The Single Pitch Instructor Assessment is two days in length and a minimum of 16 hours of assessment time. Each assessment day takes place at a local single pitch climbing area with a good selection of trad routes in the 5.6 to 5.8 range. Over the course of two examination days, candidates will be asked to show technical skills, risk management strategies, instructional techniques and demonstrate climbing movement.

Day one of the SPI Exam provides candidates an opportunity to showcase their anchor building skills in a variety of terrain. Other technical skills assessed on day one of the exam include: leading a traditional rock climb, rock climbing movement, base managed assistance skills, top managed assistance skills, lowers, raises, releasable rappels, and terrain management.

Day two of the assessment gives candidates the chance to instruct real beginner rock climbers at a local crag. Candidates are responsible for the entire day from planning curriculum, climbing lessons, route selection, and administering a fun, safe, and efficient day at the crag for novice climbers.

Our SPI Providers want to see you succeed and strive to set a nonjudgemental and low stress environment throughout the exam where you can critically think and apply skills and instructional techniques to single pitch terrain in new ways.

12 month SPI and CWI Certification re-entry period:
SPI’s and CWI’s will have 12 months from the date of certification expiration to pursue an exam for recertification. If they do not pass an exam for recertification within the 12 month re-entry period, they will be required to retake the entire SPI Course or CWI Program.

2 Year SPI Course sunset time:
The SPI Course will have a two year sunset time. 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.

Program make-up guidelines:
Make-up options will be available for students/candidates who receive an “incomplete” final mark on any SPI or CWI Program because of factors limiting attendance including but not limited to weather or an emergency.

Prerequisites:

• You are a current member of the AMGA.
• You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course within the past 2 years. For those renewing, their SPI certification must be valid or within 1 year expiration.
• 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 (3-6 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.

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