Become an SPI Provider

New for 2023!

The process of becoming an SPI Provider has been fully revised. Please check out this revamped page to learn about the path to becoming an SPI Provider.

What is an SPI Provider?

Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Providers are a vital component of the AMGA. Based throughout the country, SPI Providers teach AMGA SPI Courses and facilitate SPI Assessments.

As representatives of the AMGA and providers of the SPI curriculum – we look for dedicated educators with comprehensive teaching and/or mentoring experience that are committed to helping students succeed. In addition to climbing and technical expertise, being able to articulate written and verbal feedback is an essential skill for those interested in becoming a Provider. We are also seeking individuals who are committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all aspiring climbing instructors.

The process of becoming a Provider is a partnership between the applicant and the AMGA—the training program is taught and facilitated by the AMGA.

How do I become an SPI Provider?

Steps:

Start by applying to the 5 day Provider Training Course! Please see prerequisites and “how to apply” information below.

Participate in the 5 day Provider Training Course: those candidates who successfully pass are approved to teach SPI Courses independently as a Provisional Provider, at the 6:1 student to Provider ratio.
Teach programs: once the Provisional Provider has taught, or co-taught a minimum of 4 SPI Courses within a 2 year timeframe, they will meet the teaching requirement for applying to the 3 day Provider Assessment. This, combined with performance that meets the standards expected of an AMGA SPI Provider, will make them eligible to apply to the Provider Assessment.
Apply to the 3 day Provider Assessment: If they pass the Provider Assessment, they will then be approved as a Provider and approved to facilitate SPI Assessments in addition to teaching SPI Courses, both at the 6:1 student to Provider ratio.

Please visit the FAQ for more information.

If you are a current Assistant Provider:

Check out the Assistant Provider Bridge Program for more information and options for your advancement toward Provider status.

Program Information

Prerequisites:
SPI Provider Prerequisites:
- Minimum training level required:
- - AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Multi-Pitch Instructor, or AMGA Rock Instructor
- Minimum instructing experience:
- - 150 days instructing rock climbing
    - document at least 50 of these days in the resume template
    - Experience in group management, experiential education, and staff training is preferred
- Able to onsight lead 5.9 traditional climbs at the time of the training course
- Current AMGA Member
- Current CPR Certification and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher
- SPI Providers are required to be in compliance with AMGA Scope of Practice.
How to Apply:
Application Instructions:

In order for your application to be considered please submit the following items prior to the application deadline.

Email application packet, in a google drive folder, to the Climbing Instructor Program Manager, Andrew Megas-Russell [email protected] and pay the application fee prior to the application deadline.

1. Essay Questions:
Answer 5 out of the 6, limit 250-500 words per question
• What will make you an effective provider and what elevates you above other candidates?
• What would you bring that would be valuable to the Climbing Instructor Program?
• How do you provide an atmosphere that makes you approachable for instructors both professionally and personally?
• Share a time when you received tough feedback from a supervisor or boss?
• Describe key elements related to facilitating effective daily, end of day, and final debrief feedback on a program.
• Provide a written example of feedback telling a student they did not pass their movement.

2. Professional resume - specifically express:

• Please include the number of days instructing at each job and number of days guiding at each job.

3. Climbing instruction and teaching resume - Applicants must use the resume-template provided by the AMGA

• Document 10 - 5.9 (or harder) traditional climbs within the past year
• Document minimum 50 days of rock climbing instruction
• Optional - Applicants may document more than 50 days if they exceed the minimum documentation requirements

4. Example Lesson Plan

• Any topic is okay - can be climbing related or some other topic
• Any format is okay - word doc or pdf, powerpoint or google slides etc.
• You will not be asked to deliver the lesson or presentation, simply to supply an example

5. Ensure your myAMGA account information is up to date:
• Upload your current COVID-19 vaccine and booster card
• Upload certification forms for WFR and CPR
• Fill out or update your AMGA Health Statement including emergency contact
• Update your Basic Information including apparel sizes and Public Profile information

6. $65 non-refundable application fee - To pay over the phone, please call Andrew, 303.578.3655 or mail check to AMGA Attn: CIP Manager 4720 Walnut Street Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80301

Please do not submit AMGA course evaluations or certifications with the application. These may be reviewed during the application process. You do not need to include these.
Application Review:
Application Review:

Enrollment decisions are based on a number of factors including the following:
- Application is received by the application deadline
- Cover letter and resume completeness and strength
- Teaching and instructing experience
- Previous wait list status
Best Qualified applicants considerably exceed the minimum prerequisites

Well Qualified applicants exceed the minimum prerequisites

Qualified applicants meet the minimum prerequisites
Tuition Information:
Tuition Information:
- Participants are responsible for other costs associated with the training including but not limited to food, travel and lodging.
- Pay your $500.00 deposit (due two weeks from your date of acceptance). Log-in to myAMGA to pay your course deposit ($150 is nonrefundable if you drop out of the course or exam).
  - To accept and hold your space on a program, full tuition is due within two weeks of acceptance.
- Failure to pay your tuition will result in being dropped from the program.
- Refunds will be issued up until 4-weeks prior to the start of the program. Once the 4-week mark passes, NO refunds will be issued.
- There is no transfer option. If you drop from your training course you will need to reapply. The AMGA will waive your application fee one time.
- If the AMGA cancels a training, all payments will be refunded in full. This applies to tuition only - participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food, and other expenses.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended to protect your tuition investment and cover other expenses in the event of injury or other unforeseen event resulting in you needing to drop.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:
• AMGA requires all participants on Mountain Guide Programs and Provider Training Programs to be fully vaccinated & boosted (if eligible) beginning 3/8/22.
• You will need to upload your Covid-19 Vaccine Card to your myAMGA dashboard by the drop deadline for your program.
• If you do not upload your proof of vaccination by the drop deadline, you will be dropped from the program and given a refund less $150.00.
• To assist any student with a disability or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated, a reasonable accommodation may be made. To request such accommodation please email [email protected] no later than 12 weeks prior to your scheduled course or exam. Please reference pages 4-5 of the COVID-19 Operating Plan for details.
• More information can be found in the AMGA COVID-19 Operating Plan | AMGA COVID-19 Operating Plan | V 3.3
Format:
FORMAT
The 5 day Provider Training Course program block is a combination of instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment.
The program is 5 days in length. There are 3-days of instruction and course work and a 2-day assessment.
Principle-based learning is rooted in giving candidates strategies for framing and creating a positive learning environment, organizing effective program itineraries, and managing the administrative tasks for the program.
Critical review of course curriculum session delivery as would be taught on an SPI Course is core to this program block.

The 3 day Provider Assessment program block includes:
This program block includes a combination of instructional components and assessment scenarios.
Assessment and debriefing strategies are reviewed and practiced by the Provisional Providers through SPI Assessment scenarios and or real client interactions where candidates will need to evaluate and deliver written or verbal feedback.
Additional Information:
Additional Information:

• The AMGA does not reimburse for any travel, food, lodging or associated costs to become a provider.

• SPI Providers are required to be in compliance with AMGA Scope of Practice.

• Once your application is accepted you will receive more information.

• If you have additional questions after referring to this entire page, please contact Andrew [email protected]