The process begins with a Zoom pre-brief meeting with the Coach Evaluators to:

• Review evaluation expectations
• Outline submission requirements
• Assign lesson topics
• Ask questions
• Confirm lesson parameters and requirements

Candidates are provided 2–4 weeks to prepare and submit:

• Detailed Lesson Plan
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Both documents must meet evaluation standards before candidates proceed to the video submission stage.

Candidates will submit required lesson video footage in accordance with NCCP evaluation standards.

The remaining evaluation period allows time for:

• Feedback and clarification (if required)
• Video submission
• Evaluator review

The process concludes with a final evaluation debrief meeting to review results and provide feedback.

Once you decide which certification pathway best fits your goals, you must complete all required prerequisites before booking your evaluation.

Below is an overview of the requirements for Instructor and Competition Coach certification.

• Active AEF Membership
• Minimum Age Requirement
  • Instructor – must be at least 16 years of age. Candidates under the age of majority must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Competition Coach – must be at least 18 years of age or the provincial age of majority, whichever is greater.
• Learn to Ride Certification
  • Instructor
    • English Level 6 (or Pony Club C2)
    • OR Western Level 4
  • Competition Coach
    • Learn to Ride – English Level 8 (or Pony Club A/B)
    • OR Western Level 4 and Intermediate
• NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (MED) Course & Online Evaluation
• NCCP Understanding the Rule of Two
• EC Sport License (Bronze minimum)
• EC Registered Coach Status (minimum requirement), including:
  • Screening Disclosure
  • Criminal Record Check / Free OneBadge BackCheck
  • Vulnerable Sector Search
  • Two Coaching Reference Letters
  • First Aid Certification
  • Concussion Education (Online Module)
  • Training for the Prevention of Maltreatment in Sport (Online Module)
  • Certificate of Insurance

NCCP courses are available through The Locker.
Once your account is created, navigate to the E-Learning tab to access modules.

Making Ethical Decisions (MED) Online Evaluation:

• $85 fee if MED training has not been completed
• Two attempts to achieve a passing grade of 75%

Or participate in the scheduled training sessions:

• Register for a Making Ethical Decisions training course through Alberta Sport (Multi-Sport Calendar). The training course is $65
• Upon completion of the training, the evaluation may be taken at no cost, with unlimited attempts

If you are unfamiliar with the process or seeking additional preparation support, we encourage you to explore:

AEF NCCP Online Training Sessions

Become a Certified Coach Resource Pages

Instructor Pre-Requisite Checklist

Competition Coach Pre-Requisite Checklist

For guidance or clarification, please contact us