AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

Climbing Instructor Program policies were updated January 1st, 2022 to create clear and consistent procedures for commonly asked questions.

12 month SPI and CWI Certification re-entry period:
SPI’s and CWI’s will have 12 months from the date of certification expiration to pursue an exam for recertification. If they do not pass an exam for recertification within the 12 month re-entry period, they will be required to retake the entire SPI Course or CWI Program.

2 Year SPI Course sunset time:
The SPI Course will have a two year sunset time. After two years, if the SPI Course graduate has not passed an SPI Exam, they will need to retake the SPI Course prior to pursuing the SPI Exam.

Program make-up guidelines:
Make-up options will be available for students/candidates who receive an “incomplete” final mark on any SPI or CWI Program because of factors limiting attendance including but not limited to weather or an emergency.

View Details and FAQ Here

Prerequisites:

• You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
• 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.

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

Prerequisites

• You are a current member of the AMGA.
• You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course within the past 2 years. For those renewing, their SPI certification must be valid or within 1 year expiration.
• You have led a minimum of 40 traditional routes, most of which should be 5.6 and on a variety of rock types.
• You are able to comfortably lead 5.6 traditional routes, which means you place protection.
• You are able to comfortably climb 5.8 on top rope.
• The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the assessment prerequisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate take time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (3-6 months).
• You do not need First Aid training to take the course or assessment. However, it is your responsibility to hold appropriate medical certification for the location that you are working in.

• Have questions specific to a program location, venue?
  • Please contact the Program Provider directly if you have questions regarding the course selected.
• If you receive an error code when applying to a program, be sure you have followed the steps listed above regarding how to apply.
  • **You must create an AMGA account and log into your account in order to apply to a program. If you encounter problems, please take screen shots and email andrew@amga.com