Leader Requirements

To become and remain a Mazama climb leader you must obtain and maintain the following training certifications.  Becoming a climb leader also involves a mentorship process, described here.

All certifications need to be renewed, every 2-4 years.  Information on expiration and recertification is here.

All leaders must sign a Mazama Volunteer Agreement and a liability waiver, both on dashboard. Those leaders involved in activities with minors require a background check.

Leader Skill and Certification Levels

There are three levels of climb leader. “A”, “C”, and “E”. The training requirements increase accordingly.

“A” leaders lead only A climbs.

In order to lead a climb, “A” leaders must have current certification for:

• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

• Mountaineering First Aid (MFA) 

• Climb Leader Update

“C” leaders are the primary climb leaders. They can lead A, B, and C climbs.

“C” leaders must have current certification for:

• All “A” level training 

• Avalanche

• Crevasse Rescue

“E” leaders also can lead more advanced climbs, D and E

“E” leaders must have current certification for:

• All “C” level training 

• Mazamas Advanced Rock, or Climbing Committee-accepted equivalent training or experience

• Mazamas High Angle Rescue or Climbing Committee-accepted equivalent.