Recertification#
Recertification Overview #
A USA Triathlon Coach Certification is valid for two (2) years. In order to maintain your USA Triathlon Coach Certification, you must recertify at the end of that two-year time frame. With coaching science, technology and best practices constantly evolving, coaches who wish to stay current on best coaching practices find great value in staying informed on the latest information and expertise within the triathlon industry. Continuing education and exploring a new area of focus are some of the many benefits to recertifying.
USA Triathlon’s coach recertification process consists of completing the specified requirements outlined below as well as submitting a recertification application.
It is highly recommended that coaches begin working on their recertification requirements as soon as possible and submit their recertification application up to three months in advance. Waiting until the last minute to complete the recertification requirements can lead to an overwhelming workload and financial obligation for the coach.
For questions regarding coach recertification, please email coaching@usatriathlon.org.
Recertification Process #
Recertification applications can be purchased on Triathlon Learning and are made available three (3) months prior to the recertification deadline.
Recertification Application Fee #
Coaches are required to have an active annual USA Triathlon membership at all times. USA Triathlon recently launched new membership types. Membership can be purchased with your application or directly from your membership account. We are only offering Silver Membership with recertification. If you want a different type of annual membership, that will need to be purchased directly from your membership account. Please note that any membership purchased with your the application will not get updated until your recertification has been processed.
- $95 – Recertification Application (choose this if you’re a Lifetime Member, an Elite Athlete, an official, if your USAT Silver Membership is valid through 06/30/2027 or later, or you have a membership type other than silver)
- $159 – Recertification Application + 1-Year Silver Membership (choose this if your USAT Silver Membership is currently valid between 06/30/2026-06/29/2027)
- $223 – Recertification Application + 2-Year Silver Membership (choose this if your USAT Silver Membership is currently expired or valid until 06/29/2026)
The Recertification Application fee is non-refundable.
Recertification Requirements#
CEU Requirement
List of CEUsCoaches must have obtained at least 12 CEUs within their two-year recertification cycle.
- At least eight must be USAT CEUs (courses run by or affiliated with USA Triathlon).
Coaches are responsibile for tracking their own CEU credits and maintaining a record of all CEU documentation for all courses you complete.
Annual SafeSport Training
More on SafeSport RequirementsSafeSport Training is an annual training and is only good for one year. Your SafeSport Training must be kept current at all times. There is no grace period; USAT Coach Certification is not valid if your SafeSport Training lapses or expires. A coach does not have USAT coach insurance coverage if his/her coach certification is not valid.
NCSI Background Check
Background Check Policy (PDF), opens in a new tabUSA Triathlon Certified Coaches must maintain a current "Green Light (Clear)" background check at all times. Background checks are performed by the National Center for Safety Initiatives (“NCSI”).
Background checks are valid for two years from the determination date (the date the screen was passed).Your background check must be kept current at all times. There is no grace period; USAT Coach Certification is not valid if your background check lapses or expires. A coach does not have USAT coach insurance coverage if his/her coach certification is not valid.
USA Cycling background checks also acceptable. Email PDF Report to coaching@usatriathlon.org.
Coaching Ethics Code Agreement
The USOPC’s Coaching Ethics Code offers coaches a sound, values-based reference to guide their actions. This code is intended to provide both general principles and decision-making guidelines to cover most situations encountered by coaches. The code’s primary goal is the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom coaches work. This code also provides a common set of values upon which coaches should base any decisions in their professional work.
For recertification, coaches will digitally sign the USOPC's Coaching Ethics Code Agreement within the recertification application.
Continuing Education
Continuing education does NOT include the daily activities of a coach or while performing the daily duties of another profession such as attending training, leading training rides, meeting with athletes, creating courses, coaching in a daily training environment, running or coaching at a camp or clinic, teaching, etc.
CEU Information#
Continuing Education Units (CEU) are authentic learning activities under direction of the USA Triathlon education department and personnel. These learning activities are designed to ensure USA Triathlon Certified Coaches keep their knowledge of industry trends, technology, and triathlon regulations relevant. CEUs are crucial for professional coaches to stay up to date with the most relevant triathlon coaching education as well as ensure each coach is well-rounded.
Continuing education does NOT include the daily activities of a coach or while performing the daily duties of another profession such as attending training, leading training rides, meeting with athletes, creating courses, coaching in a daily training environment, running or coaching at a camp or clinic, teaching, etc.
All USA Triathlon Certified Coaches are required to earn a minimum of 12 USAT CEUs to maintain their professional coach certification during each two-year cycle:
- 8 USAT CEUs
- 4 CEUs from any category: USAT, Adjuct or Institutional (can use multiple categories)
It is the responsibility of each certified coach to maintain a record and documentation for all completed CEUs.
These educational opportunities are provided directly under direction of the USA Triathlon education department and personnel. A minimum of 8 CEUs must come from this category. However, a coach can get 12 or more CEUs from this category if they so choose.
