About Affinity Programs
Since 2018, the AMGA has sought to create welcoming and empowering environments by offering affinity based programming opportunities. These initiatives promote greater access to training, mentorship, and professional development, helping to break down barriers in the outdoor industry. These initiatives would not be possible without the support and backing from our corporate sponsors. Their partnership plays a crucial role in shaping a more accessible future for climbing and guiding.
Applying to Affinity Programs
How to Apply
- When the application period opens fill out and submit your application.
- You must have a current professional AMGA membership.
- You must submit a climbing resume that demonstrates you meet the prerequisites of the program you are applying to.
Application Timeline
- Application Period Opens on January 16, 2026
- Application Closes: February 6, 2026
- Award Notification: March 20, 2026
Guidelines
- Tell us about a mentor you've had in your life.
- Why are you interested in taking an AMGA Affinity Program?
- How will participating in an Affinity Course help you in your career, and/or your personal climbing?
2026 Affinity Programs Sponsors
.avif){kind=logo}
Affinity Climbing Instructor Programs Details
Affinity Programs Details
Black Diamond and C4C’s shared commitment to increasing representation in the guiding industry is reflected in their support of the AMGA’s BIPOC Affinity Programs. By helping provide access to high-quality education, technical skills training, and networking opportunities, their support empowers guides to advance their skills within a supportive community. This partnership plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive outdoor industry where all guides have the opportunity to succeed. This program is open to all interested students who meet the program prerequisites. Dates: September 2026. Location: Boulder, CO.
The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days or day classes with evening sessions. This program is the first step in earning one’s SPI certification and 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. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam.
Candidates who are unsure of their qualifications would benefit from reaching out directly to the program provider teaching the program. The provider will have good insights into steps towards preparing for the SPI Course. Alternatively, hiring an AMGA Certified Multi-Pitch Instructor, Rock Guide, or Mountain Guide to evaluate and enhance their skill level prior to enrollment in an SPI Program may be necessary.
- Current AMGAÂ Professional Membership
- 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.
Black Diamond and C4C’s shared commitment to increasing representation in the guiding industry is reflected in their support of the AMGA’s BIPOC Affinity Programs. By helping provide access to high-quality education, technical skills training, and networking opportunities, their support empowers guides to advance their skills within a supportive community. This partnership plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive outdoor industry where all guides have the opportunity to succeed. This program is open to all interested students who meet the program prerequisites. Dates: September 2026. Location: Boulder, CO.
The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam.
First aid training is not a pre-requisite for participation in a course or assessment. For SPI certification to be valid, however, instructors must hold appropriate medical certification for the location in which they will be working. SPI certification is not valid for instructors whose medical certification has lapsed. It is the responsibility of individual instructors to maintain appropriate medical certification.
- Have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course within the past 2 years. For those renewing, their SPI certification must be valid or within 1 year expiration.
- Have traditionally led a minimum of 40 rock climbing routes.
- A large number of these should be at the 5.6 grade (or higher) in various locations and on a variety of different rock types. A multi pitch route would meet one of the forty requisite route requirements and does not count towards multiple routes.
- A large number of these should be at the 5.6 grade (or higher) in various locations and on a variety of different rock types. A multi pitch route would meet one of the forty requisite route requirements and does not count towards multiple routes.
- Are capable of comfortably lead climbing (leader placing own protection) on any 5.6 traditional route. Candidates will demonstrate their leading ability on a variety of routes during the assessment.
- Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 with a top rope belay. Candidates will demonstrate their top rope climbing ability during the assessment.
Mountain Hardwear is a proud supporter of the AMGA’s LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Programs, helping to create a more inclusive guiding community. Their support provides guides and instructors with greater access to professional training, mentorship, and career development in a welcoming environment. This program is open to all interested students who meet the program prerequisites. Dates: May/June 2026. Location: TBD.
The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days or day classes with evening sessions. This program is the first step in earning one’s SPI certification and 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. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam.
Candidates who are unsure of their qualifications would benefit from reaching out directly to the program provider teaching the program. The provider will have good insights into steps towards preparing for the SPI Course. Alternatively, hiring an AMGA Certified Multi-Pitch Instructor, Rock Guide, or Mountain Guide to evaluate and enhance their skill level prior to enrollment in an SPI Program may be necessary.
- Current AMGAÂ Professional Membership
- 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.
Arc'teryx is the title sponsor of the AMGA’s Women’s Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Programs. These programs provide the tools, training, and certification needed to pursue careers in the guiding world. Their support plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment. This program is open to all interested students who meet the program prerequisites. Dates: October 2026. Location: Las Vegas, NV.
The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days or day classes with evening sessions. This program is the first step in earning one’s SPI certification and 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. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam.
Candidates who are unsure of their qualifications would benefit from reaching out directly to the program provider teaching the program. The provider will have good insights into steps towards preparing for the SPI Course. Alternatively, hiring an AMGA Certified Multi-Pitch Instructor, Rock Guide, or Mountain Guide to evaluate and enhance their skill level prior to enrollment in an SPI Program may be necessary.
- Current AMGAÂ Professional Membership
- 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.
Arc'teryx is the title sponsor of the AMGA’s Women’s Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Programs. These programs provide the tools, training, and certification needed to pursue careers in the guiding world. Their support plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment. This program is open to all interested students who meet the program prerequisites. Dates: October 2026. Location: Las Vegas, NV.
The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their skills for 3-6 months prior to taking the SPI Exam.
First aid training is not a pre-requisite for participation in a course or assessment. For SPI certification to be valid, however, instructors must hold appropriate medical certification for the location in which they will be working. SPI certification is not valid for instructors whose medical certification has lapsed. It is the responsibility of individual instructors to maintain appropriate medical certification.
- Have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course within the past 2 years. For those renewing, their SPI certification must be valid or within 1 year expiration.
- Have traditionally led a minimum of 40 rock climbing routes.
- A large number of these should be at the 5.6 grade (or higher) in various locations and on a variety of different rock types. A multi pitch route would meet one of the forty requisite route requirements and does not count towards multiple routes.
- A large number of these should be at the 5.6 grade (or higher) in various locations and on a variety of different rock types. A multi pitch route would meet one of the forty requisite route requirements and does not count towards multiple routes.
- Are capable of comfortably lead climbing (leader placing own protection) on any 5.6 traditional route. Candidates will demonstrate their leading ability on a variety of routes during the assessment.
- Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 with a top rope belay. Candidates will demonstrate their top rope climbing ability during the assessment.
Donate to Support Affinity Programs
Your donations help us continue to create inclusive programs for BIPOC and other marginalized communities. By donating to the AMGA, you're helping provide access to guiding to more people.
