AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessments 2025
Red Rock, NV Dates: March 2-3 & March 27-28th
Boulder, CO Dates: April 20-21st & May 12-13th
Lovers Leap, CA Dates: May26-27th, June 16-17th, 2025 , August 9-th(contact info@earthplayretreats.com to register)
***Prerequesites required
Heidi's AMGA SPI Exam focuses on evaluating single-pitch climbing instructors to the internationally recognized standard while maintaining a learning environment of continually motivating and inspiring the next generation of US instructors.
Single Pitch Instructor certification is the second stage of the AMGA’s Climbing Instructor Certification Program and will significantly help candidates who wish to work toward the next stage, the AMGA Rock Guide Course (RGC). The SPI course presents many instructor-specific topics such as professionalism, teaching techniques, risk management, group site organization, climbing site conservation/LNT, and assistance/rescue skills.
The SPI Program is a three-day (27 hour) training course and a separate two-day (16 hour) assessment.
Certification is valid 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 renew SPI certification. Any current SPI who attains certification in any Mountain Guide Program discipline attains permanent SPI certification status provided they maintain AMGA membership and the appropriate level of emergency medical certification.
SPI Exam Itinerary – Location: Red Rock, NV; Boulder Canyon or Golden, CO; Lovers Leap, CA
Day 1 – 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Our SPI exam will start with a morning guides meeting led by Heidi Wirtz, with a focus on covering the expectations of the exam and providing space for candidates to ask questions about any exam-related topics.
Our exam day typically focuses on mini “real world” events designed to showcase the necessary skills of a single pitch instructor.
The tasks observed are:
+Candidate leads in the terrain
+Disparate and Proximal anchoring
+Climber assists from a base-managed position
+Climber assists from a top-managed position
Day 2 – 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
This day connects candidates with guests in a live day of teaching as an instructor. With the support from other candidates, each instructor will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities to take on a lead guide and supporting guide role and give the class a supportive, concise half-day of climbing school instruction.
EXAM CATEGORIES
Risk Management
Client Care
Technical Systems
Application
Terrain Assessment
Movement Skills
Mountain Sense
Professionalism
Instructional Technique
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Photos from recent SPI Courses
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