Athletic Coaching, 7-12

Certificate Information

Overview: This Standard Athletic Coaching certificate authorizes the holder to perform coaching duties in interscholastic and extracurricular athletic activities. The certificate is not required for teachers who hold a valid elementary, middle school, secondary, or special education certificate. The certificate is valid for 12 years and is renewable.  Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code R7-2-606; R7-2-607; R-2-601.01; R7-2-614 (A)(H); R7-2-621.

Out-of-state certificate: If you hold a valid, current, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing in another state, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity. 

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

  • Application: A completed Application for Certification. 
  • Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
  • AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Official Transcripts documenting applicable coursework.
    • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency.  Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies" list.
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate: A copy of your valid certification in first aid and CPR.
  • Verification of Experience: A letter from a human resources administrator or superintendent verifying the required coaching experience.
  • Certificates of Training (if applicable): If you are using certificates of training from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) submit copies of your certificate(s) of training.

First Aid/CPR, Coursework, and Experience (Requirements A-1 through A-3 must be met):

  • A-1: Valid certification in first aid and Coronary and Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
  • A-2: Completion of courses, Board-approved or accredited seminars, or modules of study which shall include the following:
    • Methods of coaching;
    • Anatomy and Physiology;
    • Sports psychology;
    • Adolescent psychology;
    • Prevention and treatment of athletic injuries;
    • Signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, hazing, and cyberbullying.
  • A-3: Two hundred fifty (250) hours of verified coaching experience in the sport to be coached.
    • Coaching experience may include experience as a head coach or assistant coach in a school program or an organized athletic league.

Please note: The Athletic Coaching certificate requires completion of courses from an accredited postsecondary institution, or Board-approved or accredited seminars or modules of study. The National Federation of High School Associations is the only Board approved provider at this time.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
    • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
    • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490,  Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
  • Verification of Coaching Experience: Submit a letter on official letterhead to verify the appropriate number of clock hours of coaching experience form directly to [email protected]. 

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

  • AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card. 
  • Certificates of Completion: Submit the certificates of completion with the training name and date.
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate: Submit the certificates of completion with the training name and date.  

 

    Ready to apply - click here for step-by-step directions

    Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.