American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
SPI Assesment Overview:
The SPI Assessment is two days in length (minimum of 16 hours assessment time) and will take place at a single pitch climbing area where there are a selection traditional lead routes in the 5.6 range and top roping routes in the 5.8 range. Day one of the assessment will look at climbing movement and all aspects of technical systems from anchoring to assistance skills and general climbing competence. On day two the candidates will instruct climbing in a group setting.
SPI Assessment Overview:
- Risk Management
- Client Care
- Technical Systems
- Application
- Terrain Assessment
- Movement Skills
- Professionalism
- Instructional Technique
Pre-Requisites for SPI Assessment:
The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the Assessment pre-requisites. However, KMG recommended that the SPI Course candidate takes time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).
You meet the SPI Assessment Pre-requisites if:
- You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course or AMGA Top Ripe Site Manager Course
- You have trad lead climbed a minimum of 40 rock climbing routes. A large number of these should be at 5.6 grade and hopefully on a variety of rock types.
- You are capable of comfortably lead climbing 5.6 traditional routes (leader placing protection). You will demonstrate your leading ability on a variety of routes on the assessment.
- You are comfortable climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
Gaining SPI Certification:
To gain SPI Certification candidates must:
- Successfully pass the SPI Assessment.
- Hold current AMGA Membership at Associate level or higher.
- Hold current First Aid Certification (see SPI Certification First Aid Requirements)
SPI Certification Upkeep and Recertification
SPI Certification is only valid with current AMGA Membership and valid current First Aid Certification. If you let your either of these lapse your SPI Certification is invalid until you rectify this by updating your AMGA Membership or First Aid Certification. It is your professional responsibility to ensure you have current AMGA Membership and First Aid Certification.
SPI Certification lasts for three years from the date of assessment. There are two options for renewal:
- Certified Single Pitch Instructors can take the two day SPI Assessment to renew their certification.
- Certified Single Pitch Instructors who successfully complete any higher level AMGA course is granted SPI certification for three years from the course end date. After completing a course please contact the AMGA so they can update your records.
To keep SPI Certification current SPI's should seek out recertification before the expiration date of their certification. Candidates that let their certification lapse can take part in the SPI Assessment but they will not hold any certification between their SPI expiration date and successfully passing an SPI Assessment. From a professional standpoint this is not advisable.
SPI Certification First Aid Requirements
SPI Certification is only valid with current AMGA Membership and valid current First Aid Certification. If you let your either of these lapse your SPI Certification is invalid until you rectify this by updating your AMGA Membership or First Aid Certification. It is your professional responsibility to ensure you have current AMGA Membership and First Aid Certification.
