AMGA SPI Assessment

$449

PER PERSON

6:1

RATIO

Independence in this skill, guaranteed.

upcoming dates

Gain or Recertify your SPI Certification!

Ready to become a Single Pitch Instructor? Looking to recertify? The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Assessment is your gateway to professional climbing instruction certification.

This two-day assessment (minimum 16 hours) takes place at carefully selected single-pitch climbing areas featuring traditional lead routes of 5.6 difficulty, top rope routes of 5.8 difficulty, and complex anchor-building challenges. You’ll be evaluated across five critical areas that define exceptional climbing instruction: Risk Management, Technical Systems, Movement, Professionalism, and Instructional Technique

We are committed to creating a low-stress atmosphere designed to bring out your best performance. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the rigorous standards required for AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification.

More details can be found at the AMGA Website and in the AMGA SPI Program Handbook.

**Do not sign up unless you are certain you meet the prerequisites listed below**

2 Participant Minimum (if the minimum is not met you will be fully refunded)

There are a lot of discussion based sessions, but we have fun!

Lowering on a munter hitch.

Maintaining a tether while building a focal point.

Transitioning to rappel after building an anchor.

Complex anchor rigging.

Itinerary

This assessment is held over two 8 to 9-hour days. Below is a very loose outline of the two days. You can reference the sessions in the Program Handbook.

Day 1:

Session 1: SPI Assessment Orientation
Session 2: Lead Climbing and Top Rope Session
Session 3: Technical Components
End-of-Day Debriefs

Day 2:

Session 4: Group Management
Session 5: Teaching Components
End-of-Assessment Group and Individual Debriefs
End-of-Day Debriefs

Equipment

Please reference the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program Handbook.

Clothing

Clothing should be appropriate for the activity and environment. Depending on venue and season, temperatures may fluctuate from sub-freezing to wet to hot—sometimes all in the same day, so please arrive prepared. A system that allows for multiple layering options is recommended.

Footwear

Footwear is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the instructor and is directly related to instructor security. Approach shoes with sticky rubber are encouraged for increasing instructor security, especially at the top of the cliff. In areas of high rain, mud, grass, or leaves, shoes with suitable tread may be substituted. Appropriate climbing shoes that allow the instructor to climb up to 5.8 while wearing for extended periods of time are necessary.

Backpack

A pack of sufficient size is important for the climbing instructor. One that can fit all personal and group gear comfortably inside of the pack, such that ideally nothing needs to be strapped to the outside. Depending on the day, a 35-55L pack will accomplish this. The climbing instructor relies on a larger pack as they may carry additional equipment such as static set-up ropes, duplicate gear for larger groups, and teaching equipment.

Technical Equipment

*All equipment is mandatory for the assessment. Candidates cannot share equipment.*

Climbing Helmet, UIAA approved
Climbing Harness, UIAA approved with belay loop
Climbing shoes or approach shoes in which the candidate can climb up to 5.8 top rope
Standard “lead climbing rack” such as, cams, stoppers/nuts, etc. (hexes and tri-cams if desired) with which the candidate can lead up to 5.6, including stopper/nut removal tool
8 -12 quickdraws or 24″ (60cm) sewn slings/runners with carabiners (emphasis on sling draws)
1-2 48”(120cm) sewn sling/runner (helpfulto have one nylon)
4 or more locking “HMS/Pearbiners”
4-5 additional locking carabiners
Tube-type belay/rappel device, such as the BD “ATC”
Mechanical assisted braking device, such as the Petzl “GriGri”
1-2 Prusik loops (1m of 6mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
1-2 Cordelettes (5m of 7mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
1 optional 180cm “triple” or 240cm “quad” sling for anchoring.
One 60m “single” dynamic rope (9.5-10.2mm) suitable for leading and top roping.
One 30-50m static or “semi static” (gym line) rope (9-10.5mm), for setting up anchors and
fixed lines.

Prerequisites [MANDATORY]

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.

Please reference the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program Handbook.

Recertification and Upkeep

Certification lasts for three years as long as the candidate keeps current AMGA Membership and First Aid Certification.
After three years current SPI’s can re-take the SPI Assessment to regain the SPI certification.
Successfully completing or passing any higher level AMGA Course also recertifies the SPI certification for another three years.

12-month SPI/CWI Certification re-entry period:

Any certified SPI who’s certification expires will have a 12-month re-entry period to regain certification. During the re-entry period their certification is no longer valid. In order to regain certification they must pass a 2-day SPI Exam during the re-entry period. If they do not pursue recertification during the 12-month re-entry period, they will be required to retake the entire SPI Course prior to an SPI Exam to regain certification.

2-Year SPI Course Sunset Time:

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.

Please reference the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program Handbook.

Resources

Please set yourself up for success by reviewing the many resources available for the SPI program.

