Become a CWI Provider

New for 2023 and beyond!

The process of becoming a CWI Provider has been fully revised. Please check out this revamped page to learn about the path to becoming a CWI Provider.

What is a CWI Provider?

Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Providers are a vital component of the AMGA. Based throughout the country, CWI Providers teach AMGA CWI Programs.

As representatives of the AMGA and providers of the CWI curriculum – we look for dedicated educators with comprehensive teaching and/or mentoring experience that are committed to helping students succeed. In addition to climbing and technical expertise, being able to articulate written and verbal feedback is an essential skill for those interested in becoming a Provider. We are also seeking individuals who are committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all aspiring climbing instructors.

The process of becoming a Provider is a partnership between the applicant and the AMGA—the training program is taught and facilitated by the AMGA.

How do I become a CWI Provider?

Steps:

Start by applying to the 5 day Provider Training Course! Please see prerequisites and “how to apply” information below.
Participate in the 5 day Provider Training Course: those candidates who successfully pass are approved to teach CWI Programs independently as a Provider, at the 6:1 student to Provider ratio.
Teach programs: CWI Providers are subject to a provisional period starting from the date of Provider Training Course completion. A provisional period is a mutual evaluation time for the Provider and the AMGA. The provisional period is based on the performance of the Provider. During this time, the Provider may be subject to program auditing by AMGA. We look for ongoing performance that meets the standards expected of an AMGA CWI. Performance evaluation will be part of eligibility to renew one’s Provider Agreement each year.

Please visit the FAQ for more information.

If you are a current Assistant Provider:

Check out the Assistant Provider Bridge Program for more information and options for your advancement toward Provider status.

Program Information

PREREQUISITES:
CWI Provider Prerequisites:
- Minimum training level required:
  - AMGA CWI-Lead
- Minimum teaching and instructing experience:
  - 300 hours teaching and instructing climbing in an indoor or artificial climbing wall environment
  - 50 hours should be 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 inspires confidence and is worthy of emulation.
- Current AMGA Member
- 21 years of age or older
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Instructions:

In order for your application to be considered complete, please submit the following items prior to the application deadline.

Email application packet, in a google drive folder, to the Climbing Instructor Program Manager, Andrew Megas-Russell [email protected] and pay the application fee prior to the application deadline.

1. Essay Questions:

Answer 5 out of the 6, limit 250-500 words per question
- What will make you an effective provider and what elevates you above other candidates?
- What would you bring that would be valuable to the Climbing Instructor Program?
- How do you provide an atmosphere that makes you approachable for instructors both professionally and personally?
- Share a time when you received tough feedback from a supervisor or boss?
- Describe key elements related to facilitating effective one-on-one feedback, and debriefs on a program.
- Provide a written example of feedback telling a student they did not pass their movement.
2. Professional Resume:
- Candidate MUST include the number of days instructing at each job and number of days guiding at each job.
3. Indoor or manufactured climbing wall instruction and teaching resume:

• Applicants must use the CWI Resume-Template provided by the AMGA
• Document (a minimum) of 25 classes or clinics - which equates to between 50-100 hours
• This will include the audience: youth group, adult group, climbing team members, school group, or private individuals
• As well as the topic of your class or clinic: lead climbing, lead belaying top rope belaying, bouldering technique, climbing movement, or staff training
• Experience in group management, experiential education, and staff training is preferred

4. Example Lesson Plan:

• Choose a CWI curriculum session from the CWI Program Manual
• Refer to the lesson plan section and use the template on pages 20-22 in the CWI Program Manual
• You may be expected to teach this session during the program
• If accepted to the program, you will be expected to create lesson plans for all of the CWI curriculum sessions outlined in the CWI Program Manual prior to the program start.

5. Ensure your myAMGA account information is up to date:

• Update your AMGA Health Statement including emergency contact and signature date
• Update your Basic Information including apparel sizes and Public Profile information including current contact information

6. $75 non-refundable application fee -

• Email your application to andrew@amga.com and you will receive an online payment link in return.

