Top 10 Head Football Coach Certifications

Certifications are important for a head football coach in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide proof that an individual is knowledgeable about the sport and can help them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can show commitment and dedication to the profession, which are both qualities that employers look for in potential hires. Ultimately, certifications are important for head football coaches in the job market because they give them an edge over those without them.

This article reviews the top certifications for Head Football Coaches and outlines how these can be beneficial in advancing their careers.

What are Head Football Coach Certifications?

Head football coach certification is a program that provides coaches with the education, training and resources they need to become successful in their profession. The certification program focuses on developing essential coaching skills such as teaching techniques, game strategies, team management and communication. It also covers topics such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and injury prevention. By obtaining this certification, coaches are better able to lead their teams to success by understanding the game of football more deeply and being able to effectively communicate with players and staff. In addition, head coaches who are certified have the advantage of being recognized as a professional in their field which can open up opportunities for advancement within their organization or for other coaching positions. Finally, having a head coach certification can give parents peace of mind that their children will be learning from someone who is qualified to teach them the game of football safely and effectively.

Pro Tip: Make sure you are aware of the minimum certification requirements for your state or region before applying to become a head football coach. Each state or region will have different rules and guidelines when it comes to coaching certification, so it's important to do your research beforehand.

Related: What does a Head Football Coach do?

Top 10 Head Football Coach Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Head Football Coachs today.

1. National Football Coaches Association Certification

The National Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Certification is a professional development program designed to provide football coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their profession. The certification program consists of five courses that cover topics such as coaching philosophy, strategy, game preparation, player development, and team management. It also includes an online exam that tests the coach’s understanding of the material covered in the courses.

In order to receive NFCA Certification, coaches must complete all five courses within two years and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. Each course is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year and can be completed at your own pace. The cost for each course varies depending on which one you choose but typically ranges from $50-$200.

Once you have successfully completed all five courses and passed the exam, you will receive your NFCA Certification certificate along with access to exclusive resources such as job postings, networking opportunities, and discounts on coaching education materials. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by completing additional courses or taking part in other professional development activities.

2. American Football Coaches Association Certification

The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Certification is a program designed to provide professional development and recognition for football coaches. The program includes courses, seminars, and other educational resources to help coaches become more successful in their profession.

The certification process takes around two years to complete. In order to qualify for the AFCA Certification, coaches must complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved coursework from an accredited institution or organization. This includes topics such as coaching philosophy, offensive and defensive schemes, strength and conditioning, nutrition, game planning, and team management.

In addition to completing the required coursework, coaches must also pass a written exam that covers the material they have learned during their studies. The exam is administered by the AFCA and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. To receive certification, coaches must score at least 80% on the exam.

The cost of the AFCA Certification varies depending on the institution or organization that provides the coursework. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the length of time it takes to complete all requirements.

3. USA Football Level 1 Coaching Certification

USA Football Level 1 Coaching Certification is a comprehensive program designed to provide coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to coach youth football. The certification is open to all coaches, regardless of experience level. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course and exam, which covers topics such as safety, communication, teaching techniques, and game strategies.

To get certified, you must first create an account on USA Football's website and pay the $25 registration fee. After registering, you will have access to the online course materials and exams. You must complete both the online course and exam in order to receive your certification.

Once you have completed both the course and exam, you will receive your Level 1 Coaching Certification from USA Football. This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed.

4. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Education Program

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Education Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their profession. The program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level 1 is the entry-level course for all coaches and requires completion of an online test as well as a practical assessment. This level typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and costs $50.

Level 2 is an advanced course that covers topics such as sport psychology, injury prevention, nutrition, strength training, and more. This level typically takes 18-20 hours to complete and costs $100.

Level 3 is the highest level of certification offered by NFHS and requires completion of an online test as well as a practical assessment. This level typically takes 25-30 hours to complete and costs $150.

In addition to the courses, NFHS also offers additional resources such as webinars, videos, articles, books, podcasts, etc., which are available at no cost to coaches who have completed any of the three levels of certification.

5. Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach Certification

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Double-Goal Coach Certification is an online course designed to help coaches and parents become better role models for young athletes. The program focuses on teaching coaches the importance of developing a positive, supportive environment for their players, while also helping them understand how to help their athletes reach their goals.

The PCA Double-Goal Coach Certification consists of four modules that cover topics such as creating a positive team culture, communicating effectively with players, building relationships with parents and other stakeholders, and understanding the principles of character development. Each module includes video lectures and interactive activities, as well as downloadable resources to help coaches implement what they’ve learned in practice.

The entire certification program takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get certified, coaches must watch all four modules in full and pass a final exam with at least 80% accuracy. Once certified, coaches will receive a digital certificate that can be printed or shared online.

The cost of the PCA Double-Goal Coach Certification is $99 USD.

6. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Certified Coach

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Certified Coach program is a voluntary certification program for coaches at the collegiate level. It provides coaches with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to coaching excellence and ethical conduct, as well as provide evidence of their knowledge and experience in the sport they coach.

In order to become certified, coaches must meet certain requirements, including:

-Completion of an NCAA approved online education course

-Passing a written exam

-Submission of a background check

-Submission of references from current or former employers

-Proof of current First Aid/CPR certification

-Proof of completion of the NCAA Coaches’ Education Program (CEP)

The process typically takes several weeks to complete and there is no cost associated with becoming certified. However, depending on the institution, there may be additional fees associated with completing the required courses or exams.

