Criminal Background Check (CBC)
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Renewing
Requirements for All Prospective Coaches (see below for each specific level):
All USA Cycling certified coaches must meet the following criteria before a coaching license will be issued:
- Pass the test for the certification exam for the specific level
- Complete the certification application including Acknowledgement of Risk and Media Release forms
- Pay the coaching certification fee (Please note that all coaching certifications expire on December 31 of each year.)
- All coaches must be 18 years of age or older at the time of license issuance.
- Be a US citizen or a legal resident
- Coaches must complete the required continuing education program to maintain the coaching certification
- All USA Cycling will be subject to a limited background check. USA Cycling uses the National Child Safety Initiative website to conduct its criminal background checks. USA Cycling will NOT accept criminal background checks done through other agencies or submitted by the prospective coach. No coach will be certified until the background check is complete.
- The criminal background check is good for two license years. For example, if you have the check done on January 5, 2008 you will need to have another one done when you renew for the 2010 license year.
Prospective coaches should review the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) policy before submitting the coaching license application; by submitting the coaching license application you accept the terms of the CEU policy.
While the coaching license must be renewed annually, the requirement to submit the CEU and Criminal Background Check (CBC) is in effect for every other year. If a coach has not earned enough CEUs over the two year period, the coach has the option to recertify as detailed in the CEU policy.
See the criminal background check procedures.
USA Cycling cannot accept background checks from sources other than NCSI. USA Cycling understands that some people are in professions that require a criminal background check. However, these are not acceptable as USAC cannot verify the legitimacy of the paperwork in those cases.
In general, felonies will trigger a block of the coaching license. Multiple violations such as multiple DUI/DWI may also prevent the issuance of a coaching license. Misdemeanors generally will not result in a denial of a coaching license. If you are denied a coaching license because of the criminal background check, you will be able to appeal.
If a prospective coach is concerned about his/her criminal background, the prospective coach may call the Coaching Education Manager to get a preliminary assessment.
The appeal process involves writing a letter and possibly a teleconference with a review committee. The appeals committee will make a recommendation to the CEO of USA Cycling; the CEO will make a final determination.
Certification Levels
The requirements (in addition to the above listed requirements) to become a Level 3 USA Cycling certified coach are:
- You are eligible to take the level 3 online exam as soon as you order the test.
- Information on the online test can be found here.
- Complete and pass the Level 3 certification exam. The passing score is 80%. For those taking the test online, when you pass your score and missed questions will be displayed. If you fail, you will need to wait 30 days before retaking the exam and your missed answers will not be shown.
The requirements to become a Level 2 USA Cycling certified coach are (in addition to the above requirements for all coaches):
- Have passed the Level 3 certification exam
- Be a current USA Cycling certified coach in good standing (including a current background check)
- Attend a Level 2 Certification Clinic
- Pass the Level 2 certification exam (passing score 80%)
Once a coach passes the Level 3 exam and becomes a certified coach, the coach is eligible to attend a Level 2 certification clinic.
Information on the location of Level 2 Certification Clinics is available at Coaching Clinics. Level 2 coaching clinics are held throughout the country usually from October through March.
The Level 2 clinic is a 2 ½ day clinic usually held Friday through Sunday at locations throughout the United States. The topics for the Level 2 clinic are available online.
The requirements to become a Level 1 USA Cycling certified coach are:
- Have been a Level 2 coach for at least five (5) consecutive years
- Attend the Level 1 Certification Clinic
- Pass the Level 1 certification exam (80% is a passing grade)
- Be a coach in good standing
The Level 1 certification clinic is held in Colorado Springs on an every odd year basis with the next clinic scheduled for 2011. The clinic usually is held in January or February and runs for five (5) days.
The coaching license must be renewed every year. All licenses expire on December 31. The annual coaching license fee must be paid.
However, every other year, in addition to paying the annual license fee, the coach must resubmit the criminal background check and submit the CEU report form (or pay the recertification fee).
The coaching license itself is NOT a two year license.
For more information on renewals, please see the RENEWALS section.
