Currently, there are over 1500 USA Triathlon Certified Coaches residing throughout the United States and internationally. USA Triathlon’s Coaching Certification Program receives requests for program information from American and international coaching organizations and National Governing Bodies interested in pursuing coaching certification and athlete development.
USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Policy: Exam materials must be submitted within 6 weeks of the clinic date in order to become certified. A petition for an extension must be submitted in writing by the deadline to Linda Cleveland. Failure to submit materials by the deadline will result in the participant becomign ineligible for certification. The participant will have to re-take the Certification Clinic in order to be eligible for certification.
Is your certification running out? Find out about Recertification.
LEVEL I:
Prior to certification, candidate must complete and/or submit the following:
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Three-day educational clinic
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Written examination
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Current CPR Certification
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Signed USOC Coaching Ethics Code must be submitted
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Before USA Triathlon Certified Coach Certificates and cards are sent to certification candidates, the above requirements must be met. It is highly recommended that candidates make plans to obtain or review required items prior to the clinic. Photocopies of originals and the exam should be sent at the same time. Please send all requested items together as one packet, as this makes the process more efficient for the USAT staff. All of these will be kept on file in the USAT National Office. Certification will not be awarded until a candidate's file is complete.
Current CPR certification: American Red Cross or The American Heart Association certifications are preferred for first time certification. AED certifications are not required, but are highly recommended.
Coaching Educational Clinic:The 2 1/2 day educational clinic requirement must be met by attending a USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Clinic hosted by USA Triathlon and an approved host coach. Click here for a sample clinic schedule. As this is a sample schedule this will give you an idea of the topics covered. Do not make flight arrangements based off these times. Use the times provided for the particular clinic you have registered for.
Written Examination:On the final day of the clinic, attendees will be given a take-home exam. The exam is to be completed by the specified deadline and sent back to the USA Triathlon National Office for evaluation. Exams will include multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
Signed USOC Coaching Ethics Code:The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Coaching Ethics Code will be distributed and discussed at the Coaching Certification Clinic. USA Triathlon certified coaches must sign and return the USOC Coaching Ethics Code.
Criminal History Check:Coaching certification candidates must pass a criminal history check by going through the background check application
. The fee is $20 for most U.S. citizens. (Please note that some states charge more and international background checks will cost more and vary by country), only Visa and MC are accepted.
Clinic Fee:The fee is $505, which includes a clinic manual, a subscription to USA Triathlon Performance Coaching Newsletter, coaches liability coverage, access to the USAT Coaches Yahoo discussion group, and access to the Certified Coaches sponsorships.
See the schedule of upcoming clinics.
LEVEL II:
Prior to certification, candidate must complete and/or submit the following:
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Attain status of USAT Level I coach
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USA Triathlon level II clinic
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Pass the written and oral examinations
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Current CPR Certification
Signed and dated USOC Coaching Ethics Code
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Criminal history check by completing the
online background check application.
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Minimum of two years triathlon coaching experience following USA Triathlon Level I certification.
- One of the following:
1. BA or BS degree in sport science or related field preferred OR
2. Certifications with relevance to triathlon such as ACSM, USA Cycling, USA Swimming, USATF or call USAT coaching education for more details.
- Annual Service to the USA Triathlon National Teams Program or educational contributions to the sport of triathlon, (i.e., service during a USA Triathlon camp or clinic, contributions to the USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Program or various related USAT programs).
LEVEL III:
Prior to applying for the Level III clinic, candidates must complete and/or submit the following:
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USAT membership
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The applicant must be a USAT Level II coach in good standing for at least 12 months prior to the LIII clinic.
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The applicant have completed the
USAT Elite Mentorship program at the Olympic Training Center and/or at a World Cup race before the Level III clinic.
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The applicant must have documentation the he/she has been the primary coach of an athlete(s) at the highest level of competition within their division. (i.e. Age Group World Championships, Elite National Team, Ironman World Championships, Youth/Junior/U23 Nationals).
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The applicant must hold at least one additional current certification from the following sport organizations: USA Cycling, USA Swimming USA Track and Field, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association
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The applicant must hold a current CPR/AED certification.
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The application must pass an
online background check.
See the schedule of upcoming clinics.
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