Shared Resource Folder
- This contains evaluation templates, resume templates and the extremely useful Program Handbook.
The AMGA SPI Program Handbook
- Worth mentioning again! Such a useful resource.
The AMGA Single Pitch Manual
- This book contains all the technical details for performing any portion of the exam
Technical Skill Videos
- Munter Mule Overhand (AMGA.com>Tech Videos>Members Only Rock>Rescue)
- Top Rope Tethers (AMGA.com>Tech Videos>Members Only Rock>SPI)
- Ground Anchors (AMGA.com>Tech Videos>Members Only Rock>SPI)
- Friction Hitches
- Raising Systems 3:1
- Rappel Extensions
- Belaying with a Munter (Top Site)
- Belaying with a Gri Gri (Top Site)
- Back Up Belaying

Don’t forget about us here at Vertical Pursuits! We want you to succeed so do not hesitate to reach out for support or with any questions:
kevin@verticalpursuitsclimbing.com

SEE DATES & BOOK ↓

$449

PER PERSON

6:1

RATIO

Independence in this skill, guaranteed

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Climbers!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 64 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Misty Lawrence 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had taken an intro to trad clinic through another company fairly recently, so I was apprehensive about taking another intro to trad course, but I was still hesitant to lead trad after the first course and a friend recommended Erik so I decided to go for it. I’m super stoked I did! The class was small, only 3 of us, so the course felt very tailor fit to our needs. Erik has a fantastic positive vibe, he’s incredibly supportive, and his instruction was very clear and easy to understand. After a bit of informative ground school much of the course was spent on the wall learning gear placement with his close guidance. By the end of the course all 3 of us led 5.6 and 5.7 routes. I have so much more confidence leading trad now, I highly recommend Vertical Pursuits!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   oliver symonds 
 2 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We scheduled an intro to trad course to learn the basics and get familiar with the techniques. Even before the day of the course, Kevin and Erik were super helpful with recommendations and ensuring the day would be dialed in for us. On the day of the course, Erik was an excellent guide covering the basics and quickly getting us on the wall. My son was excitedly putting up trad leads well before the end of the day. It was great having a high level of instruction and mentorship, while feeling less like a guide and more like a coach. We'll be back for sure.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Harvey Clarke 
 20 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Erik is a fantastic guide - he made trad climbing and multipitch super accessible for a full group of 4 climbers at once. Highly recommend these guys!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shari VanT 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best, safest, and most fun guides I have climbed with! Highly recommend Vertical Pursuit’s!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Silvester 
 25 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Erik is an outstanding teacher, guide, and all around great guy! I spent the day with him and one other student at School Rock on Donner Summit taking the Intro to Multipitch course and it was stellar! He has a great teaching style—knowledgeable, patient, and easy to learn from. He broke down complex systems into simple, understandable steps and made sure we felt comfortable asking questions along the way. What really stood out was how invested he was in helping us learn and build confidence. His experience and expertise were obvious, but he never made anything feel intimidating. By the end of the day, I felt much more confident with multi-pitch climbing systems and techniques. If you’re looking for a guide who is professional, approachable, has done laps on El Cap (including The Nose!) and genuinely passionate about teaching, I highly recommend Erik and Vertical Pursuits.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Olivia Simon 
 10 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience learning from Kevin at the Intro to Sport Climbing class. He is an amazing teacher - super kind and never made me feel dumb for asking really basic questions. The format of the class is awesome. You get time on the ground to learn skills and then get to apply them on the wall. Everything feels super safe and thoughtful. I learned a ton and think it's an insane value for the price. It's a whole day of instruction with no more than 4 people in the course, but my course only had 2 so that meant even more time on the wall and extra mentoring. Also, the communication with the Vertical Pursuits team was top notch. Kevin was kind enough to chat with me on the phone before I took the class to answer my questions and make sure the class would be a good fit. He was great about communicating location and timing the day of. And, he followed up after class with an email of everything we talked about + videos and resources for review. If you're on the fence, take the course! It's a great opportunity to learn from real pros and up your knowledge safely!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ethan F 
 31 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin brought me and a buddy out to sport climb for the first time, and it was a great time. He's a great mentor who's friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer all your stupid questions. He went above and beyond to be helpful, and offered resources even after our day of climbing. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tim Blair 
 30 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin was an awesome teacher and guide. Classes feel more personal because of the limited number of people. We took the trad class, learned how to place gear effectively, then put it to the test the same day. I felt incredibly safe and confident in my and Kevin’s abilities. Thank you for a great climbing day!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Phoenix Morrow 
 30 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome time learning the basics of Trad climbing with Kevin. The small group helped me and my partner feel like we were able to ask all the questions we needed, and we were able to receive constructive feedback. The guides are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melisa Hickman 
 19 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vertical Pursuits is AWESOME!! I had a trad lesson with Kevin at Sugarloaf.  Kevin was extremely safe, thorough, and encouraging.  We had just the right balance of ground school and climbing.  Before my day with Kevin I was afraid to try anything harder than a 5.7 crack and he helped me to bust right through that fear with his calm, reassuring guidance.  I had the best day with him and I feel totally ready to push through my plateau.