Climbing Wall Provider Exam

Scenario: You are conducting a certification class for 2 new gym hires, Alex and Chris. You plan on conducting the course in 2 weeks. Your first step is to confirm their readiness for the course.

Here is what you know about Alex. Alex has submitted their application materials outlining 2 years of climbing experience, climbs 5.10 on lead, that they have been involved in coaching at another gym, and that their first aid certification has lapsed. Your impression is that Alex pays attention to details and is enthusiastic. During the hiring process, Alex outlined a strong background in customer service and loves working with youth.

Here’s what you know about Chris. Chris’s application mentions 7 years of climbing experience and the ability to climb 5.9 on top rope and 5.8 on lead, Chris’s first aid certification will be renewed before the CWI course. Chris has been assisting with birthday parties and had started climbing when 9 years old, going climbing with their parents inconsistently. Chris does not have other work experience.

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* 1. How will you prepare the candidates for the course and ensure their readiness? (Select all that apply.)

Provide a link to the CWA CWI Student Manual and Policy Manual before the course date

Request they review the material before the course and welcome questions

Conduct phone interviews, or in person meetings with candidates to ensure readiness

Review the candidates CWI application and follow up on any concerns before allowing them into the course

Have a discussion with the candidates of the goals in your course curriculum

If the candidates meet the prerequisites no preparation is required

Add any additional elements of risk that you would pay attention to

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* 2. Sort the following elements of CWI certification course in order of delivery? Review the CWA CWI Program Goals in the Policy Manual – Page 5 and the Sample course elements on page 18 - to assist you.

A variety of methods may be used to assess a candidate’s compliance with the CWA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Standards. As outlined in the Policy Manual -- page 7 – Interviews, demonstrated knowledge, reasonable inference, and direct observation.

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* 3. Would you rely on Alex’s application as proof that they can climb 5.10 on lead?

No, I would only rely on direct observation

Yes, if Alex demonstrated knowledge of particular routes and it was possible to infer their ability from the discussion about those routes

Yes, if in discussion with Alex’s climbing partner and a passed belay check, that I could infer Alex’s competence

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* 4. When conducting an interview with Chris about their climbing experience which eligibility requirements (listed below) would you verify?

How many climbing outings they’ve had in the past year?

That they own their own climbing equipment

That they can both climb the required grade and belay properly

That they have passed the belay check at the gym