Please do not submit AMGA course evaluations or certifications with the application. These may be reviewed during the application process. You do not need to include these.
APPLICATION REVIEW:
Application Review:

Enrollment decisions are based on a number of factors including the following:
- Application is received by the application deadline
- Resume completeness and strength
- Evaluations from previous courses and exams
- Previous wait list status
Best Qualified applicants considerably exceed the minimum prerequisites

Well Qualified applicants exceed the minimum prerequisites

Qualified applicants meet the minimum prerequisites
TUITION INFORMATION:
Tuition Information:
- Participants are responsible for other costs associated with the training including but not limited to food, travel and lodging.
- To accept and hold your space on a program, a deposit of $500.00 is due within two weeks of acceptance.
- Failure to pay your deposit will result in being dropped from the program
  - $150.00 of your program deposit is always non-refundable
- Your full tuition is due within ten weeks of the program’s start date. Failure to pay your full tuition will result in being dropped from the program.
Cancellation & Refund:
- If you cancel your enrollment for any reason outside of ten weeks prior to the program’s start date, you’ll be refunded all but $150.00 of your tuition.
- If you cancel your enrollment within ten weeks of the program’s start date, the AMGA will retain 100% of your tuition. Please note:
- If AMGA is able to fill your space on the program with another qualified participant, we will refund your tuition less the $500.00 deposit.
- You will receive a full tuition refund if the AMGA cancels the program prior to the program’s start date. The AMGA is not responsible for costs associated in these cases, outside of tuition.
- Although rare, the AMGA reserves the right to change a program location at any time due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, local snow or ice conditions that make the venue unsuitable). The AMGA is not responsible for costs associated in these cases.
- If the AMGA cancels your program after the program has begun, you will receive a prorated refund or tuition credit.*
- If you have to leave your program after the program has begun, for any reason, the AMGA will retain 100% of your tuition. There is no refund or tuition credit option.
- We strongly recommend that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
- There is no transfer option. If you drop from your training course you will need to reapply. The AMGA will waive your application fee one time.
COVID-19 INFORMATION:
Does AMGA require Mountain Guide Program participants to be vaccinated & boosted against COVID-19?
Effective January 1, 2023 AMGA will no longer require Mountain Guide Program students, participants, or employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
- AMGA’s vaccination policy may continue to change over time as the disease changes and recommendations from public health professionals evolve. If a change impacts your program, we will update you directly.
- AMGA will continue to adhere to any government requirements for vaccination.
- Vaccination and booster upkeep remain strongly encouraged.
What is AMGA’s COVID-19 Operating Plan?
The federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ended on May 11, 2023. With the public health emergency now over, the AMGA's COVID-19 Operating Plan, Policies, and Procedures are being suspended indefinitely. If it becomes necessary to reinstitute the COVID-19 Operating Plan, the AMGA will notify the membership. Otherwise, please remember COVID-19 remains present and may still affect AMGA programming. Common public health practices such as good hygiene, vaccination, and booster upkeep can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please consider avoiding public interactions in large group settings, particularly indoors, before your program. If you become sick before or during a program, notify the office immediately for assistance.

What happens if I get COVID-19 before my program start date?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, or are having symptoms of COVID-19 before your program, please call the AMGA office. Specific answers can not be given here for every individual scenario, as individual cases will be different based on timelines and program start dates. While we will do our best to work with you and get you onto your program, solutions will be based on individual situations and illness and program timelines. COVID-19 illness is NOT exempt from AMGA’s cancellation policy. Please purchase Trip Insurance.
PROGRAM FORMAT:
FORMAT

The 5 day CWI Provider Training Program is a combination of instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment.

There will be an ongoing format of coaching, education, and assessment while giving candidates strategies for framing and creating a positive learning environment, organizing effective program itineraries, and managing the administrative tasks for the program. Critical review of course curriculum session delivery as would be taught on an CWI Course is core to this program block.

As a pilot program we make radical changes from the itinerary to best prepare candidates for becoming a Provider.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Additional Information:

• Do I need first aid or CPR training to apply?
You must hold the level of medical training that matches the requirement of the climbing gym or facility that will be hosting the AMGA CWI courses that you intend to provide.

• The AMGA does not reimburse for any travel, food, lodging or associated costs to become a provider.

• Once your application is accepted you will receive more information.

• If you have additional questions after referring to this entire page, please contact Andrew [email protected]

CWI Provider Training Schedule

Programs March-April 2024

Application Deadline is November 8th, 2023
Acceptance Notification is December 8th, 2023

Programs October-November 2024

Application Deadline is April 1st, 2024
Acceptance Notification is May 3rd, 2024

*Applicants may apply to multiple programs at the same time and list first choice / second choice

* Since dates and locations are not finalized, we may be able to provide flexibility with the application deadline. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested and would like to discuss further before applying.