Please note that USA Cycling's coaching structure begins with level 3 and proceeds to level 1; this mirrors our racing license scheme. So level 3 is the entry level.
Also, even if you have no interest in coaching others, Introduction to Coaching Cyclists can be a useful resource for you as an avid cyclist.
There is no additional charge for taking the online test; the fee is included as part of the manual cost.
The Basics for New Coaches
Review the continuing education policy. You are responsible for knowing and keeping up to date on the continuing education policy.
Order "Introduction to Coaching Cyclists" from the MYUSACYCLING function (see instructions) or using the order form. The book is the text for the current level 3 certification exam. There is no time limit on taking the level 3 exam. If you are not a current member of USA Cycling, you can create an account at MYUSACYCLING for no charge. Just click on the MY USACYCLING button in the upper left hand corner of the webpage and then CREATE AN ACCOUNT and follow the instructions. Once the account is created you can order the manual (see below).
Read the manual
Take the online exam (see instructions below for the online exam). The level 3 is a home study, self-paced course. The test is a self-paced.
Once you pass the test, you can review the questions you missed; then follow the instructions to get the current coaching license application.
Complete and send the coaching license application, signed the Acknowledgement of Risk and Media waivers, and payment information. Send the original forms to USA Cycling (address is on the form as is the payment)
At the discretion of USA Cycling, any individual who has admitted to, pleaded no contest in regard to, been convicted of or served a sentence for a violation of the USADA, WADA, or UCI anti-doping code may be denied a coaching license.
All coaches must begin as a level 3 (the introductory level in the USA Cycling scheme). Exceptions may be granted for foreign born coaches who have a coaching certification from his/her home or previous country.
You do not have to purchase a racing license to get a coaching license! The coaching license cannot be an "add-on" license either.
Coaches who are renewing a license or wanting to reinstate a lapsed license (a license that expired in 2008 or earlier) should visit the RENEWAL PROCEDURES page.
The table of contents and ordering instructions for Introduction to Coaching Cyclists is available on this page. TOP
Instructions for Taking the Level 3 Exam Online If you start the test, you have 14 days to return to the test and continue it. If the test session is inactive for 14 days, the test results will be tossed, and you will need to start all over again. However, as long as you visit the test and answer a question, the test will remain active.
The level 3 exam is available immediately upon purchasing the level 3 materials.
The test covers information provided in Introduction to Coaching Cyclists as well as information found in UCI and/or USA Cycling rule books. These rule books are available online at www.uci.ch and www.usacycling.org, respectively.
If you have forgotten your password, it can be retrieved using the Forgotten Password option.
Most of you have already created an account to order the manual or have another USAC license.
Once logged in and on your HOME tab, you will see under USA CYCLING SUPPORT an option for "Take Level 3 Coach Test Online".
Click on the test link and start the test.
You can save the test and return to it if you cannot complete the test in one sitting. However, at this time, once you leave a page, you cannot return to change answers. Unanswered questions will come back again. Please do not use the browser "BACK" button to go back in the test or it will mess things up! If you do not return to the session within 14 days, your test will be discarded, and you will need to start the test over.
When you are finished with the test and submit it, it will be scored immediately and your results will be displayed. If you pass the test (80% or better), you will be given the option to see the questions you missed. Please read the page carefully.
Once you pass the test, you will need to do the following to complete your coaching certification
Review the CEU policy if you have not already done so.
Review the criminal background check procedures.
Go to www.usacycling.org, click on Coaching Program, then click on "Criminal Background Check Procedures". Please read the procedures carefully!
The waivers cannot be faxed or sent electronically; only originals will be accepted.
Indicate that the test was taken online and enter the completion date.
If you fail the test, you will have to wait 14 days to re-take the exam. Your missed answers will not be shown if you fail the test.
TIP: Depending on the web browser and version of said web browser, you might want to open the test in one window or tab and open another window or tab. In that second or third window or tab, you can then open the rule book(s). Since the rule books are searchable, if you choose the right search term you should be able to find the rule pretty quickly.
Following up on the coaching license application
Please allow at least two weeks from receipt of the coaching license materials before checking on the process. During January and February of each year allow extra time for the mail to reach the USAC offices and for processing due to the volume of coaching license applications.
Before calling or emailing the USAC offices, please look on your MYUSACYCLING page to see if the coaching license is listed under your licenses. The coaching license will appear there if it has been completed or the expiration date will show December 2010. A second place to look (especially for new members of USA Cycling who may not have an account at the USAC wesbite) is on the FIND A COACH function on the Coaching Program page of this website.
The criminal background check is good for two license years. So the background completed after December 1, 2009 would be good through your 2011 license. You would need to perform the criminal background check again for your 2012 renewal. (We count December 2009 as being part of 2010 for this purpose).
Coaches who have a USA Triathlon coaching certification and who have completed the background check at NCSI within the current calendar year from the date of the application will follow a slightly different process; USAT and USAC have agreed to accept the results of criminal background checks conducted through NCSI. The procedures for releasing the criminal background check information are available on the Criminal Background Check Procedures page.
NCSI will ask for a registration number, that number is provided on the link provided above!
If a prospective coach is denied a coaching license due to the results of the criminal background check or denied a license for other reasons, the prospective coach may appeal the decision to a USA Cycling panel. Contact the Coaching Education manager for specific information.
210 USA Cycling Point
Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
The new main number is 719.434.4200.
The new phone number for Coaching Education is 719.434.4224.
The new fax for Coaching Education is 719.434.4324
This Article Published 2007-08-22 14:32:18
For more information contact:
USA Cycling is a family of organizations that promote and govern
different disciplines of the sport, and that work as one
to build the sport of bicycle racing, assist with athlete development and
sustain international competitive excellence.
