AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Assessment  

​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. This program is the industry standard for facilitating single pitch outdoor rock climbing. It is also a highly beneficial program to complete prior to moving into the AMGA Guide Track Programs. 

The SPI Program consists of a 3 day course and separate 2 day assessment. Candidates should meet the required prerequisites prior to attending the course or assessment. 

COVID UPDATE Effective October 1st, 2021, in addition to our standard COVID-19 policy, SPI program participants must either provide proof of vaccination or wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible. Please email a copy of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to SPI_Documents@blueridgemtnguides.com no later than 48 hours prior to your program start. We will regard all such information as confidential and treat it accordingly. Please do not submit any medical information, only submit your vaccination card. Program participants will be expected to receive any subsequent doses of the vaccine, including booster doses, as recommended by their health care provider and/or public health authorities.

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About the Program:

• 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 with ~3 hours of pre-course eLearning(NEW). The in-person course runs as three consecutive nine-hour days.
• It significantly improves the instructor’s skill sets and integrates into the next level of training, the AMGA Rock Guide Course.
• The SPI Assessment is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period and is separate from the course.
• 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.

 
3-Day Course Prerequisites:

• You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
• You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
• You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
• You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
• You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade). BRMG asks that you submit a course resume to our office via email prior to the course. 
• You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
• You are or must become a Professional Member of the AMGA.

The above prerequisites are absolute minimums. Without having at least this amount of experience, you are unlikely to make the best use of the training.
**You should submit an SPI Course Climbing Resume to BRMG by email by the time of your course. SPI Course Resume Template Download**
Registration Checklist and Equipment List

About the Assessment:

• The SPI Assessment is held over two days and is at least 16 hours. 
• During the assessment candidates are evaluated in nine categories while applying skills learned during the course and while guiding and instructing assessment clients. 
• Day one is composed of operating technical systems and demonstrating climbing movement. 
• Day two consists of candidates facilitating climbing, rappelling, and instruction for assessment clients. Candidates will also spend time operating technical systems or climbing when not interacting with the assessment clients.  
• Evaluation categories include: Professionalism, Risk Management, Terrain Assessment, Technical Systems, Application, Instructional Ability, Client Care, Climbing Movement, and Mountain Sense. 

2-Day Assessment Prerequisites:

• You are a current member of the AMGA.
• You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
• You have led a minimum of 40 traditional routes. Most of which should be 5.6 and on a variety of rock types. BRMG requires that you submit an assessment resume to our office via email prior to the assessment. 
• 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 (3-12 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.​

**You should submit an SPI Assessment Climbing Resume to BRMG by the time of your assessment. SPI Assessment Resume Template Download**
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2021 SPI Programs: 
  SPI Course February 26-28 Pilot Mtn, NC
  SPI Assessment March 6-7 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Assessment March 13-14 Pilot Mtn, NC 
  SPI Course March 19-21 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course April 9-11 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Assessment May 1-2 New River Gorge, WV 
  SPI Course May 19-21 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course June 2-4 Pilot Mtn, NC
  SPI Assessment June 10-11 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Course June 23-25 New River Gorge, WV 
  SPI Course July 12-14 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Assessment July 26-27 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course August 16-18 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Assessment October 7-8 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Assessment November 29-30 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course December 3-5 Pilot Mtn, NC
  SPI Assessment December 11-12 Pilot Mtn, NC

Rates: 
Course 
$595.00 
Assessment
$395.00
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*WV locations +6% sales tax*
*NC locations +$17.50 State Park Fee*
​*Great Falls, VA +20.00 Park Fee or applicable America the Beautiful Pass (present or pay at park entry)*

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