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Coaching Authorization

Coaching Authorization/Endorsement Information

Anyone interested in becoming a paid or volunteer coach in the state of Iowa (middle school, junior high, or high school) must obtain a Coaching Authorization or Coaching Endorsement (K-12 licensed teachers) through the Bureau of Educational Examiners.  

A coaching authorization is for anyone who wants to coach (paid or volunteer) middle school, junior high, or high school athletics who is not a licensed teacher.  Licensed teachers can apply for an authorization if they prefer/don’t have college credit for the required coursework.  

A coaching endorsement is for anyone who wants to coach (paid or volunteer) middle school, junior high, or high school athletics who is a teacher with a current teaching license and has college credit for the required course work. 

The NIACC Coaching Certificate is not a coaching authorization or coaching endorsement.  The NIACC Coaching Certificate satisfies the course requirements needed to obtain a coaching authorization or coaching endorsement as part of the application process through the state of Iowa (Step #1 on the checklist below).  The classes included in this certificate are credit courses.  

To Register for Credit Coaching Classes at NIACC  

New students follow steps 1 and 2.  Current students start at step 3.  

Step 1 is to fill out an application for admissions at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-for-admission/   

Step 2 is to fill out the registration form https://www.niacc.edu/academics/online-courses/course-registration-form/  

Step 3 is for current students only, contact your academic advisor in the Student Development Office to search and register for available classes.  

The NIACC 55-Hour Coaching Workshop Class is not a coaching authorization.  The NIACC 55-Hour Coaching Workshop Class satisfies the course requirements needed to obtain a coaching authorization as part of the application process through the state of Iowa (Step #1 on the checklist below).  This workshop class does not meet the requirements needed to obtain a coaching endorsement (K-12 teachers).  This workshop class is a non-credit course.   

To Register for the non-credit 55-Hour Coaching Workshop Class contact the NIACC Continuing Education Office at 641-422-4358. 

Coaching Authorization Checklist 

Steps to obtain a Coaching Authorization in the State of Iowa (#1-4 can be completed in any order): 

  1. Take the Coaching Credit Courses offered at NIACC (or other approved credit courses) or complete the 55-Hour Coaching Workshop Class through Continuing Education.  

  1. Complete the free concussion training through NFHS, applicants will need to include their certificate of completion when applying for their coaching authorization through the Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners. https://nfhslearn.com/  

  1. Applicants must have a current CPR certification through an approved organization and provide verification of their certification card when applying for their coaching authorization through the Bureau of Educational Examiners. NIACC offers one option on campus for students to obtain an Adult CPR/AED certification through the American Heart Association, this certification must be renewed every 2 years.  CPR course offerings through NIACC Continuing Education  

  1. First time applicants through the Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners will also need to complete a background check. Information regarding the background check is located on the Bureau of Educational Examiners web page.  Applicants can start this process before finishing the course requirements for a coaching authorization.  

  2. Start the application process, after completing the course requirements listed above (#1) students will need to submit their application materials to the State of Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners.  Materials needed to complete the application include:

 

  • Official transcripts (credit courses) or Certificate of completion (55-Hour Workshop Class) 

  • Certificate of completion for the Concussion Training (must be NFHS training)  

  • Current CPR Certificate (from an approved provider)  

  • Fingerprinting process through Fieldprint (folder number and code are needed, both are in the application process with the BoEE) 

     

NIACC Contact Information 

For information about the credit or non-credit coaching options at NIACC or the application process for obtaining a coaching authorization/coaching endorsement contact: 
Heather DeWaard-Flickinger Email: heather.dewaard@niacc.edu Phone: (641) 422-4421