The SPI Course prepares aspiring instructors with practical tools to teach top-roping and lead climbing on single-pitch terrain.

• Technical systems and rope management
• Site safety and group facilitation
• Teaching progressions and coaching techniques
• Risk management and professional standards

• Outdoor professionals and institutional instructors
• Climbers seeking guiding credentials
• Scouts leaders, camp counselors, school staff
• Recreational climbers improving instructional skills

• Professional Member of the AMGA
• Genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags
• At least 18 years old at the time of the course
• At least 12 months of prior climbing experience
• An active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro)
• Led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade)
• Capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope

These prerequisites are absolute minimums. You are unlikely to make best use of the training without having at least this much experience.

The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program is the only nationally recognized certification for single-pitch climbing instruction in the U.S. This two-part program helps climbers become effective, responsible instructors in a single-pitch environment.

Offered by AMGA-certified guide and SPI Program Provider Jon Richard.