AMGA Rock Instructor

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Rock Instructor Exam | Important Update

2019 is the final year of the AMGA Rock Instructor Exam. Over the past several years AMGA has seen a significant decrease in the number of students applying to the RIE (numbers have been dwindling year to year and in 2018 we had two RIEs scheduled and both were canceled due to lack of interest/applicants). On the flip side, we have seen a large increase in the number of students pursuing the Advanced Rock Guide Course/Assistant Exam, which has a greater Scope of Practice than the RIE and is a higher level of training.

2020 | Multi-Pitch Instructor Update

In 2020 the RIE will be replaced with the Multi-Pitch Instructor Course & Exam – Read Updates and FAQS HERE

Rock Instructor Program Information

You are expected to have a strong recreational climbing background with an acquired knowledge of knots, belaying, anchors, protection strategies, and climbing systems. It is assumed that you can lead the climbs listed on the submitted resume and that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for a week of outdoor activity.

To get your Rock Instructor Certification, you must complete:

During the Rock Instructor Exam you will be examined on climbs through Grade III and up to 5.10a/A0. You will learn or refine your skills in risk-management, industry standards, route finding, technical skills, terrain assessment, rescue scenarios, and client care.

  • Rock Guide Course

    This is the entry-level course for the Rock Guide and Alpine Guide programs and the Rock Instructor Certification. The Rock Guide Course (RGC) was designed for aspiring guides who have a strong rock climbing background and for instructors who are interested in improving their skills and increasing knowledge. The RGC trains aspiring guides on routes up to Grade III and 5.9 while emphasizing risk management and client rewards. You are expected to arrive with a strong recreational climbing background with an acquired knowledge of knots, belaying, anchors, protection strategies, and climbing systems. It is assumed that you can lead the climbs listed on the submitted resume and that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for a week of outdoor activity.

    Prerequisites:

    • Current AMGA member
    • Current CPR Certification
    • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
    • Five years personal rock climbing experience
    • Confidence leading traditional and sport routes up to 5.9, at the time of the course
    • Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
    • Familiar with multiple types of mechanical and non-mechanical belay devices
    • Familiar with a variety of rappel devices on multi-pitch rappels
    • Familiar with LNT Practices
    • You have led 10 traditional climbs rated 5.10a or harder on various rock types (single or multi-pitch)
    • You have led or shared lead on 50 multi-pitch rock routes (10 of which are Grade III or longer)

    Format:

    The RGC includes indoor and outdoor classroom time, practice sessions, and climbing on a variety of rock routes. Recreational climbing skills and judgment are screened as part of the daily activities. The course is designed to introduce some of the recommended methods common to rock guiding through sessions and practical application.

  • Rock Instructor Exam

    The goals of the six-day Rock Instructor Exam (RIE) are to assess and certify rock-climbing instructors who demonstrate a high level of expertise consistent with the standards introduced in the 10-day Rock Guide Course and to further the general education of the students.

    Prerequisites:

    • Current AMGA member
    • Current CPR Certification
    • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
    • Successful completion of the Rock Guide Course
    • Familiar with LNT practices
    • Confidence leading traditional and sport routes up to 5.10a/A0, at the time of the exam
    • Since completing the Rock Guide Course, you have completed 15 paid guided multi-pitch traditional routes
    • Since completing the Rock Guide Course, you have completed 25 total paid or mock-guided trad routes in diverse Rock-Instructor terrain
    • Since completing the Rock Guide Course, you have led 10 traditional rock climbs rated 5.10a or harder on various rock types (single or multi-pitch)

    Format:

    During the exam you are expected to carry out guiding assignments given by the examiners. You serve as guides to the examiners and to the other participants on routes chosen for their complex guiding challenges. While acting as the guide, you are responsible for route planning, client orientation, risk management, and normal guiding practices. Route assignments and client profiles are usually given the night before. You are responsible for obtaining information about the assigned route as well as alternative routes if the original objective proves infeasible.

    Expectations:

    During the RIE you will be examined on climbs through Grade III and up to 5.10a/A0. While these routes are multi-pitch, they are relatively straightforward and may not involve complex approaches and/or descents. Time factors, while important, are not as pressing on these routes. A strong emphasis is placed on risk management while maximizing client rewards.

    Assessment Areas:

    • Screening of movement skills in rock terrain;
    • Technical skills assessment including the 45-minute rock rescue drill and the five-minute knot-pass drill;
    • Guided days assessment, which includes evaluation in the following nine areas: risk management, client care, technical systems, application, terrain assessment, movement skills, mountain sense, professionalism and instructional technique.

