AMGA Rock Instructor

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:

The 10-day Rock Guide Course (RGC)
The 6-day Rock Instructor Exam (RIE)
Current CPR Certification
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR

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

For the complete AMGA Course Schedule, click here
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MULTI-PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE & EXAM

Program Type	Code	Location	State	Dates	Tuition	Status	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R13 RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	7/22/25 - 7/31/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R14 *BIPOC RGC 25	Smith Rock	Oregon	9/10/25 - 9/17/25	$4700.00	Open	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R15 RGC 25	North Conway	New Hampshire	9/9/25 - 9/18/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R17 *RGC 25	Boulder	Colorado	9/16/25 - 9/23/25	$4700.00	Applications Under Review*
Rock Guide Course	R21 WMNS RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	9/30/25 - 10/7/25	$4700.00	Open	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R25 RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	10/14/25 - 10/23/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R26 RGC 25	Smith Rock	Oregon	10/16/25 - 10/25/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R30 RGC 25	Joshua Tree	California	11/3/25 - 11/12/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R20 RGC 25	Seneca Rocks	West Virginia	9/30/25 - 10/9/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R32 VETERANS RGC 25	Leavenworth	Washington	9/3/25 - 9/10/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist