American Mountain Guides Association SPI Programs

AMGA SPI Programs

$700 | 3 days
March 13-15 | April 3-5 | July 20-24 | September 18-20
Venue varies

The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) program 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. The SPI program serves as a key step toward professional guiding and further levels of professional education for climbing guides.

East Outdoors SPI programs, taught by EO founder Eunny Jang (Apprentice Rock Guide, Certified MPI, and SPI Provider), put a heavy emphasis on excellent teaching alongside technical excellence—we believe every SPI should be equipped to craft great climbing experiences that challenge, inspire, and create passionate life-long climbers.

The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days. This program is the first step in earning one’s SPI certification; 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.

Learn more about the program in the SPI Program Handbook

2026 Sessions

March 13-15 (Carderock, MD)
April 3-5 (Front Royal, VA)
July 20-24 (Coopers Rock, WV - Women’s Only - 5 day SPI + Wilderness Advanced First Aid)
September 18-20 (Carderock, MD)

Prerequisites for enrolling in an SPI program

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.
Are a current Professional Member of the AMGA

Not sure if you meet the prerequisites, or want to schedule a prep day? Reach out to Eunny!

See schedule + book