NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma

This course was career-altering for me. I believe it was one of the most beneficial coaching educational experiences I have ever had.

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 unique, multi-sport program is essential for coaches who seek the next step in their coaching careers.

Should You Apply?

The NCCP ACD is ideal for coaches working with athletes in the High Performance pathway who want access to cutting-edge sport-science research and information, the opportunity to work alongside top coaches and mentors, and who desire to be more effective in their coaching.

NCCP ACD applicants are NCCP Competition-Development Certified, have been working with athletes at a Train to Train or later stage for at least three years, and ready to fully engage and critically reflect on their coaching practices.

The NCCP ACD emphasizes athlete performance across the Competition-Development and High-performance contexts. The program produces coaches who can prepare athletes for podium success in provincial, national, and international competitions.

Coaches should contact their National Sport Organization to learn how the program may connect to NCCP Competition-Development Advanced Gradation (CDAG) or NCCP Competition High-Performance status.

Submit Your Application

Admission Criteria

A coach must be either a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and NCCP Competition-Development-Certified.

Coaches who are NCCP Fully Trained Competition-Development, or who are Level 3 certified may be considered for admission if they have also completed the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation. All coaches in this situation will be asked to submit a Portfolio (based on NCCP Competition Development Certification standards) to demonstrate that they possess the necessary knowledge and experience.

All coaches must also submit a letter of recommendation.

For me it was a personal journey. I went in with a question to be answered and worked for the next two years answering it. My recommendation to anyone taking the course is to go in with a reason to be there.

Program Structure

The program includes in-person and online modules and is delivered through the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSI-N). The modules are delivered through a hub structure in collaboration with all COPSI-N Regional Delivery Centres.

Each module consists of a set number of hours in a blended learning environment. Coaches can expect to spend additional 10-12 hours per week applying classroom content to their practices.

The NCCP ACD is offered as a two-year, part-time program; however, students may complete it in more or less time depending on their location and on specific needs (see diagram below).

For assessment and graduation, coaches must submit an extensive portfolio of evidence and demonstrate through formal presentations at the mid-point and at the end of the program their plans to integrate their NCCP ACD learning into their coaching practice.

This training revolutionized my coaching.

Fees and Deadlines

The fees for enrolling in NCCP ACD programming are as follows:

Tuition may be paid in instalments as identified in the memorandum of understanding (MOU). Coaches entering a modified delivery entry platform will pay negotiated fees based on an assessment/learning plan.

Application Deadlines

New NCCP ACD cohorts begin the program each year. Start dates and application deadlines are as follows:

Please contact your closest Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute/Center for more details.

You have to be ready for the program, but once you are ready to learn it’s amazing what you pick up from both the teachers and fellow cohort. At times you have to critically think to figure out how to apply the lessons, but then it’s relevant to your context … A life-changing experience.

About the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network

The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute (COPSI) Network provides world-leading training environments to elite athletes and coaches across Canada. The team of experts delivers sport science and medicine, coaching, research and innovation, education, and Game Plan services to power podium performances and help Canada win more medals. The Network includes four Canadian Sport Institutes (Pacific, Calgary, Ontario and Québec) and three Canadian Sport Centres.(Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic).

Submit Your Application