Advanced Coach Education Program
Coach
Coach Education & Certification
Canada Soccer is responsible for the development and certification of all coaches working with players across all environments in Canada through its Coach Education & Certification Program.
Coaching Pathway - Certification Levels
A Diploma
The Concacaf A Diploma focuses on developing and refining the student coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching elite youth and top level senior amateur players in a performance environment.
B Diploma
The B Diploma is designed to develop a coach’s capacity to train youth and senior amateur players in a development environment. It is targeted at coaches working in Youth Standards-Based Leagues, College/University programs, or Youth Academies.
C Diploma
The C Diploma develops the student coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching grassroots soccer and is the entry licence to licence stream pathway.
Goalkeeper Diploma
The Goalkeeper Diploma focuses on developing and refining the student coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching youth and senior amateur players in a development environment.
Childrens Diploma
The Childrens diploma teaches child-centered coaching methods for the holistic development of young grassroots players on and off the field.
Pro Diploma
The Concacaf Pro Diploma coaching course aims to support student coaches in developing the competences essential to lead a professional environment.
Technical Leadership Diploma
Technical Leadership Diploma for youth soccer technical directors. Blends in-person workshops with online modules on leadership, management, and community engagement.
Cancellation Policy
- All cancellations must be made in writing to the Canada Soccer Technical Department via
souellette@canadasoccer.com - Should a candidate withdraw after a position has been offered on a Course, a refund will be made up until seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the Course, subject to a $100 processing fee.
- Cancellations made any time within seven (7) days of the commencement of the Course will not be subject to a refund.
Coaching Terms Explained
What is the difference between a Diploma and a Licence? How long is your certification valid? Our comprehensive glossary defines the Concacaf Coaching Convention standards and Canada Soccer’s specific licensing regulations.
Explore Coach Education GlossaryFrequently Asked Questions
This FAQ provides details regarding the upcoming Canada Soccer C Licence, B Licence, Youth Licence and A Licence upgrades required for alignment with the Concacaf Coaching Convention.
Eligibility & Application
Coaches who hold existing Canada Soccer licences (such as the C Licence, B Licence, Youth Licence, and A Licence) and require them to be recognized under the new Concacaf Coaching Convention standards should apply for the corresponding upgrade.
When reviewing applications, priority will be given to student coaches whose licences are expiring soon or have recently expired as well as those actively coaching in an environment that requires a current and valid licence.
If your licence has expired and you are not accepted into an immediate upgrade cohort due to prioritization, you will be required to obtain a temporary one-year licence extension. This extension is granted by meeting the current Canada Soccer Safe Sport Roster requirements. More information on short-term renewals is available here.
You should apply for the upgrade associated with the highest Canada Soccer licence you have obtained.
No, upgrades are not mandatory if you are intending to apply directly for the next diploma licence on the pathway. Your eligibility for the next level course will be assessed based on your existing qualifications.
Coaches holding both these licences will benefit from a reduced workload and cost for the B Diploma upgrade. This acknowledges the previous efforts and learning undertaken for the Youth Licence, which is being integrated into the B Diploma framework under the Concacaf Caoching Convention.
If your licence was awarded without the standard on-field assessment due to pandemic restrictions, you will be required to complete an on-field assessment via video submission as part of the upgrade process to receive the Concacaf equivalent licence.
Timelines & Process
Student coaches complete required online modules independently within the given timeframe. For the B Diploma upgrade, a debrief session with a Coach Developer is required after portfolio submission. The A Diploma upgrade requires a connection midway to review work and again upon portfolio submission.
