To become a first-time USA Swimming coach, there are three steps that must be completed:

1. Safety Certifications. Prior to registering for the first year of coaching, a coach must have current safety certifications in the following (see bottom of page):

• CPR
• First Aid
• Safety Training for Swim Coaches

2. Background Screen. Since 2007, all coaches are required to successfully complete a Background Screen through the USA Swimming background screen provider.

After a coach completes the three courses and has his or her certification cards and completes the Background Screen, the coach registers through the local registration chairperson.

3. Education Requirement for New Coaches. Before the coach registers for the second year, he or she must successfully complete the Foundations of Coaching Test. This test included basic swimming coaching knowledge as well as the rules and regulations of USA Swimming.

In order to take the "Foundations of Coaching Test" you must have a web account with USA Swimming. Click here for instructions to create a web account. Note: You must be logged in to take the test!

The test can only be completed online at the USA Swimming website or click "Foundations of Coaching Test" on the left-hand side of this page.

As of September 1, 2008 The Foundations of Coaching online test is based on the Foundations of Coach DVD. The book based test is no longer available.

1. The  Foundations of Coaching DVD based test is taken from:

      A. The Foundations of Coaching DVD, 

      B. The downloadable documents accessible from The Foundations of Coaching DVD and

      C.  The USA Swimming Rules & Regulations

Note: The Foundations of Coaching DVD is available for $25.00 on the USA Swimming online store. The DVD and accompanying documents make a great start to a coaching library and it is highly recommended that a coach purchase the materials prior to taking the test. Every coach will automatically be sent a free copy of the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations, which should arrive within 3 months of your registration.

2.  Upon passing the test, your LSC Registration Chair will automatically be notified so that your registration status can be updated to "Coach Member." If you indicate when you start the test that you wish to receive ASCA Level One certification credit, ASCA will also automatically receive notification. ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association). The ASCA Level 1 Test IS NOT acceptable for USA Swimming certification. The ASCA test DOES NOT include the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations questions.

3.  The Foundations of Coaching exam is an open book test. Since it is open book, successful completion will requires a score of 160 correct answers out of 180 questions. If you do not score at least 160 correct answers, you must retake the ENTIRE test. You may take the test as many times as necessary until you achieve a passing score of 160. Note that you will get a different version of the test each time you retake it.

USA Swimming initiated the Coaches Safety Curriculum in September 1987 for the 1988 membership year. USA Swimming coach members are required to show current proof of training in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Safety Training for Swim Coaches. Click here for the 2009-2010 Coaches Safety Education Requirements.

Local Swimming Committees (LSCs) enforce these requirements largely through the membership function. Justification for the requirements may be found in legislation passed over the years by the USA Swimming House of Delegates. The following passages are found in the current USA Swimming Rules and Regulations.

Article 502.4.3  “All coaches of USA Swimming clubs, including seasonal clubs, shall join USA Swimming as coach members and shall satisfactorily complete safety training and background screening required by USA Swimming.” Read more...