Climbing Wall Manager Training Program

Call-To-Schedule

The Climbing Wall Manager Training Program is the ideal course for anyone interested in becoming a CWA certified Climbing Wall Instructor or managing an indoor climbing wall/facility. The primary goals of the program are to increase the level of professional climbing instruction in North America and to assure that climbing wall operators are in compliance with current industry standards. This program is endorsed by the Climbing Wall Association (CWA) as a pilot program and is modeled after Vertical Endeavors’ Instructor Training Program which has been administered for over 18 years.

The CWA Industry Practices and the Certification Program Student Manual serve as source books in preparation for this course. Participants that pass the course will receive a CWI certification card issued by the CWA.

Training Format

The Climbing Wall Manager Training Program takes place over two days. The Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Course is covered in the first eight hours of program on day one. Day two will begin with a sport leading climbing session for participants seeking the CWI Lead Endorsement. The training continues with curriculum designed for managing an indoor climbing wall or facility. Content includes industry practices, risk management policies, administration, human resource management, program development and operational policies. Upon completion of the training, a written exam is administered. The program provider combines the exam score, the CWI score and overall assessment of the candidate to determine pass or fail.

Participants that pass the second section will receive a CWI Lead Endorsement Certification from the CWA and the CWMTP Certification issued by Vertical Endeavors. Certificate holders may be grandfathered in as CWA certified CWMTP participant once the pilot period has ended.

The CWMTP Certification Course is designed as a two-day,16-hour program. Course fee includes the $45 CWA CWI Certification fee.

We must have a minimum of 6 participants to run this course.

Required Prerequisites

The candidate is at least 18 years of age by the conclusion of the course*
The candidate is currently First Aid and CPR certified (American Red Cross Basic – 5.5 to 6.5 hours or equivalent)
The candidate provides a résumé or other document showing a minimum of 50 hours of work as a climbing instructor, demonstrating an expertise in indoor climbing settings
The candidate can demonstrate basic climbing movement skills on top rope at the 5.8 level in a calm, confident manner with good positioning without falls
The candidate can lead climb at the 5.7 level, demonstrating an awareness of potential hazards, possess lead belay skills and climb confidently without falls**
The candidate has/is provided with appropriate equipment in good condition
The candidate can demonstrate proper care, use, and inspection of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
The candidate can demonstrate proficient belay technique
*Participants under the age of 18 may audit the course but will not receive certification. Participants will instead receive a letter of completion.

**Only mandatory for those participating in the CWI Lead Endorsement on Day 2.

Minimum Experience Recommendations

The candidate has one-year personal climbing experience
The candidate has a minimum of 20 outings climbing indoors/outdoors
The candidate has a combination of formal training and climbing experience totaling a minimum of 50 hours
NOTE: These guidelines are provided by way of example. Candidates that do not have sufficient prior climbing experience may not pass the course.

CWMTP courses are Call-To-Schedule.

All participants must sign our Liability Waiver and Rules Agreement.

Waiver