AMGA Programs

At Pisgah Climbing School, we offer AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Climbing Wall Instructor courses. We also offer the Single Pitch Instructor Assessment and have a Single Pitch Instructor Assessment Prep course to help prepare course for candidates the assessment.

Alewine places cams while climbing Looking Glass Nose during the summer

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course

Description:

As an American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA), this course is for aspiring climbing guides. The Single Pitch Instructor, SPI, program is the quintessential course to enter guiding in the United States. Learn more about the program here.

Duration:

3 days

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • single pitch guiding and instruction
  • risk management
  • teaching climbing
  • rope skills
  • basic rescue skills
  • professionalism
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills

Prerequisites:

  • You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
  • You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
  • You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
  • You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
  • You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
  • You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade).
  • You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment Prep

Description:

This course is a great way to review and refresh skills prior to taking the Single Pitch Instructor Assessment. Students must have completed a Single Pitch Instructor Course prior to enrolling.

Duration:

1 day

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • Single Pitch Instructor course curriculum review
  • Scenarios to prepare you for the assessment

Prerequisites:

Two warmly dressed female climbers preparing to rappel in Linville Gorge
Warmly dressed climbing instructor stands with coiled green rope as climber descends

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment

Description:

Candidates who complete the Single Pitch Instructor Course are eligible to take the Single Pitch Instructor Exam. It is highly suggested that you spend some time between the course and assessment practicing the skills learned.
Learn more about the exam and prerequisites here.

Duration:

2 days

Prerequisites:

  • You are a current member of the AMGA.
  • You have successfully completed an
    AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
  • 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 (6-12 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.

AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course

Description:

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Climbing Wall Instructors Program teaches students how to teach and facilitate climbing in the climbing wall setting. This course is ideal for gym or summer camp employees charged with running climbing wall programs. There are two certifications offered in the course, CWI Top Rope and CWI Lead. Students may choose between the two certifications during the course.
Learn more about the program here.

Duration:

2.5 days

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • climbing wall management
  • teaching climbing
  • basic rescue skills
  • professionalism
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills

Prerequisites:

There are two certification levels in the Climbing Wall Instructor program: Top Rope and Lead. Prerequisites for each certification level are presented below. These prerequisites are considered the bare minimum of skills and experience needed to successfully attain CWI certification.

Top Rope Certification prerequisites:

Lead Certification prerequisites:

  • You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
  • You have at least one year documented personal climbing experience (a minimum of 30 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors in the last 12 months.).
  • You have the ability to comfortably climb 5.7 on top rope on artificial surfaces.
  • You have the ability to top rope belay with a manual braking device or an assisted braking device.
  • You have the ability to tie the figure eight follow through and familiarity with the figure eight on a bight and overhand on a bight.
  • You possess an understanding of the proper use of personal climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, carabiners, and ropes.
  • Having previously taught and/or observed basic climbing courses is recommended, but not required.
  • You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
  • You have at least one year documented personal climbing experience (a minimum of 50 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors in the last 12 months.).
  • You have the ability to comfortably climb 5.9 on top rope and competently lead climb 5.8 on artificial surfaces.
  • You have the ability to competently belay a lead climber with a manual belay device and assisted braking device.
  • You have experience teaching (formally or informally) the use of personal climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, belay device, carabiners, and ropes.
top down view of rock climber in an indoor gym with two belayers on the floor below