2026 Upgrade Cohort Schedules:
A Diploma:
Cohort 1:
Apply: December 2025
Register: January 2026
Complete Modules: February – June 2026
Final Meetings: July 2026
Cohort 2:
Apply: June 2026
Register: July 2026
Complete Modules: August – December 2026
Final Meetings: January 2027
B Diploma:
Cohort 1: ○ Apply: December 2025 ○ Register: January 2026 ○ Complete Modules: February – May 2026 ○ Final Meetings: June 2026 ● Cohort 2: ○ Apply: March 2026 ○ Register: April 2026 ○ Complete Modules: May – August 2026 ○ Final Meetings: September 2026 ● Cohort 3: ○ Apply: June 2026 ○ Register: July 2026 ○ Complete Modules: August – November 2026 ○ Final Meetings: December 2026
C Diploma:
Cohort 1: ○ Apply: December 2025 ○ Register: January 2026 ○ Complete Modules: February – April 2026 ● Cohort 2: ○ Apply: March 2026 ○ Register: April 2026 ○ Complete Modules: May – July 2026 ● Cohort 3: ○ Apply: June 2026 ○ Register: July 2026 ○ Complete Modules: August – October 2026 ● Cohort 4: ○ Apply: September 2026 ○ Register: October 2026 ○ Complete Modules: November 2026 – January 2027
The total duration allowed for completing the online upgrade modules is: ● A Diploma: 5 months ● B Diploma Upgrade: 4 months ● C Diploma Upgrade: 3 months
If you do not complete the necessary upgrade work within the designated timeframe for your cohort, your registration will expire. You will need to apply and register for the next available cohort to complete the upgrade process.
Cost & Logistics
The cost for licence upgrades are: ● A Diploma: $750 ● B Diploma: $350 (current holders of a B Licence or Youth Licence) ● B Diploma: $150 (current holders of both a B Licence and Youth Licence) ● C Diploma: $250 Please note that candidates who have not been evaluated on-field due to having received their licence during COVID-19 will be required to pay an additional evaluation fee of $250.
The total number of participants accepted into each cohort are: ● A Diploma: 60 per cohort (dependent on coach developer availability) ● B Diploma: 40-70 per cohort (dependent on coach developer availability) ● C Diploma: 70 per cohort
Upon successful completion of the upgrade process, you will immediately receive a certificate and certification will be updated and reflected accordingly in your profile on the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Locker system.
Upon successful completion of the upgrade process, your licence will be valid for 3 years.
Coach Education Resources
Coach Education - Policy and Procedures
Comprehensive guide governing the Advanced Coach Education Program (ACEP), covering application processes, course fees, facility standards, participation requirements, assessment criteria, and Coach Developer standards.
Go To LinkCoach Education Definitions
Comprehensive glossary defining key terms, credentials, and governance structures in soccer coach education across CONCACAF and Canada Soccer's certification system, including licensing levels, roles, and regulatory frameworks.
Go To PageCoach Education - Minimum Standards
The Minimum Standards outlines the Canada Soccer Safe Sport Roster requirements for member organizations. It defines mandatory training for coaches, including Criminal Record Checks, Respect in Sport, and stage-appropriate NCCP modules to ensure a safe, inclusive environment.
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Coach Education Course Syllabus
A Diploma Sylabus
The Canada Soccer A Diploma is a professional coaching certification designed for head coaches of elite youth or top amateur teams, as well as professional coaching staff. The syllabus focuses on four primary competency areas: Coach, Players and Team, Training Environment, and Match Performance.
Download PDFB Diploma Syllabus
The Canada Soccer B Diploma focuses on development coaching for youth and amateur players. It covers safe sport, talent ID, and tactical roles. Coaches must design training cycles and match plans while showing transformational leadership.
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The Canada Soccer C Diploma trains grassroots coaches to lead players of all ages and abilities. It focuses on holistic development, safe sport, and creating fun, inclusive environments. Coaches learn to plan weekly sessions and manage match days.
Download PDFChildren's Diploma
The Canada Soccer Children’s Diploma focuses on creating fun, memorable experiences for young players. It covers skill development, child psychology, and transformational coaching. Coaches learn to design realistic, game-based sessions that inspire lifelong passion.
Download PDFPro Diploma
The Concacaf Pro Diploma syllabus supports student coaches in leading professional environments. It requires 360 hours of reality-based learning across four pillars: The Coach, The Player and Team, The Training, and The Match.
Download PDFTechnical Diploma
The Canada Soccer Technical Director Diploma covers leadership, business operations, and technical planning. It focuses on club culture, safe sport, and mentorship. Assessment involves reflection journals, a study visit, and a capping project.
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