These educational opportunities are pre-approved courses provided by a USA Triathlon Level II or higher coach in good standing. These courses allow coaches to earn a predetermined number of Adjunct CEUs (see below for more information).
Become an Adjunct CEU Provider
The purpose of the Adjunct CEU Provider for USA Triathlon Program is to make additional educational opportunities available to USAT Certified Coaches. While USAT does offer its own educational opportunities, it is understood that these opportunities may not meet the preferences of all USAT Certified Coaches. Therefore, USAT offers external organizations that provide quality education the opportunity to provide Adjunct CEUs for the completion of their course.
Benefits of becoming an Adjunct CEU for USA Triathlon Provider include:
- Increased visibility to a wide range of professional triathlon coaches.
- Getting your course USAT Adjunct CEU approved signifies that your course meets USA Triathlon’s standards for continuing education.
- After review, your course will be awarded a specific number of CEUs that can be used to promote your educational offering.
- USAT will promote your course by listing it on our website and grant the use of the USAT CEU logo in advertisements, promotions, and other marketing materials.
- Examples or this type of CEU include asynchronous virtual, synchronous virtual, or in-person courses that are authentic educational opportunities relevant to the sport of triathlon.
- Provider requirements are as follows:
- A course curriculum including course title, course type, hours of instruction, learning objectives, units and topics of instruction, methods of instruction, and assessment techniques.
- All coaches who will be providing instruction as part of the course must be a Certified Level II, or higher, USA Triathlon Coach in good standing.
- A coaching resume must be submitted for all coaches who will be providing instruction as part of the course.
USAT reserves the right to approve or deny CEUs for any reason at any time. Providers are prohibited from promoting USAT Adjunct CEU approval for their course(s) until an approval notification from USAT has been received.
Institutional CEU value is based upon relevancy to triathlon coaching and is assigned by USA Triathlon and USA Triathlon only. Continuing education does NOT include the daily activities of a coach such as attending training, leading training rides, meeting with athletes, etc. Coaches are responsible for tracking their CEUs, getting courses accepted for Institutional CEUs, and recording CEUs in their recertification application. USA Triathlon reserves the right to assign or deny a CEU value to institutional educational activities.
USA Triathlon education is focused on the collaborative effort to bring relevant and critical education opportunities to USA Triathlon coaches, athletes and race directors. We seek out organizations that we know will make our coaches stronger. If you have an organization that you recommend, please reach out to USAT staff directly at coaching@usatriathlon.org so we can connect with them. This includes:
- Relevant university level education courses.
- Sport science organizations/certifications.
- Relevant providers of nutrition and mental health courses.
List of CEUs#
The following courses provide CEUs toward recertification. This list is not comprehensive. Email coaching@usatriathlon.org for questions or CEU approval. CEUs must be earned within the current recertification cycle (2 year period).
| Course | USAT CEU Value | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
2024 Endurance Exchange January 5-7 (in-person or virtual) | 12.0 | Certificate of Completion |
2024 Endurance Exchange Recordings | 1.0 (Per Recording) | Certificate of Completion |
USA Triathlon Webinars | 1.0 (Per Webinar) | Certificate of Completion |
2025 Endurance Exchange Regional Conference (registration type must be Coaches Needing CEUs) | 8.0 |
**Adjunct and Institutional CEU amounts subject to change without notice
Please note, unless the course is listed on this page, it needs to be reviewed by USA Triathlon Coaching Education Staff by emailing coaching@usatriathlon.org.
| Course | CEU Value | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
2024 BPC Coaches' Education Day | 5.0 | Certificate of Completion |
2024 Ultimate Tri Camp | 4.0 | Certificate of Completion |
2024 Playtri Continuing Education Event on 12/01/2024 | 5.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Tri Peak Athlete - 2025 Coaching Education Weekend | 6.0 | Certificate of Completion |
**Adjunct and Institutional CEU amounts subject to change without notice
Please note, unless the course is listed on this page, it needs to be reviewed by USA Triathlon Coaching Education Staff by emailing coaching@usatriathlon.org.
Institutional CEUs for Formal Higher Education
Accepted for one institutional CEU per one academic credit hour (max of five institutional CEUs per course). Attach your transcript to your recertification application (passing grade and course description required).
Credit must be earned from an accredited institution. College courses that are acceptable for continuing education include (but are not limited to): Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Physiology, Anatomy, Exercise Science, Nutrition, Marketing and Physical Education courses (i.e. track, swimming, etc.). College courses that are not acceptable for continuing education include any course beyond the scope of practice for triathlon coaches and courses that do not relate to coaching multisport.
