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Mountain Skills
Guides’ Courses

Upcoming Course Dates

In order to sign up for any AMGA Course or Exam you must become a member of the AMGA (Professional Level) as well as register for the course you would like on the AMGA website.  You MUST also fill out the online registration form in the Your Day menu and apply the SPI Course/Exam payment on the Shop page to become a student in the SPI Course/Exam you would like.  AMGA SPI Course is $650 and the Exam is $475.  Cancellation policy is 30 days for SPI Courses or Exams.

   AMGA SPI Course 2025 $650

  • April 4th-6th
  • May 2nd-4th
  • June 6th-8th
  • July 11th-13th
  • August 1st-3rd
  • September 5th-7th
  • October 3rd-5th
  • November 7th-9th
  • December 5th-7th

AMGA SPI Exam 2025 $475

  • April 24th-25th
  • May 28th-29th
  • September 24th-25th
 
Price includes Mohonk Preserve/Minnewaska Day Pass fees.
 

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Assessment

instructor_SPI_B&WThe AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program is the only nationally and internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program. This course has been created to fit in the AMGA Rock Discipline training program, taking off from the AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Program and greatly improving the instructor’s skill sets and integrating into the next level of training, the AMGA Rock Instructor Course.

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 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 as 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 SPI’s 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.

How to Apply

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

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.

Prerequisites:

  • 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.

AMGA SPI 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.
  • 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 (6-12 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 in.