Certification

Swimming Canada Learning Management System

MED Update - April 1, 2026

Starting April 1, 2026, NCCP Make Ethical Decisions (MED) training and evaluation will be delivered through a new eLearning module in the Locker learning management system. This update introduces a one-time fee and a consistent learning experience across sports and contexts, making MED more accessible and efficient for coaches, no matter where they live. The shift reflects a broader effort to strengthen partnerships and enhance consistency across the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) ecosystem.

As a coach, if you are already certified in MED, nothing changes and you will not be required to take MED again. If you have taken MED training but have not yet completed the online evaluation, you are encouraged to do so before March 31, 2026. Coaches who have completed the training but not the evaluation by that date will be required to complete the new eLearning module, which includes both the training and evaluation. If you have never taken MED training, you will be able to complete the entire process online beginning April 1.

This transition is part of ongoing work with partners across the country to enhance the Canadian sport system and support the long-term sustainability of NCCP programming. Your support and understanding are appreciated as these improvements take effect.

FUNDAMENTALS COACH

Fundamentals Coach certification is the minimum requirement for NCCP Swimming certification in Ontario. It is targeted to those coaches who work with swimmers who are swimming up to the regional and provincial championship level, but must be taken first even if coaching a higher level of athletes.

To complete Fundamentals Coach Certification, coaches must complete:

• Swimming 101 Pre Course Workbook
• Swimming 101 Course
• Fundamentals Portfolio and Assessment
• Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation

To complete the Pre Course Workbook and Register for a 101 course, please click HERE

Certified Fundamentals Coaches must complete 20 Professional Development Points in their 5 year cycle in order for their certification to remain active.

AGE GROUP COACH

After completing the Fundamentals Certification, the next level of training and certification is Age Group Coach. It is targeted to those coaches who coach swimmers who are swimming at the provincial, Eastern/Western and Canadian Junior Championships levels.

To complete Age Group Coach Certification, coaches must complete:

• Fundamentals Coach certification
• 3 Multi Sport Modules offered through the Coaches Association of Ontario
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Basic Mental Skills 
  • Design a Basic Sports Program
• Swimming 201 Pre Course Workbook
• Swimming 201 Course
• Age Group Portfolio and Assessment
• Age Group Evaluation at a Competition
• Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation (does not need to be retaken if completed for Fundamentals)

To complete the Pre Course Workbook and Register for a 201 course, please click HERE

Certified Age Group Coaches must complete 20 Professional Development Points in their 5 year cycle in order for their certification to remain active.

SENIOR COACH

Senior Coach is targeted to coaches who coach swimmers at the Senior National/Trials and International levels. Coaches are able to begin their Senior Coach requirements after they have completed the Swimming 201 course.

To complete Senior Coach Certification, coaches must complete:

• Fundamentals Coach certification
• Age Group Coach Training or certification
• 6 Multi Sport Modules offered through the Coaches Association of Ontario
  • Coaching and Leading Effectively
  • Developing Athletic Abilities
  • Psychology of Performance
  • Managing Conflict
  • Leading Drug Free Sport
  • Prevention and Recovery of Injury
• Swimming 301 Pre Course Workbook
• Swimming 301 Course
• Senior Coach Portfolios A, B, C
• Senior Coach Evaluation at a Practice
• Senior Coach Evaluation at a Competition
• Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation (does not need to be retaken if completed for Fundamentals or Age Group)

To complete the Pre Course Workbook and Register for a 301 course, please click HERE

Certified Senior Coaches must complete 30 Professional Development Points in their 5 year cycle in order for their certification to remain active.

NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma

The NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD) is the most extensive multi-sport training program offered by the National Coaching Certification Program in Canada. Coaches holding an NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD) are recognized as among the most qualified coaches and leaders of Canadian athletes and sport programs to compete at provincial, national, and international levels.

This program is run by the Coaches Association of Canada and more information can be found about it HERE