CWA CERTIFICATIONS

WORK AT HEIGHT

CERTIFICATION

Work at Height Certifications train and assess the ability of the candidate to access elevated work positions and perform work-at-height operations in climbing facilities according to accepted industry practices and the CWA Work at Height Standard. The program also trains and assesses the candidate’s ability to perform a prompt and effective rescue at-height.

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

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WAH Level 2 Technician

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

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WAH Level 3 Technician: Provider

The WAH Level 2 technician is ready for the WAH Level 3 Provider course once they have worked in a supervisory position in the climbing industry for 200 hours and have reached the age of 21 years. Before the end of the certification course, the prospective WAH Provider will need to complete a minimum of 5.5 hours of First Aid training. The WAH Level 3 course with Provider certification is offered in a blended format with online content, virtual calls with group discussion, and in-person assessment of 8 hours.

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PROFESSIONAL

ROUTESETTER

CERTIFICATION

Professional Routesetting (PRS) is a voluntary certification program designed by the Climbing Wall Association to provide an education pathway for routesetters working for climbing gyms. The curriculum for all levels centers on technical skills, industry best practices, and mentorship.

PRS Level 1

PRS Level 1 is intended for students with little to no prior routesetting experience, and prepares successful candidates for an entry level role on a routesetting team.

The PRS Level 1 course assesses candidates' ability to:

  • Work on a setting team under direct supervision

  • Identify common risks in a bouldering environment

  • Properly use basic routesetting tools and equipment

  • Securely attach holds

  • Forerun, assess, and edit boulders to meet intended difficulty for a designated audience under the guidance of more experienced setters

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PRS Level 2 Boulders

PRS Level 2 is designed for routesetters with prior experience, and prepares the successful candidate for a role as a professional routesetter at a bouldering climbing facility.

The PRS Level 2 Boulder course assesses the candidate's ability to:

  • Work as part of a professional routesetting team for a recreational climbing facility

  • Identify, assess, and act to control or eliminate risks present in a bouldering environment.

  • Identify equipment misuse and perform inspections

  • Securely handle and attach macros and volumes

  • Set complete boulders within an allotted time

  • Forerun, assess, and edit boulders to meet intended difficulty and function for a designated audience

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PRS Level 2 Ropes

PRS Level 2 Ropes integrates the routesetting skills covered in Level 2 Boulders with the technical skills taught in the CWA Work At Height Level 1 course. This certification prepares the successful candidate for a role as a professional routesetter at a full-service climbing facility.

The PRS Level 2 Ropes course teaches students to:

  • Perform routesetting operations while in suspension in compliance with the CWA WAH Standard

  • Identify and control predictable hazards unique to routesetting on rope systems

  • Set, forerun, assess and edit routes efficiently on rope systems

  • Assist in rescue activities as directed.

PRS Level 2 Ropes course includes WAH Level 1 Certification.

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FAQs

  • Certification programs offer the participant an opportunity to deepen their knowledge about equipment, tricks, and tips, how to instruct in many ways, and most importantly, they provide a chance to meet others in our industry who have had different experiences.

    Certification is also an excellent motivator for staff. As humans we like to progress, and progressing requires learning more and becoming more skilled by being challenged out of our comfort zones. Well-trained and skilled staff increase their job satisfaction and the industry's professionalism as a whole.

    A certified instructor or staff person will have already demonstrated to a third-party observer their competency. The documentation of this competency provides a level of protection from scrutiny if and when something happens at an indoor climbing gym

  • Yes. We would love to come out and train your staff.

  • The CWA hosts certification summits around 4 times a year at various locations in the US and Canada.

    If you are interested in attending a summit, check out the CWA event calendar to see if there is an event nearby.

  • If you are unsure, connect with us and we can help guide you.