Register today for an upcoming RRCA Level I Coaching Certification Level I Course
The fee for the two-day certification course is $335.
Courses are limited to 35 participants. Registration closes two weeks before the course start date. Courses take place from 8am to 5pm both days in the time zone indicated, unless otherwise noted.
Classes fill quickly, register as soon as possible:
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Create your individual profile in our membership system or log in if you already have a profile.
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Remain logged in and visit the list of courses on our registration platform.
- Select your desired course from the list, click "Register," and walk through the process to the checkout screen. Make sure your mailing address matches the credit or debit card you use to pay. Your CID number must also match or the transaction will fail.
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What our attendees are saying:
"The content of the course was more than I expected, the whole thing flew by. I was amazed how much we were able to cover in one weekend."
"The teachers were so kind and open to flowing conversation. Definitely helped make it a great experience."
"It was a great two-day experience, and I am excited to put the skills to use with my athletes!"
"I am really happy I am now certified, and I am looking forward to using my acquired knowledge."
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IN-PERSON COURSES
The above courses will take place entirely IN PERSON, and participants may need to travel to the course city to participate. If an in-person course does not reach a minimum number of registrants, we will cancel the course and offer registrants a spot in the online course of their choice.
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ONLINE COURSES
The above courses will take place entirely ONLINE, and participants do not need to live near or travel to the courses' cities to participate. We continue to use the city-based naming convention for our record-keeping purposes.
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All upcoming Level I course locations and dates are listed on our website. Additional 2023 courses will be announced as soon as they are finalized. Instructions for adding your name to the waiting list for a sold-out course are outlined below. No phone calls or emails about getting into sold-out courses, please.
*Fees for courses held at the RRCA National Convention are higher as additional meals and activities are included. The 2024 RRCA National Convention will take place in Costa Mesa, CA May 2-5, 2024.
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What You Get
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Two full days totaling 16 hours of coursework, comprised of lecture, group work, and interactive exercises including building training programs for novice and experienced runners
- Engaging conversation about running, run coaching, and community leadership along with small group exercises and shared presentations
- Renowned industry-leading curriculum developed by award-winning academic leadership
- Dynamic instruction by a team of veteran running, coaching, and teaching experts
- Detailed explanations of running topics and thoughtful conversation about coaching principles
The goal of the RRCA Coaching Certification Program is to create a national community of knowledgeable and ethical coaches. The certification course emphasizes how to be a successful coach, whether coaching individuals, small groups, or large group training programs, such as 5k, half marathon, or marathon training programs.
Course participants will receive multiple pre-course emails from instructors with updates and assignments. When registering please be sure you provide an email address that can receive group emails, and check your spam folder in the weeks before the course.
Additional Requirements: As part of the certification process, participants must pass a multiple-choice online exam. The exam follows standard online exam protocols, where participants are required to take the exam, open-book, without assistance from others. Prospective coaches will have 30 days after the course to complete the online exam. A score of 85/100 or better is required for certification. Prospective RRCA coaches must also have current CPR and First Aid certifications. The RRCA is accepting CPR and First Aid certifications that are completed online. Prospective coaches will have 60 days after the course to submit evidence of valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
ONLINE COURSES
- Multiple RRCA instructors will lead the course online via Zoom classroom.
- The online course provides a detailed review of the course slides with Q&A opportunities via Zoom chat and live interactions plus group work on program development.
- Attendance will be taken and is required throughout both days.
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FedEx will ship the hard copy course book directly to the mailing address you include in your registration. Your course registration information MUST included your FedEx shipping address. *Additional fees will apply for all international shipments.
IN-PERSON COURSES
- One or more RRCA instructors will lead the in-person course.
- The course will provide a detailed review of the course slides with plenty of opportunity for Q&A plus group work on program development.
- Attendance is required throughout both days and will be taken throughout each day.
- Course books will be distributed on the first day of the course.
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Course Transfer and Refund Policy | | |
ONLINE COURSES
We are working with virtual hosts to help promote our online Level I courses within their local running communities. No logistical planning is required, other than working with the RRCA to decide on the course dates.
IN-PERSON COURSES
Historically the RRCA has worked with official representatives from member running clubs, events, running stores, and corporate clients to host in-person Level I courses. All courses are financially self-supporting (meaning there is no cost to you), and the RRCA handles all elements of the registration process including refunds for attendee cancellations. We also provide a participant stipend, paid to the host organization, to assist with food and beverage costs. The RRCA has a waiting list procedure for sold-out courses to ensure full participation at each course, and each course host will receive one complimentary entry for their course to use at their discretion.
We plan to offer a mix of both online and in-person courses moving forward, though plans may change to follow federal, state, and local guidelines related to the pandemic. We will communicate any changes via email and our website as needed.
We are currently scheduling online and in-person courses for 2023 and beyond. Learn more about hosting and submit your request to host here.
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Continuing Education Credits | | |
The American Council on Exercise certifies that the Level I Coaching Certification course equates to 1.6 CEUs for ACE Continuing Education Credit. The American College of Sports Medicine's Professional Education Committee certifies that this offering meets the criteria for 16.0 credit hours of ACSM Continuing Education Credit. Upon completion of the RRCA Coaching Certification requirements, you must email coaching@rrca.org to obtain CEC codes or certificates for ACE and/or ACSM credits.
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RRCA Mission
The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being and competition.
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Empowering Everyone to Run | | | | |