Resources for Certified Coaches

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

Coach Status
Your active licence and screening requirements, such as Safe Sport training, insurance, and background checks.

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

Both 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.

EC NCCP certification is issued on a five-year cycle. At the end of each cycle, your certification is automatically renewed for the next five years as long as you have accumulated the required Professional Development (PD) points.

To remain recognized by EC and AEF, coaches must:

• Accumulate the required PD points within each five-year cycle
• Maintain an active Licensed Coach Status

PD point requirements vary by coaching context:

• Instructor: 10 PD points
• Competition Coach / Competition Coach Specialist: 20 PD points
• Competition Development (HP1): 30 PD points

Our full guide explains how to earn PD points, track them in your NCCP Locker, and ensure your certification renews smoothly at the end of each cycle.

Being listed in the Coaching Directory is a benefit available to EC NCCP-certified coaches who hold an active Licensed Coach Status. It helps riders, parents, and facilities find and connect with qualified coaches across Alberta.

To be listed, please ensure that you:

• Maintain all required credentials (PD points, insurance, first aid, and other screening requirements)
• Submit the Consent to Display Information form
• Notify AEF when updates are made to your My-EC profile

Keeping your information current ensures the directory remains accurate and helpful for the equestrian community.

Coach Developers play a key role in the EC NCCP program by training, evaluating, and mentoring coaches throughout their certification journey.

Coach Developer roles include:

• Learning Facilitator – Delivers NCCP training and workshops
• Coach Evaluator – Assesses coaches for NCCP certification
• Master Coach Developer – Trains and mentors Coach Developers

Becoming a Coach Developer requires NCCP certification, completion of national training, and approval through Alberta Equestrian Federation.

AEF maintains a waitlist for Coach Developer roles and will contact qualified applicants when opportunities become available.

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Additional Coaching Resources