Rock Instructor Programs Schedule

Program Type Code Location State Dates Tuition Status Apply
Rock Guide Course R1 RGC 24 Joshua Tree California 3/5/24 - 3/14/24 $3675.00 Waitlist Waitlist
Rock Guide Course R2 *RGC 24 Red Rock NCA Nevada 3/17/24 - 3/24/24 $4525.00 Waitlist Waitlist
Rock Guide Course R7 *RGC 24 Smith Rock Oregon 5/7/24 - 5/14/24 $4525.00 Waitlist Waitlist
Rock Guide Course R8 RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 5/29/24 - 6/7/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R9 RGC 24 Smith Rock Oregon 5/29/24 - 6/7/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R11* RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 6/10/24 - 6/17/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R14 RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 7/22/24 - 7/31/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R15 *BIPOC RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 9/5/24 - 9/12/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R16 *Veterans* RGC 24 Leavenworth Washington 9/5/24 - 9/14/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R17 RGC 24 North Conway New Hampshire 9/10/24 - 9/19/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R19 *RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 9/16/24 - 9/23/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R22 RGC 24 Brevard North Carolina 10/1/24 - 10/10/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R27 RGC 24 Smith Rock Oregon 10/15/24 - 10/24/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R28 RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 10/18/24 - 10/27/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R32 RGC 24 Joshua Tree California 10/29/24 - 11/7/24 $3675.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R26 *WMNS RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 10/8/24 - 10/15/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Rock Guide Course R4 RGC 24 Gunks New York 4/2/24 - 4/11/24 $3675.00 Waitlist Waitlist
Rock Guide Course R34 *WMNS* RGC 24 Boulder Colorado 9/26/24 - 10/1/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Multi-Pitch Instructor Course/Exam R13 MPI 24 Boulder Colorado 7/12/24 - 7/19/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Multi-Pitch Instructor Course/Exam R24 MPIC 24 Smith Rock Oregon 10/5/24 - 10/12/24 $4525.00 Open Apply
Multi-Pitch Instructor Course/Exam R25 MPI 24 Seneca Rocks West Virginia 10/3/24 - 10/10/24 $4525.00 Open Apply

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Instructor Team*: Paul Rachele, Mike Abbey

*Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability

Instructor team member Tim Brown going over descending technique with Joe Fratianni and Andrew Bogaard on top of Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree NP.

Course Director: Eric Whewell

Instructor: Micah Lewkowitz, Alan Rousseau

This is a 2:1 ratio program.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Photo by Jason Antin

This is a 2:1 program.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Instructor Team*: Pete Keane, Time Brown, Jeff Ward, Lindsay Fixmer

*Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability

AMGA student following on Skyridge, photo by Steve Schwortz.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

 

Instructor Team*: Vince Anderson, Matt Hartman, Paul Rachele, Alan Rousseau

*Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability

Course Director: Jeff Ward

Instructors: Chris Wright, Ian Nicholson, Evan Stevens

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

AMGA Student following on Skyridge. Photo by Steve Schwortz

Course Director: Eric Whewell

Instructor: Keith Garvey

This is a 2:1 Program.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Course Director: Eric Whewell

Instructor: Keith Garvey

Weather and condition dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado. Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Course Director: Joshua Jarrin

Instructors: Kristin Arnold, Sheldon Kerr

Through our reflection on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) has identified affinity based access as a key area of growth. Affinity programs are designed to create space for AMGA members from underrepresented groups within guiding, instructing, climbing, and skiing/snowboarding. We recognize the need to serve larger communities and we are collaborating with partners that share this vision. With the generous support of AMGA partner, Black Diamond, we have created an opportunity to take the next step in the Rock Guide track, with an Affinity BIPOC Rock Guide Course that will serve historically underrepresented communities within the AMGA.

This course is designed for anyone who identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and would like to continue their education as a rock guide. Tuition assistance is given in the form of a full scholarship to all those accepted into the program. 

Please note there are two parts to the application process. You must complete the Rock Guide Course Resume template and the Essay Application. More information will be provided when this application opens. 

Course Director: Karen Bockel

Instructors: Mick Pearson, Mike Abbey

This program is only open to VETERANS of the US Military who wish to use their GI Bill funds to pay for the course. This course is run through the American Alpine Institute (an AMGA accredited business), who are accredited and approved to accept GI Bill funding.

In order to participate on this Alpine Guide Course, you must:

1) Be a veteran of the US Military

2) Apply to the program, pay the non-refundable application fee, and submit all of the required application materials (resume, WFR/CPR, and AMGA approved avalanche training certs) to show that you meet the prerequisites for the AGC

3) Email Jesse Littleton ([email protected]) proof of veteran status

4) Once your materials have been reviewed, you will be eligible to become enrolled in the course if space is available (like all AMGA programs, entrance is competitive and we may receive more applications than we have spaces available - meeting the prerequisites is not a guarantee of enrollment, please review the process for application review here.

5) If accepted into the program, you will be sent a document describing how to complete the enrollment process and use your VA benefits to pay for the program. You cannot be officially enrolled until you have completed the VA Benefits Survey and Enrollment Agreement through the American Alpine Institute.

If you have any questions about this course, the application review/enrollment process, how to use your VA benefits, or anything else related to this program, please contact Jesse Littleton ([email protected]).

Course Director: Paul Rachele

Instructor: Amos Whiting

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Course Director: Mike Soucy

Instructors: Micah Lewkowitz, Vince Anderson, Matt Hartman

This is a 2:1 ratio. Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Course Director: Christian Santelices

Instructor: Paul Rachele

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

AMGA Student following on Skyridge. Photo by Steve Schwortz

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted. 

Instructor team member Tim Brown going over descending technique with Joe Fratianni and Andrew Bogaard on top of Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree NP.

Over the last few years, the American Mountain Guides Association has reflected on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our association, recognizing areas of growth and creating an action plan. One of our key focuses is creating accessibility to our courses through various initiatives like the women’s Single Pitch Instructor Course and women’s Rock Guide Course.

At this time, this is not a tuition-assisted program, but we are hoping to secure partner funding similar to previous years. We will keep applicants udpated on the status of this. The program will run as a women's RGC regardless. 

This program is for anyone who identifies as a woman and would like to continue their education as a rock guide. 

Please note there are two parts to the application process. You must complete the Rock Guide Course Resume template and the Essay Application. More information will be provided when this application opens. 

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Instructor Team*: Silas Rossi, Erik Leidecker

*Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability

Course Director: Eric Whewell

Instructors: Joe Thompson

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.

AMGA Student following on Skyridge. Photo by Steve Schwortz

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