Climbing Gym Instructor Certification
Prerequisites
Students entering the Climbing Gym Instructor certificate program must be 16+ years of age and possess the following recreational climbing gym experience:
- 2 years of gym climbing experience in a variety of climbing facilities;
- 20 gym top rope routes (minimum 5.10-) flashed in the past year;
- 20 gym lead routes (minimum 5.9) flashed in the past year; and
- Observation of a minimum of 8 hours of gym-based climbing instruction where top rope technical skills (harness, knot, and belaying) and basic movement skills were taught.
Additional prerequisites include:
- A current intermediate first aid and CPR certificate.
Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 Certification Course
The Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 course is a 2.5-day blended instruction and assessment program that introduces students to the preferred methods and best practices that are common to instructing gym-based top rope climbing lessons, basic movement lessons, and managing risk in the climbing gym environment. The curriculum and assessment process emphasize the following:
- Basic teaching theory and application;
- Top rope lesson delivery;
- Basic movement lesson delivery;
- Hazard recognition and risk management; and
- Work at heights systems and occupational health and safety.
Students who successfully complete the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 certificate are eligible to be recognized as professional members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, under the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 designation.
Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 Certification Course
The Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 course is a 2.5-day blended instruction and assessment program that introduces students to the preferred methods and best practices that are common to instructing gym-based lead climbing lessons, advanced movement lessons, physical training for climbing programs, and staff training programs. The curriculum and assessment process emphasize the following:
- Lead lesson delivery;
- Advanced movement lesson delivery;
- Physical training theory;
- Physical training program delivery;
- Staff training program delivery; and
- Hazard recognition and risk management.
Students who successfully complete the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 certificate are eligible to be recognized as professional members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, under the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 designation.
Application Information
Adventure tourism activities and the environments in which they occur are inherently dangerous. When preparing and training independently for ACMG Training and Assessment Program courses and exams, choose objectives that are within your abilities, experience level, and individual risk tolerance.
Application Notes:
- Course fees are collected at the time of application and are subject to the Training and Assessment Program's withdrawal and refund policies, whereby the Training and Assessment Program does not issue any refunds after the application deadline
- You will receive an automated email response when your application has been successfully submitted.
- Do not apply until all prerequisites are met in full. Incomplete applications are subject to a reprocessing administration fee of $110.
- Additional course information and logistics will be shared with you 3 weeks prior to the course date.
- Late application requests can be made by emailing the Training and Assessment Program office ([email protected]) and will be subject to a $110 late application fee.
To apply for entry in the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 course, complete the online Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 Course Application Form and submit the following:
- An education and employment resumé;
- Attest to meeting the course prerequisites:
- 2 years of gym climbing experience in a variety of climbing facilities;
- 20 gym top rope routes (minimum 5.10-) flashed in the past year;
- 20 gym lead routes (minimum 5.9) flashed in the past year; and
- observation of a minimum of 8 hours of gym-based climbing instruction where top rope technical skills (harness, knot, and belaying) and basic movement skills were taught.
- A current intermediate first aid and CPR certificate.
To apply for entry in the Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 course, complete the online Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 Course Application Form and submit the following:
- Active professional ACMG membership with a Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 designation;
- An education and employment resumé;
- Attest to meeting the course prerequisites:
- a minimum of 250 hours of instructing experience as a Level 1 Climbing Gym Instructor;
- 20 gym lead routes (minimum 5.10+) flashed in the past year; and
- observation of a minimum of 8 hours of gym-based climbing instruction where lead climbing technical skills (clipping, belaying, and falling) and advanced movement skills were taught.
- A current intermediate first aid and CPR certificate.
Course Locations, Dates, Tuition and Deadlines
| Course Title | Location | Start Date | End Date | Tuition | Application Deadline | Payment Deadline |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 Course | Squamish, BC | 2025-11-14 | 2025-11-16 | $760.00 | 2025-10-15 | 2025-10-15 |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 Course | Toronto, ON | 2025-11-18 | 2025-11-20 | $760.00 | 2025-10-15 | 2025-10-15 |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 Course | Calgary, AB | 2025-11-28 | 2025-11-30 | $760.00 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-11-01 |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 Course | Squamish, BC | 2025-11-14 | 2025-11-16 | $820.00 | 2025-10-15 | 2025-10-15 |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 Course | Toronto, ON | 2025-11-18 | 2025-11-20 | $820.00 | 2025-10-15 | 2025-10-15 |
| Climbing Gym Instructor Level 2 Course | Calgary, AB | 2025-11-28 | 2025-11-30 | $820.00 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-11-01 |