We are excited to announce Open Application period for 2026!

The Routesetting Committee and the National Routesetting Program Manager have worked to update the pathway which USA Climbing Routesetters follow to progress and hone their skills. Please refer to the prerequisite list to verify that you are able to apply for each event. If you have questions please reach out to Jeremy@usaclimbing.org

That document can be found here: Routesetter Prerequisites

National Routesetter Applications: Deadline to apply: November 1st, 2026

The application period for National Routesetting Positions is now open, and will close November 1st, 2026 at the end of the day. Please fill out the application form before then. Late applications will not be accepted for any reason. Teams will be selected no later than January 1, 2026.

To apply as an assistant, one must be L4 certified (use National Application form)

To apply as an apprentice, one must be L3 certified (use National Application form)

 

New! Internship applications will now be open year round. 

While applications will be open year round, each batch of accepted interns will not be confirmed until Dec. of the year prior to the Championship season.

To apply as an intern, one must be L2 certified (use Intern Application form)

Note: IFSC World Cups, International Exchanges and NACS exchanges require at minimum L4 and are highly competitive. To apply one must be L4, with a high level of experience and ability to climb at the level these events require.

If you are unsure of your certification level please email Jeremy Ho, National Routesetting Program Manager at jeremy@usaclimbing.org

Please use the following form to apply for any of the National Routesetter Positions. If you wish to apply for intern positions please use the form listed under Internship Opportunities.

NATIONAL APPLICATION FORM

Divisional Internship Opportunities: Applications accepted year round.

There will be internships offered at all Divisionals with an approved L4 or L5 Head Routesetter. Internships are unpaid but USA Climbing encourages the host facility to provide housing for their intern.

To gain L3 certification a routesetter must complete 2 successful internships. Once the 2nd internship has been completed and the Head routesetters have provided positive recommendations the routesetter would then have gained their L3 certification.

To apply for internships please use the following link: INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

With any general questions about the events or application process, email the Administrator of the Routesetting program, Jeremy Ho at jeremy@usaclimbing.org