CWI Training course

The Climbing Wall Instructor Program

The CWI certification program focuses on education, review and skills evaluation of individual candidates using consensus certification standards developed by leading professionals in the indoor climbing industry. To learn more, read the full CWI Program Policy. 

The Mission of the CWI program:

• To increase the professionalism, knowledge, and experience of climbing wall instructors.

• To provide access to consistent and quality certification programs.

Climbing Wall Instructor Certification

The CWA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Course will address the basic technical skills necessary to participate in an instructional program at a climbing facility, and will address the following general topic areas:

• professionalism

• equipment and facility inspection

• client orientation and instruction

• bouldering and spotting - Level 1

• teaching top rope skills - Level 2

• teaching lead skills - Level 3

• risk management

The CWA CWI Certification is divided into 3 progressive levels:

Level 1 - Bouldering - Level 2 - Auto Belay and Top Rope - Level 3 - Lead Climbing

To become a certified Climbing Wall Instructor you will complete an online Foundation self-directed module. With the successful completion of the Foundation module, the candidate will complete the subsequent Level 1 module and assessment, then Level 2 module and assessment, and finally a Level 3 module and assessment.

All instructional material and assessments must be completed for each level either through courses provided by the CWA or our network of Providers.

Once the candidate holds lead certification, the candidate may apply for a CWI Provider certification.

Minimum Experience Recommendations for the CWI Certification

Foundations study - no experience

Level 1 - 16 years old; minimum bouldering experience; can climb V0

Level 2 - 18 years old; 20 top rope climbing experiences; can climb 5.8

Level 3 - 18 years old; 40 lead climbing outings; can lead 5.9

For this course we will be offering LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 only.