Become a Certified Coach

Becoming an EC NCCP-certified coach involves four key steps:

• Choose your coaching context (Instructor, Competition Coach, Competition Coach Specialist, Competition Development)
• Complete your Learn to Ride/Drive certification (if required)
• Complete mandatory training (e.g., Make Ethical Decisions, Safe Sport)
• Complete your coaching evaluation

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to walk you through each part of the process — including where to find manuals, training modules, and evaluation information.

Not sure where you fit within the NCCP coaching pathways? You’re not alone.

The right coaching pathway depends on your coaching goals, the riders you work with, and the environment you coach in. AEF can help you identify the pathway that best aligns with your experience and aspirations.

We’ll help guide you based on:

• Your discipline (English, Western, Driving, etc.)
• Your coaching context (Instructor, Competition Coach, Competition Coach Specialist, or Competition Development)
• Your coaching experience and goals

Coach Status and Coaching Certification work together — but they are not the same.

Coach Status
Your annual licensing and screening requirements, which includes:

• Safe Sport training
• Insurance
• Background screening

Coaching Certification
Your nationally recognized NCCP credential, earned through training and evaluation, and retained throughout your coaching career.

Both Coach Status and Coaching Certification are required to coach in Equestrian Canada programs such as Rookie Riders* and Learn to Ride & Drive*.

*Additional program-specific training is required.

We explain how each requirement works, how to obtain them, and answer common questions to help you navigate the process with confidence.

When you’re ready, you can choose how to complete your coaching evaluation:

Online Video Evaluation

• Submit recorded coaching sessions that demonstrate your coaching skills
• Includes structured guidance, evaluation criteria, and coach developer support
• Offers flexibility in scheduling and preparation

In-Person Evaluation

• A scheduled, on-site evaluation at a designated facility
• Suitable for coaches who prefer an in-person assessment environment

Both evaluation formats have specific requirements, fees, and timelines. Coaches are encouraged to choose the option that best fits their learning style, readiness, and availability.

AEF offers optional NCCP training opportunities to support coaches in developing their skills and preparing for evaluation.

These sessions are designed to:

• Build coaching knowledge and confidence
• Support understanding of NCCP competencies
• Help coaches prepare for evaluation requirements

Training opportunities may include online NCCP training sessions offered throughout the year. Participation in training is encouraged but not required unless specified for your coaching context.

We’re committed to supporting coaches beyond certification through access to learning opportunities, tools, and information.

While AEF continues to build new resources for coaches, we also encourage coaches to explore nationally recognized development opportunities offered by other provincial sport organizations.

Current opportunities include:

• Ontario Equestrian – Competition Coach Specialist Cohort
• Ontario Equestrian – Competition Development (HP1) Training Cohort

These programs are nationally recognized and open to coaches from across Canada.