AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Course – Maine
Get Certified to Teach Indoor Climbing with Confidence and Credibility
The AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Course is designed for climbers who want to professionally instruct in indoor climbing gyms or on artificial climbing walls. Whether you’re a gym employee, camp staff, or aspiring educator, this nationally recognized certification helps you build safer, more effective instruction practices.
Equinox Guiding Service is proud to offer AMGA-accredited CWI courses in Maine, taught by certified AMGA CWI Providers.
What You’ll Get
20 hours of training over 2.5 days covering core instruction techniques, belaying, strong movement fundamentals, and climber progression.
Hands-on sessions with experienced guides, focusing on what participants need to lead climbs, both physically and mentally.
Risk-management components: understanding gym systems, setting up top-ropes, emergency response, and what “professional climbing instruction” looks like in practice.
Who This Is Best For
Gym employees looking to move into instructing or program leadership.
Climbers who want to formalize their guiding skills, teach classes, or offer coaching.
Anyone 18+, with some climbing experience (top-rope 5.8 or equivalent preferred), comfortable belaying, and ready to learn teaching skills.
Logistics & Pricing
Location: EVO Rock + Fitness, Portland, Maine
Duration: 2.5 days (20 hours total)
Cost: $500(includes all materials, use of gear, certification)
Prerequisites: Minimum climbing experience (ability to lead/shape top-rope 5.7–5.8 or equivalent), ability to belay, age 18+, etc.
What to Bring
Climbing shoes (if you have), chalk, comfortable athletic clothes
Notebook & pen for notes during class
Water, snacks for breaks
Who Should Take This Course
The AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Course is ideal for anyone looking to take the next step in their climbing journey — whether you’re starting a career in outdoor recreation, working at an indoor climbing gym, or planning to pursue further AMGA certifications.
This course is designed for:
Aspiring climbing instructors seeking a nationally recognized certification
Climbing gym staff looking to upgrade their professional qualifications
Outdoor program leaders or educators needing climbing wall training
College rec center staff or camp counselors working in climbing settings
Experienced climbers who want to deepen their safety, coaching, and leadership skills
