Associate Coach Certification

  • Level I
  • Areas of Focus
  • Level II
  • Level III
USA Triathlon's coach development pathway. Coaches may enter either at the Associate Level or Level 1. Upon reaching Level 1 certification, they take a Level I Area of Focus course before moving onto a Level II Specialization. Level III, elite international coaching, is an option for a select number of candidates.

The Associate Coach Certification is designed to equip an entry-level coach with the tools needed to become a capable and qualified instructor. It is intended for assistant coaches, high school coaches, parents or other multisport athletes.

USA Triathlon Online Associate Coach Certification Course ($125)

USA Triathlon’s Online Associate Coach Certification Course educates aspiring coaches on how to train their athletes on different aspects of triathlon. Just some of the topics covered include:

  • Foundation of physiology foundation
  • Foundation of nutrition
  • Theory of coaching
  • Swim technique and stroke mechanics
  • Bike handling
  • Demands of the triathlon run
  • Transition planning

and more!

Once the USAT Online Associate Coach Certification is completed, coach certification candidates must then upload verification of the remaining coach certification requirements. Candidates have six-weeks from the day the course is completed to submit the remaining coach certification requirements. Upon submission, USAT Staff reviews the submission for accuracy and completion. Once submission is approved, official USA Triathlon Associate Coach Certification is awarded.

Associate Coach Certification Requirements

For USA Triathlon Associate Coach Certification, candidates must complete and/or submit the following:

  • Completion of the Associate Coach Certification course

  • Green Light (Clear) NCSI Background Check (PDF)

  • SafeSport Training Certification

  • CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification

  • USA Triathlon Annual Membership

  • Review USOPC Coaching Code of Conduct

Bridge to Level I Certification

Looking to take the next step in your coaching career? Certified Associated Coaches may take a bridge course to Level I Coaching Certification.

The four-phase course contains additional instruction on the following topics:

  • Exercise Physiology (Bridge Phase 1)
  • Applied Nutrition & Fueling (Bridge Phase 1)
  • Strength and Conditioning (Bridge Phase 2)
  • Training Plan Management (Bridge Phase 2)
  • Sport Psychology and Mental Performance (Bridge Phase 3)
  • Coaching as a Business (Bridge Phase 3)
  • Paratriathlon 101 (Bridge Phase 4)
  • Risk Management (Bridge Phase 4)

Phases can be done yearly for $150 per phase.




Associate Coach Certification Period

An Associate Coach Certification is valid for four years from the date it was completed. After four years, coaches must complete the bridge course to earn the Level I Certification.