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. 
 
About the 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 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.

SPI Course Resume Template: Download 
Registration Checklist and Equipment List

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.
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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.

SPI Assessment Resume Template: Download 
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2020 SPI Programs:
​  SPI Assessment July 11-12 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course July 17-19 Great Falls, VA (1 space remaining) 
  SPI Assessment July 21-22 New River Gorge, WV (2 spaces remaining) 
  SPI Assessment July 30-31 Great Falls, VA

  SPI Course August 7-8 Pilot Mtn/Moore's Wall, NC
  SPI Course August 17-19 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Assessment August 20-21 New River Gorge, WV

  SPI Assessment September 5-6 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Assessment September 17-18 Pilot Mtn/Moore's Wall, NC

  SPI Assessment October 1-2 New River Gorge, WV
  SPI Course October 23-25 Great Falls, VA 

  SPI Assessment November 2-3 Great Falls, VA 
  SPI Course November 18-20 New River Gorge, WV 

  SPI Course December 4-6 Pilot Mtn/Moore's Wall, NC
  SPI Assessment December 12-13 Pilot Mtn/Moore's Wall, NC

Rates: 
Course 
$575.00 
Assessment
$395.00
*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)*