Become a Coach

Instructor & Coach Certification Programs

Certified instructors and coaches are the foundation of strong, safe archery programs. Earning a coaching certification provides essential knowledge, hands-on skills, and increased credibility for those looking to coach athletes at any level.

All certification levels are nationally recognized by USA Archery, National Field Archery Association, and Archery Shooters Association.

For questions regarding certification requirements, please contact USA Archery at certifications@usarchery.org or (719) 866-4576.

USA Archery Certification Levels

Level 1 Instructor Certification

The USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification prepares instructors to safely run beginner archery programs. It emphasizes range safety, basic instruction, equipment knowledge, and lesson planning.

Certification requires completion of the online course and exam, plus an in-person practical taught by a Certified Instructor Trainer.

Minimum age: 15

Level 2 Instructor Certification

The USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification prepares instructors to coach long-term archery programs, including JOAD, adult, collegiate, and club-based programs.

The course expands on foundational instruction with athlete development, intermediate coaching techniques, equipment setup, events, and an introduction to the National Training System (NTS) for recurve and compound. Certification requires completion of the online course, exam, and in-person practical. Level 1 certification is not required.

Minimum age: 18

Level 3 Coach Certification

The USA Archery Level 3 Coach Certification is designed for coaches working with developing and competitive athletes. It emphasizes evidence-based coaching, athlete development, training design, and advanced use of the National Training System (NTS) for recurve and compound.

The course covers motor learning, movement analysis, feedback and coaching methods, mental skills, and long-term training structure. Certification requires completion of the online course, in-person practical, background screening, and SafeSport training.

Minimum age: 19

Upcoming Certification Courses

  • Level 2 Instructor Certification — In-Person Practical

    Date: October 11th, 2026
    Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Instructor: Archery by Eleanor
    Cost: $200

    This in-person practical completes the requirements for the USA Archery Level 2 Instructor Certification. The course focuses on athlete development, intermediate coaching techniques, equipment and accessory setup, and an introduction to the National Training System (NTS) for recurve and compound.

    Participants must have completed the USA Archery Level 2 online course and exam prior to attending.

    Sign Up

  • LEVEL 3 NTS Coach CERTIFICATION — IN-PERSON PRACTICAL

    Dates: November 21–22, 2026
    Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Both Days
    Instructor: Archery by Eleanor
    Cost: $350

    This in-person practical completes the requirements for the USA Archery Level 3 NTS Coach Certification. The course provides advanced instruction in the National Training System (NTS), including shooting biomechanics and shot-cycle analysis, athlete assessment and development, equipment setup and tuning, coaching methodology, training-plan development, error identification and correction, and techniques for coaching developing competitive archers.

    Participants must complete all USA Archery Level 3 NTS Coach Certification prerequisites and required online coursework prior to attending.

    Sign Up

  • LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION — IN-PERSON PRACTICAL

    Date: December 20th, 2026
    Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Instructor: Archery by Eleanor
    Cost: $150

    This in-person practical completes the requirements for the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification. The course focuses on athlete development, intermediate coaching techniques, equipment and accessory setup, and an introduction to the National Training System (NTS) for recurve and compound.

    Participants must have completed the USA Archery Level 1 online course and exam prior to attending.

    Sign Up

How to Get Certified

  • Create or log into your personal account through USA Archery on the Sport80 platform. This is where all online courses, exams, and certification requirements are managed.

  • Register for and complete the online course and exam for your desired certification level through USA Archery.

    Online course costs (paid to USA Archery):

    • Level 1 Instructor: $40

    • Level 2 Instructor: $50

    • Level 3 Coach: $100

    You must complete the online course before attending the in-person practical.

  • For Level 2 and Level 3, USA Archery requires:

    • Current USA Archery membership

    • Background screening (must be cleared before registering)

    • U.S. Center for SafeSport training

    ⚠️ These are not required for Level 1, but are mandatory for Level 2 and above.

  • Once your online course is complete (and screenings cleared, if required), you will register for and attend the in-person practical course taught by Archery by Eleanor.

    Practical course pricing (paid to Archery by Eleanor):

    • Level 1 Instructor Practical: $150

    • Level 2 Instructor Practical: $200

    • Level 3 Coach Practical: $350

    Practical course length varies by level and class size.

  • After all requirements are completed, USA Archery issues your certification, valid for three years from the completion date.