AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment

Please read though all the following information carefully and save this page or print it off now for your records. Your Instructor will contact you once via email before this booking (unless it is a last minute booking then they may not have chance to). Please call 1-888-284-8433 or email the office or your Instructor if you have any questions about your booking.

Meeting Time: AMGA SPI Programs meet at 8am unless otherwise arranged.

Cancellation Policies: To have made this booking you must have already read and agreed to our cancellation policies. Please click here to review these policies if you wish and contact the FMG office if you have any questions.

Travel Insurance: We strongly suggest you look into ‘travel insurance’ as this may protect you from losing your money if you have to cancel your booking.

Guides’ Contact Information: Click here for a list of our guides’ email and cell phone numbers.

Accommodation: For accommodation information please click here or contact the office.

What To Bring:

  • Technical Equipment:
  • UIAA/CE approved Climbing Helmet
  • UIAA/CE approved Climbing Harness with belay loop
  • Climbing shoes or approach shoes you can climb in to 5.7
  • Standard “lead climbing rack” such as, Stoppers, SLCD’s, Tri-cams, etc.
  • Assorted 24” and 48” runners (must have one 48” runner)
  • 10 or more non-locking carabineers
  • 3 or more “HMS/Pearbiners”
  • 5 or more locking carabineers
  • 1 Plate/tube style belay device such as the Petzl Reverso, Black Diamond ATC, etc.
  • 1 ‘Assisted Braking Device’ style belay device such as the Petzl GriGri or Trango Synch
  • 2 Prussic loops (1m of 5mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
  • 2 Cordelettes (5m of 7mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
  • One 50-60m “single” rope (9.5-11mm) suitable for leading and top roping
  • One static or “semi static” (gym line) rope 10-11mm, 30m+, for setting up anchors and fixed lines
  • All gear will be inspected on the first morning of the course and is expected to be in good condition. Mark all of your gear!

AMGA SPI Assessment Pre-Requisites:

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, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course graduate 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 Rope 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 (or higher) and hopefully at various locations and on a variety of rock types.
  • You are capable of comfortably lead climbing any 5.6 traditional routes (leader placing protection). You will demonstrate your leading ability on a variety of routes on the assessment.
  • You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

Tips for a Successful Assessment; Final Check List:

  • Read all the information carefully
  • Practice! Come prepared to instruct and showcase all of your technical and instruction skills. The examiner will expect to see you the best you have to offer so make sure you’re up to the challenge! Many candidates hire an instructor for a day before the assessment to go over any final questions and concerns.
  • Ensure you have all the equipment required for the Assessment.
  • Review your meeting location, date and time. Please allow extra time so you will arrive on time
  • Make a note of your guides cell phone number
  • Review directions and print them out for your trip
  • Download the FMG Waiver. Please print one for each participant and bring them with you. Review the information and call or email the FMG office if you have any questions. Parents/Guardians must sign any participants waiver under the age of 18 years old.
  • Look into trip insurance as this may protect you from losing your money if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute.
  • Review our cancellation policies and call or email the office with any questions.

Extra Information and Frequently Asked Questions:

Transport: It is your responsibility for your own transportation to and from the Trail Head.

Camping and Food: Camping and food costs are not included in any of the multiple day courses we offer.

Weather: These programs can run in any weather so come prepared!

Emergency Information: Please be aware that advanced medical care is normally over an hour away from the climbing and course sites, cell phones mostly do not work in the areas that the courses are run. All medical concerns, old injuries, and medications should be discussed with the Instructor prior to the course or day of guiding.

Readiness for Climbing: Please arrive at your outing rendezvous in a state of physical and mental readiness.  Severe sleep deprivation, drug and alcohol use, and undisclosed medical conditions will greatly impair your ability to participate in a climbing outing and may create risks that will be difficult for your guide or instructor to manage.  Please do not consume drugs or alcohol within 12 hours of your climbing outing. Alcohol consumption and drug use are forbidden while on the trip.

Payment: We will charge your outstanding balance to the card you placed the original order on unless otherwise instructed. You may also pay the balance at any time before the trip by sending a check to: Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School, PO Box 1445, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Please include a note saying for whom the payment is for, what type of guiding or course and dates of booking. Please make checks payable to “Fox Mountain Guides, LLC”. There is a $30 service charge for all returned checks.