Certification Levels

Currently, there are over 1700 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. Failure to submit materials by the deadline will result in the participant becoming ineligible for certification.

Is your certification running out? Find out about Recertification.

LEVEL I

Prior to certification, candidate must complete and/or submit the following: 

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 2.5 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.

USAT's Background Check Policy:

Any person who has plead guilty or been convicted of a felony is not eligible to be certified as a USA Triathlon coach, except at the discretion of the USAT Hearings & Appeals Committee, it is determined that the felony did not arise out of an act or omission that presented a danger to others, the applicant's self, and/or property.


 
Clinic Fee
The fee is $525, 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:

  • USAT Membership
  • Attain status of USAT Level I coach
  • USA Triathlon level II clinic
  • Pass the written and oral examinations
  • Current CPR Certification
  • Signed and dated USOC Coaching Ethics Code
  • Complete the online background check application using this link.
  • 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 Level I or II, USA Swimming, USATF, NSCA or NASM.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of periodization and planning by submitting an ATP of a current athlete.
  • Explain the status of an athlete, state two to three objectives for that athlete, explain what you did as a coach to address those objectives, and explain the results that were accomplished with that athlete.
  • Letter of recommendation from an athlete and a mentor coach.
  • Annual Service to the USA Triathlon 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

A USAT Level III Coach understands and applies the following concepts while working with athletes.  

  • Advanced periodization and planning including program implementation, progression, lab and field testing and recovery methods.
  • Swim stroke analysis, run gait analysis, bike fit and analysis
  • Functional strength training and dynamic warmup
  • Advanced nutritional and mental skills strategies
  • ITU qualifications and rules
  • Race strategies

Prior to applying for the Level III clinic, candidates must complete and/or submit the following:

  • USAT membership
  • The applicant must be a USAT Level II coach in good standing for at least 12 months prior to the LIII clinic.
  • The applicant must have completed the USAT Elite Mentorship program between January 1, 2007 and the current application deadline.
  • 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 based on the following criteria:  
    • Age Group World Championships Podium Finish, Elite National Team, Ironman World Championships top 25 overall or podium finish in their age group, Youth/Junior /U23Nationals Podium Finish. Coaching yourself does not qualify.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of progression by stating two to three objectives for an elite athlete, explain what you did as a coach to address those objectives, and explain the results that were accomplished with that athlete.
  • The applicant must submit an ATP based on a standard provided form of one elite level athlete that they directly coach as part of the application process within 7 days upon acceptance into the clinic. This will be reviewed by USAT Sport Performance staff within 2 weeks and sent back to the applicant with suggestions.
  • The applicant must submit one letter of recommendation from a mentor coach and one letter of recommendation from an athlete.
  • The applicant must hold at least one additional current certification from the following sport organizations: USA Cycling Level I or Level II, USA Swimming, American Swimming Coaches Association, USA Track and Field, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, or NASM.
  • The applicant must hold a current CPR/AED certification.
  • The application must pass an online background check.
    See the schedule of upcoming clinics.