AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

Interested in becoming a guide?

Do have a passion for climbing, instruction and sharing meaningful experiences with others? The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program is the perfect place to jumpstart your career as an instructor or guide.

The SPI program is a certification process through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). The program is broken into two steps: the 3-day Single Pitch Instructor Course and the 2-day Single Pitch Instructor Exam.

During the Single Pitch Instructor Course, you will spend 3 days learning all the technical skills and decision-making tools required to work at as a guide and instructor in single-pitch terrain. The course is broken into bite-sized lessons allowing students to move through the curriculum at a smooth and steady pace. Each learning module on the course includes an opportunity for hands-on practice to refine each skill while receiving valuable feedback from the instructor. Course topics will include: anchoring for institutional settings, top-managed climbing, base-managed climbing, rappelling, rescue skills, instructional technique, site selection, coaching movement, and more. By the end of this course you have learned all the skills necessary to pass the 2-day SPI Exam. For a complete itinerary click here

The Single Pitch Instructor Exam is a 2-day assessment of the skills taught on the SPI Course. The exam is broken in two parts. On Day One of the exam, candidates will demonstrate fluid proficiency in all the required technical systems either in one continuous exam scenario or in separate exam modules. On Day Two, candidates will demonstrate their instructional ability while facilitating a guided outing with real clients under the supervision of the instructor. Candidates who successfully pass the SPI Exam will become Certified Single Pitch Instructors through the AMGA.


For information regarding the course overview, pre-requisites, and required equipment click below

Why go with the AMGA?

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) offers the most widely recognized certifications in the country. Becoming a member of the AMGA give you access to a host of community resources, job opportunities, professional affiliations, and more. The AMGA is the industry leader in guiding standards an is on the cutting edge of the best and most up-to-date practices. The AMGA is offers multiple levels of training in all mountain disciplines. For more info about the AMGA mission click here

What you’ll gain:

  • Technical Proficiency: Learn the art of anchoring systems, belayed-rappelling, rope management and rescue/assistance techniques to ensure a high quality client experience.

  • Teaching Development: Develop effective communication and teaching strategies to impart climbing skills with clarity and patience.

  • Risk Management: Learn to assess and mitigate risks while working with individuals and groups, enhancing your decision-making skills.

  • Professional Network: Connect with fellow climbing enthusiasts and potential employers through our community of passionate guides.

2024 Dates

Joshua Tree, CA

SPI Course

November 15 - 17, 2024

SPI Exam

November 2 - 3, 2024