Coach Certification Levels:
Prior to certification, candidate must complete the following
• Two-day educational clinic
• Written examination
• American Red Cross Sport Safety Training or CPR and first-aid certifications
• Signed USOC Coaching Ethics Code must be submitted
• Criminal history check as provided by USA Triathlon
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 renew required items prior to the clinic. Photocopies of originals may be brought to the clinic or sent in after the clinic with the exam. All of these will be kept on file in the USA Triathlon National Office. Certification will not be awarded until a candidate's file is complete.
Two-Day Educational Clinic: The two-day educational clinic requirement mus t be met by attending a USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Clinic hosted by USA Triathlon and an approved host coach.
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. A grading scale will be distributed with the exam. Exams will be returned with comments to candidate upon completion of the certification process.
Sport Safety Training Certifications: Sport Safety Training Certifications may be obtained by contacting your local American Red Cross. American Red Cross Sport Safety Training is recommended, however, if this program is not offered in your area, CPR and First Aid Certification will be accepted. The American Red Cross Sport Safety Training Course includes certification in CPR and First Aid.
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 as provided by USA Triathlon.
Clinic Fee: The fee is $295, which includes a clinic manual and a criminal history check.
Prior to certification, candidate must complete the following:
• Attain status of USAT Level I coach
• USA Triathlon level II clinic
• Pass the written and oral examinations
• American Red Cross sport safety training or CPR and first-aid certifications
• Signed and dated USOC Coaching Ethics Code
• Criminal history check as provided by USAT
• Minimum of two years triathlon coaching experience following USA Triathlon Level I certification.
One of the following:
• BA or BS degree in sport science or related field
• Various 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).
Note: The benefits of being a USA Triathlon Certified Coach include, but are not limited to the following: USA Triathlon Certified Coach Certificate and card, Certified Coach newsletter and continuing education opportunities, USA Triathlon logo use, coaches' insurance, eligibility for the listing of your name and contact information on the USA Triathlon web site.
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 have completed the USAT Elite Mentorship program at the Olympic Training Center and/or at a World Cup race before the Level III clinic.
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).
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
The applicant must hold a current CPR/AED certification.
The application must pass an online background check.