AMGA Multi-Pitch Instructor

New in 2020 – the Multi-Pitch Instructor Course & Exam prepares candidates to guide multi-pitch climbs up to 4 pitches in length (not to exceed 400 ft total) that are not remote in nature, and have simple approaches and descents with minimal short-roping. This program has an emphasis on providing a great client experience while adequately managing risk for both the client and the guide.

To get your Multi-Pitch Instructor Certification, you must complete:

The 3-day SPI Course
The 2-day SPI Assessment (Note: SPI Cert must be valid at the time of the MPI Course and Exam)
The 10-day Rock Guide Course
The 8-day Multi-Pitch Instructor Course and Exam
Have a current CPR Certification
Have a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR

Program Information

UPDATES AND FAQS ABOUT THE MULTI-PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE & EXAM: HERE

SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Single Pitch Instructor Course

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.
The above prerequisites are absolute minimums. Learn more HERE.
SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR ASSESSMENT
Single Pitch Instructor Assessment

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.
Learn more HERE.
ROCK GUIDE COURSE
This is the entry-level course for the Rock Guide and Alpine Guide programs and the Rock Instructor Certification. The Rock Guide Course (RGC) was designed for aspiring guides who have a strong rock climbing background and for instructors who are interested in improving their skills and increasing knowledge. The RGC trains aspiring guides on routes up to Grade III and 5.9 while emphasizing risk management and client rewards. You are expected to arrive with a strong recreational climbing background with an acquired knowledge of knots, belaying, anchors, protection strategies, and climbing systems. It is assumed that you can lead the climbs listed on the submitted resume and that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for a week of outdoor activity.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Five years personal rock climbing experience
- Confidence leading traditional and sport routes up to 5.9, at the time of the course
- Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
- Familiar with multiple types of mechanical and non-mechanical belay devices
- Familiar with a variety of rappel devices on multi-pitch rappels
- Familiar with LNT Practices
- You have led 10 traditional climbs rated 5.10a or harder on various rock types (single or multi-pitch)
- You have led or shared lead on 50 multi-pitch rock routes (10 of which are Grade III or longer)
MULTI-PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE & EXAM
FORMAT

The Multi-Pitch Instructor Course & Exam includes instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment. The program is 8 days in length. There are 5 days of instruction and course work and a 3-day assessment.

The Course portion of the program includes:
- Principle-based learning routed in giving candidates strategies for problem-solving through coaching and practical application in simulated guide/client scenarios
The Exam portion of the program includes:
- 2 days of guiding route objectives
- 1 day of objective skills assessing proficiency with the AMGA Rock Rescue Drill, and climbing movement at the 5.9 standard
ASSESSMENT AREAS:
- Screening of movement skills in rock terrain
- Proficiency with the AMGA Rock Rescue Drill
- Guided days assessment includes evaluation in the following nine categories: Risk Management, Client Care, Technical Systems, Application, Terrain Assessment, Movement Skills, Mountain Sense, Professionalism, and Instructional Techniques.
PREREQUISITES

General Requirements
- Current AMGA Member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or higher that meets the minimum guidelines and scope of practice for a WFR
Training Level Requirements
- Current Certified Single Pitch Instructor (successfully completed both the SPI Course & the SPI Assessment)
- Current Apprentice Rock Guide or higher (minimum successful completion of the RGC)
Technical & Movement Requirements
- Confidence leading onsight traditional and sport climbs up to 5.9 at the time of the program
- Mastery of basic knots including figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman, klemheist and auto-block
- Mastery of mechanical and non-mechanical belay devices
- Mastery of raising systems and mechanical advantage
- Advanced knowledge of LNT practices
Resume Requirements: Applicants are required to document the below requirements in the resume template provided by the AMGA during the application process. The same climb may be used to fulfill multiple requirements
- Since completing the Rock Guide Course, led 25 traditional rock climbs (single or multi-pitch)
  - 15 of which are rated 5.10a or harder
- Since completing the RGC, led or shared lead on 15 rock climbs that are 3 pitches or longer
- Since completing the SPI Assessment and the RGC, worked 20 days in Apprentice Rock Guide terrain (this may include Single Pitch Instructor terrain)
  - 5 of these days must be on multi-pitch rock routes and include a documented supervising guide

Multi-Pitch Instructor Programs Schedule

For information on how to apply to a program and how applications are reviewed, click here
For the complete AMGA Course Schedule, click here
Application Deadlines are still being set. The listed application and notification deadlines are TENTATIVE.
Tuition prices are still being finalized. The exact price will be listed before applications open.

Program Type	Code	Location	State	Dates	Tuition	Status	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R13 RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	7/22/25 - 7/31/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R14 *BIPOC RGC 25	Smith Rock	Oregon	9/10/25 - 9/17/25	$4700.00	Open	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R15 RGC 25	North Conway	New Hampshire	9/9/25 - 9/18/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R17 *RGC 25	Boulder	Colorado	9/16/25 - 9/23/25	$4700.00	Applications Under Review*
Rock Guide Course	R21 WMNS RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	9/30/25 - 10/7/25	$4700.00	Open	Apply
Rock Guide Course	R25 RGC 25	Boulder/Estes	Colorado	10/14/25 - 10/23/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R26 RGC 25	Smith Rock	Oregon	10/16/25 - 10/25/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R30 RGC 25	Joshua Tree	California	11/3/25 - 11/12/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R20 RGC 25	Seneca Rocks	West Virginia	9/30/25 - 10/9/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Rock Guide Course	R32 VETERANS RGC 25	Leavenworth	Washington	9/3/25 - 9/10/25	$3825.00	Waitlist	Waitlist

Application and Notification Deadlines

The application deadline is when your complete application is due.
The notification deadline is the latest date you will be contacted in regard to your enrollment.

Applications received after the application deadline will be reviewed on a rolling admission.

Program Dates	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
2026 Winter & Spring Ski Alpine and Rock Programs	TBD 2025	TBD 2025
2026 Spring & Summer Alpine and Rock Programs	TBD 2025	TBD 2025
2026 Summer & Fall Alpine and Rock Programs	TBD 2025	TBD 2025