AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Program

The AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification is the industry-standard credential for those who want to teach climbing techniques, manage risk, and lead instructional programs on indoor or artificial climbing walls. It provides over 20+ hours of expert-led training covering belaying, risk assessment, movement coaching, and group management.

This certification is perfect for individuals looking to start a career in climbing instruction or advance in the industry. It is particularly beneficial for those aspiring to work in climbing gyms, recreation centers, or coaching programs. It suits both beginners looking to teach basic techniques and experienced climbers aiming to enhance their instructional skills.

There are two certification levels in the Climbing Wall Instructor program, Top Rope and Lead. The prerequisites losted below for each certification level are the bare minimum of skills and experience needed to successfully complete CWI certification.

CWI 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.

CWI Lead Certification pre-requisites:

• AMGA Professional Membership
• 18 years of age at the time of the course.
• At least one year of documented, personal climbing experience (a minimum of 50 outings climbing indoors / outdoors in the last year).
• 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.
• Formal or informal experience teaching the use of personal climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, belay device, carabiners, and ropes.

For more information, please see the AMGA website here.

The CWI course includes comprehensive training on:

• Belaying techniques and risk management
• Movement coaching and instructional methods
• Group management and safety protocols
• Effective communication and teaching strategies
• Practical, hands-on training with real-world scenarios

The certification can be completed in just 2.5 days, balancing classroom learning with practical climbing instruction. This fast-paced, intensive training ensures you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently instruct climbers of all levels.

Yes, the AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification is widely recognized and trusted by climbing gyms nationwide. It is the industry-standard credential, enhancing your resume and opening doors to opportunities in climbing instruction, management, and coaching.

With the CWI Certification, you can pursue various roles in the climbing industry, including:

• Climbing Wall Instructor in gyms or recreation centers
• Group leader for youth programs or team-building events
• Private climbing coach or personal instructor
• Manager or supervisor of indoor climbing facilities

This certification equips you with the expertise and credibility needed to stand out in the rapidly growing indoor climbing industry.