DESCRIPTION:

The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single-pitch setting. The SPI is the only internationally recognized single-pitch climbing instructor certification program in the United States. It was developed to fit in the AMGA Rock program. Benefits:

• It significantly improves the instructor’s skill sets and integrates into the next level of training, the AMGA Rock Instructor Course.

• The program is for current, active rock climbers who have a real desire to teach rock climbing to novices in a single-pitch setting.

• The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that normally runs for three consecutive nine-hour days or day classes with evening sessions.

• The SPI Assessment is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period.

• Certification lasts for three years as long as the candidate keeps current AMGA Membership and First Aid Certification.

• After three years current SPIs can re-take the SPI Assessment to regain the SPI certification.

• Taking any higher level AMGA Course also recertifies the SPI certification for another three years.

 

PRE-REQUISITES:

The prerequisites are absolute minimums. Without having at least this amount of experience you are unlikely to make the best use of the training.

 

• You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single-pitch crags.

• You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.

• You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.

• You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).

• You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade).

• You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Step 1: Join the AMGA (or log in to your existing account)

• Join the AMGA at the Professional Membership Level.

 

Step 2: Apply to Your Course or Assessment

• Sign in to your myAMGA account.

• Click the “Apply for a Program” tab.

• Select the discipline and course type you are applying to.

• Select the specific program you are applying to and click “apply.”

• Confirm your prerequisites.

 

Step 3: The SPI Course/Exam Director will follow up with you by phone to finalize your registration and answer any questions you may have.