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.
2025 Affinity Programs Sponsors
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Affinity Climbing Instructor Programs Details
Affinity Programs Details
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 28-31, 2025. 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’s 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, Black Diamond is empowering guides to advance their skills in a supportive community. Their 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 10-12, 2025. 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.
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 20-21, 2025. Location: Joshua Tree, CA.
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 22-24, 2025. Location: Joshua Tree, CA.
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.
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.
