Skip To Main Content

Coaching Certification

Coaching Certification Requirements

New York State establishes specific certification, training, coursework, First Aid/CPR-AED, and concussion management requirements for individuals who coach interscholastic athletic teams. Requirements vary based on the type of New York State certification an individual holds.

NYS-Certified Teachers, School Leaders & Pupil Personnel Service Providers

Individuals who hold a valid NYS Classroom Teacher, School Leader, or Pupil Personnel Services certificate may be appointed to coach without obtaining a separate Coaching License through TEACH.

Certified Physical Education teachers may coach any sport without completing the additional coaching education program required of other certified educators.

Other NYS-certified teachers, school leaders, and pupil personnel service providers must meet applicable requirements for:

  • First Aid and CPR/AED;

  • concussion management training; and

  • an approved coaching education program within the timelines established by NYSED.

Coaching education requirements may be completed through one of NYSED's approved pathways:

  • Individual Evaluation/SED Coursework Pathway, or

  • National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Pathway

These are separate pathways. Coaches should follow the requirements of their selected pathway.

Certified educators do not apply for a Coaching License or submit their coaching documentation to their TEACH account. The employing school district maintains the required documentation.

Please review the NYSED Coach Preparation & Licensing information for current coursework, training, and timeline requirements.

Teaching Assistants and Other Eligible Certificate Holders

Holding a NYS Teaching Assistant certificate does not qualify an individual to coach under the certified-teacher provisions described above.

Teaching Assistant certificate holders who wish to coach must apply for the appropriate Coaching License through TEACH and meet the applicable NYSED requirements.

NYSED also identifies certain other certificate holders, including Transitional B and Internship certificate holders, as eligible for Coaching Licenses. Applicants should consult NYSED for requirements applicable to their specific certification status.

Individuals Who Do Not Hold NYS Educator Certification

Individuals who do not hold a valid NYS Classroom Teacher, School Leader, or Pupil Personnel Services certificate must obtain the appropriate Temporary Coaching License or Professional Coaching License through NYSED before serving as a coach.

New applicants generally begin by applying for a Temporary Coaching License through TEACH.

Requirements may include:

  • Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification;

  • concussion management training;

  • required NYSED workshops;

  • fingerprint clearance;

  • district recommendation/attestation; and

  • required coaching education coursework according to NYSED timelines.

Because coaching license requirements and renewal periods are established by NYSED regulation, applicants should consult NYSED's current Coaching and Coach Preparation & Licensing webpages for the requirements applicable to their license and application.

Volunteer Coaches

New York State coaching requirements apply to both paid and unpaid (volunteer) coaches.

Individuals serving as volunteer coaches must meet the NYSED certification, licensing, training, and coursework requirements applicable to their certification status and coaching assignment.

First Aid & CPR/AED Documentation

As of November 1, 2024, the NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives no longer accepts First Aid or CPR/AED documentation directly from Coaching License applicants.

The employing school district is responsible for verifying, collecting, and retaining acceptable First Aid and CPR/AED credentials.

For individuals applying for a Coaching License, the district will submit the appropriate School District Recommendation or Superintendent Statement through TEACH, including the required attestation regarding First Aid and CPR/AED requirements.

Coaches are responsible for maintaining current credentials and providing updated documentation to the district as required.

Proof of Certification or Coaching License

New York State maintains certification and Coaching License records electronically and does not issue hard-copy licenses.

Individuals may verify their certification or Coaching License status through NYSED's online certification verification system and/or their TEACH account.

NYSED Resources

Coach Preparation & Licensing
Requirements for certified educators and non-certified coaches, including Individual Evaluation and NFHS coursework pathways.

NYSED Coaching
Current information about Coaching Licenses, applications, requirements, and Superintendent Statements.

Temporary Coaching License
Current application and licensing requirements for individuals who do not qualify to coach under a NYS educator certificate.

Professional Coaching License
Requirements for coaches progressing to professional licensure.

First Aid & CPR Requirements
Information regarding acceptable training and district verification requirements.

Certification Verification
Online verification of NYS educator certificates and Coaching Licenses.