The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that typically runs as three consecutive nine-hour days. 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 is not a “climbing” course. It is an instructor training course for active, proficient rock climbers and aspiring climbing instructors. The course focuses on instructor-specific topics such as professionalism, teaching techniques, risk management, group site organization, climbing site conservation and Leave No Trace practices, and assistance/rescue skills.
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.
2026 Dates:
Saturday, May 23rd - Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day Weekend).
Saturday, October 10th - Monday, October 12th (Indigenous' Peoples/Columbus Day Weekend).
These prerequisites are absolute minimums and must be met at the time of the course. Without having at least this amount of experience you are unlikely to make best use of the training.
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 an active climber 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.
Are a professional member of the AMGA.
Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes.
Clothing appropriate for the activity & environment.
Helmet.
Harness.
Climbing Shoes.
Rack with cams, stoppers, etc. Double rack from .6" - 3" recommended.
Slings + Quickdraws for leader protection.
1-2x "Double Length" Slings - 120cm/48" (at least one should be a non-dyneema material).
4 or more HMS/Pear Shaped Carabiners (e.g DMM Phantom HMS).
4-5 additional locking carabiners.
Tube Style Belay/Rappel Device.
Assisted Braking Device (e.g Petzl Grigri).
Prusik Loop
1-2 Cordelettes (7mm nylon cord or tech cord; 18-20' long).
Optional: Triple Length (120cm) or Quad Length (180cm) dyneema sling.
Climbing Rope (60 or 70M).
Static Rope (we recommend a 40M length). The 10mm Sterling SafetyPro is a solid choice.
Have a gear question or think you might need to borrow something? Reach out to Grant@cathedralmountainguides.com and ask away!
All Single Pitch Instructor Programs through Cathedral Mountain Guides are taught by Grant Simmons.
Grant is an AMGA certified Rock Guide, Ice Instructor, Single Pitch Instructor, and SPI Provider. He is the Managing Partner of CMG, a small and thoughtful guide service based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Grant believes in sharing both experiences and skills with the folks that he works with and aims to empower his guests as they work to achieve their climbing goals.
Grant began his guiding career by taking an SPI Course with the Atlantic Climbing School in 2012. He finds it amazing that it has come full circle and now he is teaching the course that first taught him that, "no, you may not wear sandals when you guide". My has he come a long way!
Cancellation Policy. All cancellations are subject to a $25.00 administrative fee. Cancellations made within 3-5 weeks of the program's start date will result in a 50% refund. Any cancellation made within 3 weeks of the program's start date will result in full loss of payment.
Weather. Should the weather not be suitable for the program, your trip total will be refunded. It is up to Cathedral Mountain Guides to determine what conditions are, or are not, suitable for the trip. No one should be miserable on their days out, but please understand that adverse conditions may be a part of your experience. We don’t really want to climb in the rain either, but we might have to!