| Course | CEU Value | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
ProNatal Fitness Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist Certification | 4.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Fueled- Live Feisty | 6.0 | Certificate of Completion |
| Stryd Power Coaching Course | 3.0 | Certificate of Completion |
| Endure IQ LDT 104 | 4.0 | Certificate of Completion |
| Endure IQ LDT 301 | 4.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Fundamentals of Running with a Power Meter | 2.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Fundamentals of Mountain Biking with a Power Meter | 2.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Using Sports Science to Train More Effectively | 4.0 | Certificate of Completion |
Course Name | CEU Awarded |
ACE Youth Fitness Specialist Certification | 4 |
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) - Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT), Group Exercise Instructors (ACSM-GEI), Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) or Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) | 4 |
ACE (American Council on Exercise) - Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Certification, Health Coach Certification or Medical Exercise Specialist | 4 |
NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) - Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Special Population Specialist (CSPS), Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) or NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) | 4 |
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) - Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialization (NASM-CES) or Performance Enhancement Specialization (NASM-PES) | 4 |
ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) - Personal Training, Coaching Certification, Nutritionist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Exercise Therapy Certification, Sports Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, Transformation Specialist or Youth Fitness | 4 |
The Science of Training Young Athletes | 4 |
Personal Trainer Certification | 4 |
Retül Fit 1, Retül Fit 2 (Aero/Mountain) or Retül Technology | 4 |
Bike Fit - F.I.S.T or Serotta International Cycling Institute | 4 |
Indoor Cycling Certification | 4 |
Lifetime Fitness Coach Certification | 4 |
Foundations of Heart Rate Variability by Elite HRV | 4 |
ITU Coaching Certification Level 1, 2, or 3 | 4 |
| National Alliance for Youth Sports Certification | 4 |
| National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Certification | 4 |
| Road Runners Club of America Coaching Certification | 4 |
| U.S. Masters Swimming Masters Coach Level 1 or 2 | 4 |
USA Swimming/American Swim Coaches Association Coaching Certification | 4 |
| UESCA Run Coach Certification | 4 |
| UESCA Triathlon Coach Certification | 4 |
| USA Cycling Level 1 or 2 Coaching Certification | 4 |
| USA Cycling Level 3 Coaching Certification | 1 |
USA Cycling Coaching Summit | 4 |
| USA Track & Field Level 1, 2, or 3 Coaching Certification | 4 |
| U.S. Masters Swimming Adult Learn-to-Swim Instructor Certification | 4 |
| Precision Nutrition Level 1 or 2 Certification | 4 |
| Swim Smooth Certification | 4 |
| USA Weightlifting Level 1 or Level 2 | 4 |
| American Fitness Professionals and Associates Certifications (various) | 3 |
| American Sport Education Program Coaching Orientation, Coaching Essentials, Coaching Principles, IHSA Coaching Orientation, or IESA Coaching Essentials | 3 |
| American Swim Coaches Association Certified Stroke Technician Course | 3 |
| USA Swimming National Officials Certification (any level or position) | 3 |
| Cross Fit Prep, Level 1 or 2 Certification | 3 |
Functional Dry Needling Course | 3 |
| Heart Zones Triathlon Coaching Certification | 3 |
| International Sports Science Association Certifications(various) | 3 |
| International Youth Conditioning Association Level 1 Youth Fitness Specialist Certification | 3 |
TRX Suspension, Group Suspension, Sports Medicine Suspension and Rip Training Courses | 3 |
ITU Facilitator Course Level 1 or 2, Youth Sports Leader, or Paratriathlon Coaching Certificate | 3 |
| NFHS Concussion in Sports | 3 |
| NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching | 3 |
| Total Immersion Certified Coach | 3 |
| IRONMAN Freestyle Stoke Analysis | 2 |
| MedBridge Online Courses | 1 per hour |
| Mental Training for Performance - Team USA | 1 |
| National Center for Sports Safety PREPARE Course | 1 |
Triathlon Related Book | 2 |
| TriggerPoint Foam Rolling: Principles and Practices | 2 |
| How to Coach Kids | 1 |
| Coaching Girls | 1 |
Water Safety or Lifeguard Certification | 1 |
Doctoral Thesis | Varies |
Academic Internship | 1 Per Hour |
Formal Higher Education | 1 Per hour (max of 4) |
ASCM or other medical journal | 1 |
| Gatorade Sports Science Institute Courses | 1 |
Wilderness First Aid | 1 |
| 3D Coaching Essentials Course | 1 |
| 3D Coaching Course for Certification | 1 |
USADA Coaches Adavantage | 1 |
| TrueSport Coaching Certification - must complete 4 course bundle | 2 |
Late Recertification Policy #
If a coach is more than 30 days late submitting their application, they will be charged a $50 late fee.
Lapsed Recertification Requirements#
All coaches requesting a lapsed recertification must complete all formal recertification requirements and pay a recertification fee:
Additional Late Requirements
- Level I: retake Area of Focus or complete a new Area of Focus
- Level II: retake a Level II specialization clinic
- Level III: retake Level III clinic
Total
- Level I: $195 plus Area of Focus cost
- Level II: $195 plus cost of retaking Level II specialization clinic
- Level III: $195 plus cost of retaking Level III clinic
Additional Late Requirements
- Level I: retake Level I online
- Level II: retake Level II specialization clinic
- Level III: retake Level III clinic
Total
- Level I: $195 plus Level I online cost
- Level II: $195 plus Level II specialization clinic cost
- Level III: $195 plus Level III clinic cost