Rock

Professionalism, safety, and standardization — all of these are things our clients look for in a guide and can be delivered through AMGA training. Guiding is not an ad hock profession but a craft, and the more we all honor that element of our job the greater the long term rewards will be for the industry as a whole and guides as individuals.
— Majka Burhardt, Certified Rock Guide

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The Rock discipline is considered by many to be the foundation of technical guiding. The AMGA offers guide training that fits every aspect of rock guiding from institutional top rope settings to more committing grade VI adventures, from technical descents to emergency rescues scenarios that potentially face every guide in the field.

The Rock Guide Programs prepares and trains you for a professional level of technical instruction and guiding. This discipline introduces and refines necessary skills such as risk-management, industry standards, route finding, technical proficiencies, terrain assessment, a variety of rescue scenarios, and client care. These programs are offered at many rock climbing destinations by the AMGA and its instructor pool throughout the year.

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Rock Instructor Course (RIC):

The RIC is designed to take a proficient rock climber and develop the skills necessary to guide in single and multi-pitch terrain. During this ten-day course you will learn and develop skills that define the standard for multi-pitch rock guiding. These programs are held throughout the United States in areas like Joshua Tree, Eldorado Canyon, and Shawngunks. (+) Learn More

Rock Instructor Exam (RIE):

This six-day certification exam covers the skills developed during the Rock Instructor Course and ensures a guiding standard required for single-pitch to Grade III guided ascents and descents. (+) Learn More

Rock Guide Course (RGC):

The RGC is a ten-day program designed to elevate your guiding skills to the highest standard in the Rock discipline. This demanding and challenging program will hone your skills as a guide and will prepare you to become a Certified Rock Guide. The course includes an Aspirant Exam evaluation. Each participant must perform to standard and receive a Pass assessment in order to move on to the Rock Guide Exam. Fitness, efficiency, and strong technical skills are required for this course. The RGC is held in world class climbing areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rock National Conservation Area, and Eldorado Canyon State Park. (+) Learn More

Rock Guide Exam (RGE): Sponsored by Black Diamond

All of the rock programs lead to this exam. The RGE is a six-day assessment at the international standard for guiding proficiency. Aspirant guides are reviewed on technical competence, terrain assessment, route finding, technical descents, rescue skills, and client care. A Certified Rock Guide possesses the skills to guide multiple clients on single-pitch to Grade VI terrain. (+) Learn More