Non-LTA coaching qualifications
We welcome coaches with external qualifications or those from abroad who’ve completed similar levels of training. If you have an external qualification and would like to either join the qualification pathway or become a member of LTA Coach Accreditation (our professional coach membership scheme), we’ve put together some information on how you can make that happen.
Please read the bullet points below for important information:
- Equivalency: We don’t award any form of equivalency to non-LTA qualifications - your submission will be reviewed based upon one of the two entry points outlined in step one below.
- British Padel/Tennis Coaches Association (BPCA/BTCA): We’re working with the BPCA/BTCA to map their course and tutor standards, content and curriculum. However, please note we’re currently unable to accept BPCA/BTCA qualifications for entry into LTA Coach Accreditation and the LTA qualification pathway.
- USPTA: We currently do not recognise USPTA qualifications for entry into LTA Coach Accreditation and the LTA qualification pathway.
Please note that that due to the number of applications we receive and the complexity of each review we will respond to each application within 4-6 weeks.
What level of accreditation does my qualification allow me to access?
- If your qualification is 3 days or more of tutor contact and includes an assessment, you are eligible to become Accredited. If you wish to then join the LTA Coach Qualification Pathway, you will need to complete the LTA Assistant Qualification. For Padel coaches currently you will only be eligible to become Accredited.
- If your qualification is 15 days or more of tutor contact time and includes an assessment, you are eligible to access the LTA Tennis Coach Course without the need to complete the LTA Assistant & LTA Instructor qualification.
You will need to submit evidence of your training to us which should include:
- Copies of your coaching qualification certificate(s).
- A letter from the Coach Education Department of your National Association or Federation confirming the length of the qualification and the number of tutor contact hours. Please note this must be sent in English.
Submit your qualifications using the link below.
Meet the following prerequisites
- Be LTA Accredited or hold a DBS/PVG Certificate applied for through LTA/Tennis Scotland that is less than 12 months old from the start date of the LTA Tennis Coach assessment. A DBS can be accepted if you are on the Update Service - see here for more details. Please note that it may take at least eight weeks for a DBS to be processed and you must hold a valid LTA DBS certificate upon booking.
- Hold a valid certificate of competence in either First Aid at Work (FAW), Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), Paediatric First Aid (PFA) or will have successfully completed the OFQUAL Level 3 in First Aid.
Complete any two LTA approved CPD Courses
This step is only for those coaches who are eligible to book onto the LTA Tennis Coach course.
You must complete any two approved LTA CPD Courses to ensure that all accredited coaches working in the UK have knowledge of the latest information, products and programmes.
- Click here to see our available CPD Courses.
- We highly recommend completing the LTA Youth courses.
Get qualified
This step is only for those coaches who are eligible to book onto the LTA Tennis Coach Coaching Course.
The LTA Tennis Coach course is delivered by our Coach Development Centre partners - the Core Training consists of nine days’ Core Training and two Electives (from a choice of three) as well as a Group Assessment. Once you have passed your Core Training a Summative Assessment is then booked via the LTA website - after completing all elements of the qualification you'll be eligible to become an Accredited+ coach. Please contact one of the Centres in order to begin the process and to find out further information.
The cost to be assessed may vary between Coach Development Centres and they will administer this payment directly. To view a list of LTA Tennis Coach courses available please visit this link.
What is the difference between a Qualification and LTA Coach Accreditation?
LTA Coach Accreditation is a professional membership scheme for qualified coaches. The aim of the scheme is to provide affordable insurance to protect a tennis coach’s career, deliver educational support and relevant benefits to maximise every coaching business and to provide a stamp of approval recognised by parents, players and employers.
A Coaching Qualification is an assessed award given by a recognised body to signify that learning and training has taken place and the required level has been successfully demonstrated during an assessment.
I am currently undertaking private one-to-one lessons but I do not hold an LTA Tennis Coach (Level 3) qualification. Is my Public Liability cover still valid?
Your LTA Public Liability cover is valid if you are competent for the activity you are undertaking. Competence is defined as the combination of qualifications, experience and training/CPD combined. If you coach outside your remit of competence, then the LTA Public Liability insurance you receive as part of being Accredited may be void and may not cover you.