Accreditation

Established in 1986, the AMGA Accreditation Program endorses guide services, climbing programs, and/or school or university outdoor programs that offer climbing instruction, guided climbing, or skiing services. Accreditation provides a consistent standard for judging the reliability and professionalism of a climbing service by ensuring it:

• Conforms to industry standards;
• Guarantees rigorous and uniform guide training;
• Is compliant with state and federal law;
• Promotes ethical business practices.

Expectations:

• Businesses are committed to high technical standards, strong programs, and a quality staff of engaged and engaging climbing instructors and guides;
• Businesses have AMGA certified guides and climbing instructors on staff;
• Businesses are required to comply the AMGA Scope of Practice;
• Businesses encourage staff members to pursue AMGA certification, provide mentoring, and support staff through the AMGA training and certification process;
• Accredited businesses conduct annual terrain specific trainings utilizing AMGA certified staff members.

List of AMGA Accredited Businesses

Accredited Businesses:

• Accredited Businesses must have a commitment to the mission of the AMGA;
• Accredited Businesses must meet and follow the requirements of the Scope of Practice (SOP);
• The Businesses must have been in continuous operation with the same owner for three full years prior to the time of application;
• Accredited Businesses must have the appropriate number of AMGA certified guides on staff to meet the accreditation standards for mentoring and supervision; This is determined by the terrain in which the business operates. The business must employee a certified guide or instructor for each of the types of terrain in which they operate.
• Accredited Businesses must have the appropriate land management permits and insurance for their operations.

Accredited Sole Proprietorship/Partnership:

• This type of accreditation is designed for an individual or partnership;
• All staff must hold ownership of the business;
  • Staff cannot be employees or independent contractors;
• Owners must be certified at one of the following levels. IFMGA, Rock, Alpine, or Ski Guide, Multi-Pitch, Rock, or Ice Instructor;
• Owners must have been in continuous operation for three full years;

AMGA representatives grant Accreditation to companies that meet or exceed the AMGA’s high operational standards. Accreditation includes reviews of:

• General business practices
• Risk Management Plan
• Operating guidelines
• Access
• Permits
• Insurance
• Employment
• Guide Training
• Compliance with state, federal, and local regulations
• Staff training and professional development
• Resource stewardship
• Adherence to current industry standards

• Demonstrates to the general public and Land Managers that your business meets or exceeds industry standards—a true asset when attracting clients or participants.
• Illustrates your commitment to preserving and protecting mountain environments.
• Improves your business practices, infrastructure, and program quality through regular review.
• Accredited businesses can arrange to run in-house, entry-level courses (RGC, ASC, AGC, SGC, IIC) for their employees at a substantially lower cost.
• Gives your organization greater exposure via the AMGA Website.
• Using the AMGA Accreditation logo in marketing and promotional materials can boost your reputation.
• Post jobs at no charge on the AMGA’s website.
• Ensure access to public lands where AMGA Accreditation or Certification is required to obtain a commercial use permit.
• Demonstrates to federal, state, and local regulators your commitment to the “public good” through a voluntary review process and commitment to high industry standards.
• The AMGA provides support, advocacy, and lobbying on access and regulatory issues.

• The first step is to contact the Accreditation Manager to discuss the standards and accreditation process.
• After an initial conversation, the business submits an application package which includes the completed AMGA Accreditation Standards Self-Assessment, Guide Roster, all required supporting business documentation like guide manuals, permit information (etc), and Accreditation review fee.
• Details on all of the above can be found in the AMGA Accreditation Manual.
• The application window for prospective Accredited Businesses to submit accreditation packages is January through March of each year.
• For more information about the AMGA Accreditation Program, contact the AMGA Accreditation Manager. Email: ted@amga.com. Phone: 303.557.2164