7. International Youth and High School Football Coach Certification

International Youth and High School Football Coach Certification is a program that provides coaches with the knowledge, skills, and resources to coach football at an international level. It is designed to ensure that coaches have the necessary qualifications to coach youth and high school football teams in competitive situations.

The certification process typically takes around six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with a copy of their coaching license or other proof of coaching experience. They must also provide proof of completion of a minimum number of hours of training in the sport, including practice sessions and game preparation. After submitting their application, they will receive an email confirmation from the International Federation of Football Coaches (IFFC).

Once approved by IFFC, applicants must then attend a three-day intensive course known as the “International Football Coaching Academy” (IFCA). This course covers topics such as team management, strategy development, player evaluation, game analysis, nutrition and conditioning for athletes, sports psychology, and more. Upon completion of the IFCA course, applicants will be issued an International Football Coaching Certificate.

The cost for this certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking it can range from $500-$1000 USD depending on the location and duration of the program.

8. American Youth Football Coach Certification

American Youth Football Coach Certification is a program designed to provide coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach football in a safe and effective manner. The certification program is offered through American Youth Football, Inc., an organization that works to promote youth football across the United States.

The certification process consists of three steps: completing an online course, attending a coaching clinic, and passing the AYF Coaching Certification Exam. The online course covers topics such as safety protocols, drills and practice plans, game rules and strategies, and how to work with players of different ages. After completing the course, coaches must attend a coaching clinic where they will receive hands-on instruction from experienced coaches. Finally, coaches must pass the AYF Coaching Certification Exam in order to be certified.

The entire process typically takes around 8-10 weeks to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on which state you are located in; however, most states charge $50-$100 for the online course and the coaching clinic combined.

9. Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification

Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Coach (PFSC) Certification is a certification program that was created by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in order to recognize those who have met the highest standards of professional football strength and conditioning coaching. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the science and practice of football strength and conditioning.

The PFSC certification process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise prescription, injury prevention, testing protocols, program design principles, coaching techniques, and more. Once the exam is passed with a score of at least 70%, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge in these areas. This portfolio includes written essays on various topics related to football strength and conditioning as well as practical demonstrations of their coaching skills. Upon successful completion of the portfolio review process, applicants are granted the PFSC certification.

The cost for the PFSC certification process varies depending on whether or not you are an NSCA member. For non-members it costs $495 for the exam plus $195 for the portfolio review fee; for members it costs $395 for the exam plus $145 for the portfolio review fee.

Overall, obtaining a Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification is an important step towards becoming a successful football strength coach. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence in your field while also providing you with recognition from peers in your profession.

10. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training is a comprehensive program designed to teach individuals how to respond to and manage medical emergencies. The course includes instruction on how to recognize warning signs of illness and injury, how to provide basic first aid care, how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The course typically takes between 4-6 hours to complete, depending on the type of training being offered. It can be taken in either a classroom setting or online. In the classroom setting, participants will receive hands-on instruction from an American Red Cross certified instructor. Online courses are self-paced and include video demonstrations and interactive activities.

The cost of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training varies depending on the type of training being offered and where it is taking place. Generally, classroom courses cost around $90-$150 per person while online courses can range from $30-$60 per person.

To get started with American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training, you can visit their website at www.redcross.org for more information about their courses and find a local chapter near you that offers them.

Do You Really Need a Head Football Coach Certificate?

No, you do not need a Head Football Coach Certificate to become a head football coach. While it can be beneficial to have one, there are many successful head coaches that don't necessarily need this type of certification. It is possible to become a successful head coach without having formal education in the sport or any kind of certificate.

In most cases, becoming a head coach comes down to experience and knowledge in the game. Coaches who have been successful at lower levels or as assistant coaches often get promoted to the position of head coach. Having an extensive background in the game and being able to demonstrate expertise in coaching techniques and strategy can help them take on the role of a head coach without needing any special certifications.

Furthermore, having a certificate may not even guarantee success as a head coach. Coaches with all kinds of credentials have failed at their jobs for various reasons such as lack of ability to motivate players, poor communication skills, or inability to develop strategies that work for their team. Ultimately, it comes down to how well you know football and your ability to effectively lead your team towards success on the field.

In conclusion, while having a Head Football Coach Certificate can be useful in certain situations, it is not necessary for becoming a successful head football coach. The key is having an extensive knowledge of the game and being able to demonstrate expertise in coaching techniques and strategy. With these skills combined with hard work and dedication, anyone can become an elite head football coach regardless of their certifications.

Related: Head Football Coach Resume Examples

FAQs About Head Football Coach Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a head football coach?

Answer: To become a head football coach, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in physical education, sports management, or another related field. Additionally, most states require coaches to possess state-approved coaching certifications and/or licenses.

2. How can I get certified as a head football coach?

Answer: You will typically need to complete an approved coaching certification program and pass an exam in order to obtain certification as a head football coach. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers online courses that provide coaches with the necessary knowledge and skills for the position.

3. Is there an age requirement for becoming a head football coach?

Answer: Generally speaking, there is no set age requirement for becoming a head football coach; however, most states have minimum age requirements for coaches who work with student athletes. Additionally, many schools prefer to hire coaches who are over the age of 21 or 25.

4. Do I need any special qualifications to be a head football coach?

Answer: While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, most schools prefer candidates who have prior experience coaching at the high school level or higher and possess knowledge of modern coaching strategies, techniques, and safety protocols related to the sport of football.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my head football coach certification?

Answer: Many states require that coaches complete certain continuing education courses in order to keep their certifications current and valid. In addition, some states may also require coaches to periodically renew their license or certification by taking additional courses or attending professional development seminars related to coaching principles and strategies.