About AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) program, established in 2008 and endorsed by the UIAA in 2009, is the only internationally recognized certification for single-pitch climbing instruction in the U.S. Designed for experienced climbers ages 18 and older, the program trains and certifies instructors to teach rock climbing in a single-pitch setting, covering risk management, technical systems, and teaching techniques. With over 18,000 participants since its inception, the SPI program serves as a key step toward professional guiding and advancement to the AMGA Rock Guide Course.
We meet students where they are. Each level builds on the last.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor – The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days or a mix of day classes with evening sessions. This program is the first step in earning one’s SPI certification and completion of the SPI Course is required prior to pursuing the SPI Exam. The SPI Course has a sunset time of two years. After two years, if the SPI Course graduate has not passed an SPI Exam, they will need to retake the SPI Course prior to pursuing the SPI Exam. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment – The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period. Candidates may enroll in an SPI Exam within two years of completing an SPI Course and meeting all Exam prerequisites, including required post-course resume experience. Most successful candidates spend an additional 3-6 months practicing, teaching, and refining their skills prior to taking the SPI Exam.​
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Course Format & Time Commitment
WEOL AMGA Single Pitch Instructor courses combine hands-on instruction with real climbing practice. Participants develop practical teaching skills, rope and anchor systems, and problem-solving abilities through guided exercises, realistic scenarios, and progressive challenges on single-pitch routes.
Course length:​
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor: 3 days
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment: 2 days
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* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
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What to expect:
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A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on climbing practice
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Step-by-step skill development through realistic teaching and rescue scenarios
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Practice with rope systems, anchors, and belay techniques
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Problem-solving, communication, and leadership in vertical environments
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Full participation during all scheduled field sessions and instructor exercises
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
These courses are hands-on and field-based. You won’t just talk about skills; you’ll be able to practice them in real time!
Depending on your course and experience level, you’ll work on:
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Developing and managing rope and anchor systems for instruction
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Belay setups, mechanical advantage techniques, and safety systems
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Evaluating anchors and solving problems on single-pitch routes
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Assisting or lowering climbers safely during teaching or rescue scenarios
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Communication, leadership, and teamwork on the rock
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Risk assessment and decision-making in instructional settings
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Efficient movement, rope management, and system organization while guiding climbers
What You’ll Learn
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
CA Residents = $38.75
Non-CA Residents = $383.75

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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment
CA Residents = $31
Non-CA Residents = $307​
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Additional Course Fees:
For Each Course: TBA
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When you enroll in our AMGA SPI courses, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​​
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WEOL Chapstick
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WEOL Mini Sunscreen & Mini Hand Sanitizer
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Rite in the Rain Notebook & Mini Pencil
Transportation & Logistics
To make your AMGA Single Pitch Instructor experience seamless, WEOL provides transportation to all climbing sites. Our vehicles safely shuttle students and gear directly to the crag, reducing trailhead congestion and minimizing environmental impact.
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This allows you to focus on developing your teaching, leadership, and technical climbing skills while we handle the logistics. Whether it’s the SPI Course or the SPI Assessment, transportation is included to keep your experience safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Rock Climbers
Who it’s for
Growth Seekers
Outdoor Educators
Aspiring Guides
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Climbing Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Name & preferred pronouns: Nate Smith (he/him)
Favorite outdoor activities: Most mountain sports - climbing (rock, alpine, ice, mountaineering), trail running, mountain biking, skiing, ski touring, etc.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Multi-tool......the most consistently used piece of my kit which goes on most outdoor experiences and every expedition! Two most used pieces of my multi-tool at the pliers and scissors.
Favorite outdoor meal: Cheesy pasta with vegetables and protein. My go to is a mac-n-cheese with broccoli and chicken.
Name & preferred pronouns: Karsten Delap (he/him)
Favorite outdoor activities: Climbing, skiing, mountain biking
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Iced Latter
Favorite outdoor meal: Buffalo burger, sweet potato and avocado
Prerequisites & Advisories
Prerequisite
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing on single pitch crags.
Are at least 18-years old at the time of the course.
Have at least 12 months prior outdoor climbing experience.
Are active climbers with traditional anchor building and traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro)
Have traditionally led a minimum of 15 rock climbing routes (any grade). (Single pitch traditional lead climbing with traditional anchor building is preferred. A multi pitch route would meet one of the fifteen requisite route requirements and does not count towards multiple routes.)
Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment
Candidates meet the SPI Exam prerequisites if they:
Course completion (Have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course within the past two years. For SPI recertification candidates, certification must be current or within one year of expiration.)
Traditionally led climbing experience - Have traditionally led a minimum of 40 rock climbing routes, including: At least 15 routes completed after the candidate’s most recent SPI program (course or exam). At least 5 top-managed routes.
Post-program instructional climbing as outlined below: SPI Course graduates: of the 15 post-program routes, at least 5 must be mock instruction. SPI recertification candidates: of the 15 post-program routes, at least 5 must be mock or paid instruction
Leading ability (demonstrated during the exam): Be capable of comfortably lead climbing (leader placing their own protection) on any 5.6 traditional route. Candidates will demonstrate their leading ability on a variety of routes during the assessment.
Top-rope climbing ability (demonstrated during the exam): Be capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 on top rope. Candidates will demonstrate top-rope climbing ability during the assessment.
FAQ
1. Do I need prior climbing experience?
Yes. Participants should have solid single-pitch climbing skills and experience with rope systems before enrolling in the SPI Course or SPI Assessment.
2. What safety equipment do I need to bring?
Climbers must bring a helmet, harness, belay device, locking carabiners, and appropriate climbing shoes. However, these are available for use through the program. Personal medications, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also required.
3. What’s the difference between the SPI Course and SPI Assessment?
The SPI Course focuses on developing teaching and technical skills, while the SPI Assessment evaluates your ability to instruct safely and effectively to earn AMGA certification.
4. What skills will I gain from these courses?
Students gain leadership, instructional techniques, anchor and rope system management, problem-solving, communication, and risk assessment skills specific to single-pitch climbing instruction.
5. Can I take the SPI Assessment without completing the SPI Course?
Successful completion of the SPI Course is required ahead of participation in an SPI Assessment per the guidelines determined by the AMGA. Students are not required to take their SPI Course with us in order to participate in our SPI Assessment. Students can successfully complete their SPI Course with another SPI Provider and then take our SPI Assessment.
Take Your Climbing Instruction to the Next Level
Whether you’re aiming to become a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor or sharpen your leadership and teaching skills on the rock, these courses give you the knowledge, confidence, and experience to instruct safely and effectively.