Syllabus

The latest course syllabus (V3.4 March 2026) can be downloaded here:

Terrain

Single Pitch Instructor terrain consists of outdoor bolted crags that are climbed without intermediate belays, i.e. no multipitch climbing. Maximum route length is such that the climber can be lowered to the ground from the top of the pitch, although topography and communication requirements will often shorten this length. Approaches and descents to and from climbing venues may involve abseiling but otherwise present no difficulties such as significant route finding, scrambling, or short roping.

Validity

Certification is valid for three years from assessment as long as the candidate holds current First Aid certification and ClimbMT Membership.

Training & Assessment

Training is carried out over 24 hours (or more), generally scheduled as three days over consecutive weekends. The course may also be delivered as a semester class.
Assessment is carried out over 12 hours, generally scheduled as two consecutive days over a single weekend.

Eligibility

Candidates may sign up for the SSPI Course if they meet the following requirements:

1. Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing on single pitch sport climbing crags.
2. Are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
3. Have at least 5 years prior outdoor climbing experience.
4. Are active climbers with substantial sport climbing experience (bolted protection).
5. Have led a minimum of 40 sport climbing pitches (any grade).
6. Are capable of comfortably leading French 6a+. To pass the assessment candidates will be required to climb routes graded French 6b comfortably.
7. Are members of ClimbMT

Dates & Costs

The fee for ClimbMT SSPI Training & Assessment is €400.00 for 2026.
The next scheduled training will take place on Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Saturday 18, and Sunday 19 April 2026. Candidates will need to attend all four training days and consolidation sessions. Some theoretical content will be covered during evening sessions – dates and location TBC. Contact Stephen, our head of training, on pro@climbmt.org for more information. To sign up for the course please click the link below and find the SSPI course under the COURSE REGISTRATIONS tab.