how to teach" each topic, explain their techniques, and give/receive real-time feedback. Strong group facilitation and mentoring skills are essential.
Preparation:
- Complete pre-course assignments and eLearning
- Create lesson plans and program itineraries
- Be ready to teach isolated curriculum segments (e.g., lead belaying, clipping)
- Shadow a CWI program if needed
- Practice delivering lessons and managing group risk
Pass Rate: ~85%. Common challenges include risk management and teaching technique.
How to Apply:
- Essay Questions – Answer 5 of 6 (250–500 words each):
• Why you'd be an effective provider
• What you'd bring to the program
• How you stay approachable
• A time you received tough feedback
• Key elements of one-on-one feedback
• Example of telling a student they didn’t pass - Professional Resume – Include total days instructing and guiding per job.
- Teaching Resume (CWI Template) – Document at least 150 hours of indoor/manufactured wall instruction. Include audience type, topics taught (e.g., belaying, movement), and relevant group/staff training experience.
- Example Lesson Plan – Based on a CWI curriculum session using the CWI Program Manual. If accepted, full lesson plans for all sessions are required before the course.
- Update myAMGA Account – Health Statement, contact info, apparel size, etc.
- Application Fee – $75 (non-refundable)
- Minimum training level required:
- AMGA CWI-Lead, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Multi-Pitch Instructor, or AMGA Rock Guide
- Those applicants without a CWI Lead certification, but have a higher level of rock certification may be considered along with minimum required experience teaching/instructing in an indoor or artificial climbing wall environment.
- Minimum teaching and instructing experience:
- 300 hours teaching and instructing climbing in an indoor or artificial climbing wall environment
- 150 hours minimum listed in the resume template
- Experience in group management, experiential education, and staff training is preferred
- Able to top rope 5.9 and onsight lead 5.8 sport, on artificial surfaces, at the time of the training course.Is capable of giving a lead demonstration with conscious movement that is worthy of emulation.
- Current AMGA Member
- 21 years of age or older
Upcoming Programs
CWI Provider Program
Contact the AMGA national office to apply to our Provider Programs.
Climbing Wall Instructor Program
Train to manage and instruct at indoor or artificial climbing wall facilities.
