Certification Courses

The prerequisite to join our CWI Level 1 course you must be 16 yrs of age and have some climbing experience. The course is offered in a blended format with online content followed by a skills assessment.

Successful completion of the certification prepares the candidate for these roles and responsibilities in an indoor climbing facility:

• Maintain the requirements of certification as outlined in the Certification Program Policy Manual

• Comply with CWI Certification Standard practices as outlined in the student manual

• Act as a climbing wall worker offering orientations, and monitoring climbing activities

The prerequisite to join our CWI Level 2 course is a minimum 18 yrs of age, climbing 5.8 over 20 top rope climbing outings and the practice belaying with an assisted belay device and a passive belay device, a CWI Level 1 certificant can register for the CWI Level 2 course. The CWI Level 2 is offered in a blended learning format with online content and demonstration of both technical skills and instructional skills.

Once certified, a CWI Level 2 candidate can fulfill these roles and responsibilities:

• All responsibilities of Level 1

• Use equipment that meets the CWA Certification Standard for climbing activities

• Cultivate an instructional environment that cultivates trust and learning.

• Use appropriate communication skills and instructional skills to prepare climbers

• Act as a climbing facility monitor, offer orientations, belay checks, and orientations for top rope climbing

When a CWI Level 2 certificant has 40 lead climbing outings and progresses to climbing 5.9, the certificant is ready for the CWI Level 3 course. The course is delivered in a blended learning format with an assessment of the knowledge, technical skills, instructional skills, and the ability to make sound judgments.

These are the roles and responsibilities for all individuals certified at CWI Level 3:

• All responsibilities of Levels 1 and 2

• Act as a climbing facility monitor, offer orientations, belay checks, and orientations for lead climbing

When a CWI Level 2 certificant has 40 lead climbing outings and progresses to climbing 5.9, the certificant is ready for the CWI Level 3 course. The course is delivered in a blended learning format with an assessment of the knowledge, technical skills, instructional skills, and the ability to make sound judgments.

These are the roles and responsibilities for all individuals certified at CWI Level 3:

• All responsibilities of Levels 1 and 2

• Act as a climbing facility monitor, offer orientations, belay checks, and orientations for lead climbing

Any 18-year-old person with an interest in routesetting, a willingness to work on a ladder, an ability to lift 50 pounds, (25 kg), and a basic experience in routesetting is welcome to begin the PRS certification program. Fifty hours of routesetting experience is recommended but not required. The PRS Level 1 course is delivered in a blended learning format with online content and an 8-hour setting day in person.

The following is a list of the duties and responsibilities of an individual who has passed certification:

• Work on a setting team, under supervision

A candidate with a recommended 200 hours of routesetting experience on ladders, the ability to understand and demonstrate climbing movement up to V4 meets the prerequisite requirements. This course is offered in a blended format including the in-person practice of routesetting and forerunning skills and with online content.

The following is a list of the duties and responsibilities of an individual who has passed certification:

•  Use appropriate communication skills with stakeholders (clients, facility 
  employees, owners, operators)

• Demonstrate sound judgment and follow risk management strategies

• Work on a setting team

• Participate in forerunning on boulders.​

A PRS Level 2 Boulder technician with a WAH Level 1 certification, or concurrent enrollment, and the ability to demonstrate and understand climbing movement up to 5.10 and a recommended 150 hours of routesetting experience.

The following is a list of the duties and responsibilities of an individual who has passed certification:

•  Use appropriate communication skills with stakeholders (clients, facility 
  employees, owners, operators)

• Demonstrate sound judgment and follow risk management strategies

• Work on a setting team

• Participate in forerunning on roped routes.

WAH Level 1 Technician

Before registering for the WAH Level 1 certification a candidate must be 18 years of age, be able to climb 5.9 on lead, and lift 50 pounds. The WAH Level 1 course is offered in a blended learning format with online content and the in-person 8-hour assessment of technical skills including ascending, descending, and hauling.

These duties and responsibilities can be executed by a certified WAH Level 1 technician:

• Can be assigned Work at Height tasks on the front side of the wall

• Assist in rescue activities 

• Identify and avoid hazards

A WAH Level 1 Technician will be able to proceed forward to the WAH Level 2 certification. The WAH Level 2 is offered in a blended learning format with online content and an in-person assessment of 8 hours in delivery.

Once certified, a WAH Level 2 technician can execute the duties and responsibilities as described below:

• Can effectively communicate and provide feedback and guidance in a Work at Height setting

• Enact a Rescue Plan

• Supervise Work at Height activities