Get Certified

Procedure to be followed to become an RRCA Certified Running Coach

Step 1. Attend the RRCA certification course

The prospective coach must be present for the entire 8 hours of course work each day. Learn more about the program and to access the schedule of upcoming courses or be placed on our email list for announcements.

Cancellations and transfers

Cancellations and transfers must be done by emailing a request to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Cancellations are subject to a $50 fee until 7-days before the class date when no refunds are possible. Refunds will either be by a check sent by the RRCA office which may take up to 3-weeks to process. You may transfer without penalty to another location only if both certifications are open to registration. If the original class is closed, you must request a cancellation and re-register for the new location.

Step 2. Submit the online test

The prospective coach has one opportunity to submit and pass the 100 question online test. The test must be submitted within 30-days of taking the certification course and the prospective coach must obtain a passing score of 80 or higher. You may use your notes and all of the materials and books handed out at the class. You may work together with your fellow classmates. When you submit your test, you will receive an instant score as will the coaching committee and your instructors.

If the test receives a score of 79 or less, you have not passed and you cannot be certified. To retake the test and become a certified coach, you must attend the entire course for a second time. The RRCA does provide for a reduced price for the course retake, which can be obtained by checking with .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) before registering.

Step 3. Submit electronic copies of First Aid and CPR to the class presenters

Any adult First Aid course that gives a certificate with an expiration date is acceptable. The CPR class must be “hands on” and provide a certificate with an expiration date. No online CPR class certificates will be accepted. We have no preferred providers for these classes; use the reputable one in your area. These certificates must be submitted within 60 days of the certification course. Submission can only be accepted in electronic format—either scan the documents or photograph them and send them in an e-mail attachment. Very Important—fax copies will not be accepted. These certifications are for the coach’s safety. Coaches must be prepared to deal with emergency situations. The committee highly suggests either taking or scheduling those classes before the RRCA certification.

Step 4. Receive an RRCA Coaching certificate and be added to our online database

Your presenters will mail you a signed and dated certificate of course completion. You will be notified by email when you are added to the online database. The email will include instruction on accessing the Private coaches section of the RRCA website. It is your responsibility to check for accuracy and correct your personal information on the website and to determine what portion of the information will be visible online. It is your responsibility to maintain your information especially your current email address as that is the only way the coaching program staff communicates with the coaches.

Criminal Background Checks for RRCA Certified Coaches

Coming soon.

Starting January 1, 2010 the RRCA will implement a criminal background screening policy and service for all RRCA certified coaches. Information and instructions will be shared with all RRCA Certified Coaches before the end of the year (2009). We believe it is important to ensure the integrity of our program by protecting potential clients from would be coaches have serious criminal backgrounds.

Procedure to maintain your Coaching Certification and your visible listing on the RRCA web page.

Step 1 Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification

You will be automatically notified by email for 3 consecutive months when either of these certifications have lapsed. If you do not update them within the 3 month period on the RRCA website, you will be deemed inactive and your name removed from the visible list of RRCA coaches. You may return to the active listing by updating the First Aid and CPR in the private coaches section database.