Certified Rock Instructor

When rock instructor certification is an integral part of, or basis for, obtaining a permit to guide, Certified Rock Instructors are required to operate only within the confines of the rock instructor certification and the terrain limitations applicable to that certification. This section outlines the type of terrain on which a Certified Rock Instructor is allowed to guide when rock instructor certification is an integral requirement for obtaining a permit. AMGA guides are allowed to work outside of these limitations when their certification is not an integral requirement for acquiring a permit.

Rock Instructor Certification is designed to apply to most “cragging” rock climbing areas in the US, such as Joshua Tree, Eldorado State Park, or Cannon Cliff. Approaches and descents are generally straightforward, climbs are not in a remote setting, routes are generally short and do not involve steep snow, glaciated terrain or significant short roping in either the approach, the climb or the descent.

Certified Rock Instructors are permitted to conduct their profession on all rock routes which:

• Are Yosemite Decimal System Grade III or shorter in length
• Routes up to 5.10a
• Do not have approaches or descents where extensive use of short-rope techniques is appropriate for security
• Are not remote in nature
• Do not involve technical snow, glacier travel, the use of skis or exposure to avalanche risk