A: USA Gymnastics University is a collection of educational resources and courses, as well as a professional certification program. The University will provide greater educational opportunities and a standardized education program for gymnastics professionals at all levels. All of USA Gymnastics' current and future educational courses will fall under the University umbrella. Certifications are available in the School of Competitive Gymnastics, School of Recreational Gymnastics, School of Judging, and School of Business.
Q: What are the benefits of continuing education and certification?
A: A USA Gymnastics Certification gives you visible recognition for your accomplishments in the field. It indicates to others that you have achieved a nationally recognized standard. It provides an edge and improves your marketability when competing against other gymnastics professionals for top positions in the field. It establishes standards for safety in the sport of gymnastics. Club owners will enhance the credibility of their staff by sponsoring their certification. Additional benefits include:
- Providing a safer, healthier environment for gymnastics participation
- Enhancing athlete development, contributing to well-rounded athletes with greater opportunities for success
- Obtaining national-level professional recognition and acknowledgment of competency, which aids employers in evaluating current employees and future hires, and allows professionals to stand out among peers
- Gives you the tools you need to achieve success in the industry
- Increase your credibility and accountability among peers, clients, and employers
- Contributing to employment opportunities, job advancement and increased salaries
- Showing commitment to professionalism and lifelong learning
- Enhancing skills, training, and knowledge
- Helping to reduce personal and institutional liability
- Providing a means for new coaches, judges, and teachers to get involved with the sport
A: USA Gymnastics offers a variety of educational opportunities through the University including live and online courses, Regional and National Congresses, as well as clinics, workshops and camps in each discipline. All of these are considered USA Gymnastics University courses. The certification program defines required education and awards recognition of completion. Individuals will complete various course work, defined for each level of certification, in order to earn certification. Multiple courses are required to earn a level of certification. Certification is not granted from one single course. It is possible for individuals to take educational courses through USA Gymnastics University, but not be pursuing certification.
Q: Is there a fee to enter the University?
A: No, there is no fee. Enrollment is a benefit of your membership, and each course has its own individual fee.
Q: What does "Certification" mean?
A: Certification means you have completed the required and elective coursework to obtain a certain level of education.
Q: Who should seek certifications?
A: The University is set up for coaches, athletes, club owners, judges, or anyone who is interested in learning more about the sport of gymnastics. The University is designed for individuals with or without previous gymnastics experience. Some courses have a minimum age requirement.
Q: Will this "certification" make me more marketable?
A: This certification will absolutely make you more marketable to current and future employers, as well as potential clients. It indicates that you are committed to maintaining high standards of ethics, safety, and professional conduct. It also demonstrates that you have the necessary skills to be a leader in the field of gymnastics. With noted credentials to reinforce your professionalism and leadership capabilities, you will increase profitability while increasing your client base.
Q: Why would I want to hire someone with a USA Gymnastics University Degree?
A: A potential employee who has a certification from USA Gymnastics University has shown that they have the drive and desire to succeed. It demonstrates that they have the foundation and necessary basic skills. You can have confidence that they have reached a specific competency and level of education.
Q: How do I know I am entered in the University?
A: Upon purchasing your membership (professional, junior professional, instructor, junior introductory coach, and introductory coach) and taking your first course, you have entered into the university. Please go online to "my membership page" to view your completed course work and any certifications you may have achieved.
Q: Does everyone have to start at the initial/instructor level?
A: No. Experienced gymnastics professionals may apply for pre-placement. Please see application and additional information on our website.
Q: Can I choose which level I want and start working at that or must I work up the ladder?
A: Until 9/31/2012 you may apply for university pre-placement. After that you must start at initial certification level and work your way up. The initial level is Instructor and this is fulfilled upon taking U100 Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction.
Q: Does it expire? How long is the certification good for?
A: Similar to an actual college degree, your USA Gymnastics University certification will never expire, and is good for your lifetime. Please note that certain courses may have an expiration date.
Starting 2013- In the School of Competitive( Women's): Continuing University Education is required to maintain certification.
Q: What if I get my certification and you add more requirements later. Do I get to keep my certification?
A: Yes, you will keep your certification and will not need to fulfill any additional requirements. If requirements change while taking coursework, you must complete the current certification requirements.
A: Please complete the pre-placement application for your specific discipline. This can be found at www.usagymnasticsuniversity.org. Regardless of pre-placement, all certifications require you to take U100 Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction. You must be at least 18 years old, and you must have held a membership with USA Gymnastics for at least three years. . Please note that pre-placement begins at the ¾ tier of each school.
Q: I have held a professional membership for only 6 months, but I was previously a Foreign Coach, do I qualify for pre-placement?
A: If you are not eligible to apply for pre-placement but still feel you have qualifications for placement in the university please email placement@usagym.org to request consideration.
Q: Can I apply for pre-placement in the School of Judging?
A: If you are a judge, your rating already exists and you already have your placement.
Q: How long does it take to process my application for pre-placement?
A: It usually takes about 8-10 weeks to process your application.
Q: Is there any cost to apply for pre-placement?
A: No, this is a benefit of your membership.
A: All certification requirements must be earned through USA Gymnastics educational courses, clinics, workshops, sanctioned events, or approved providers. This is important to be able to provide standardized education, bring value to the certification program, and guarantee the level of training for all participants. This also enables USA Gymnastics to track and verify the completion of requirements.
Q: Must I take a test to earn my certification?
A: Testing is incorporated into the course work. There are no comprehensive tests required to complete a certification level. For example, there may be a test within the U101 Safety/Risk Management Certification course, but there will not be a 'final' test for certification. Once the courses/requirements are met, the certification will be granted.
Q: I have previous USA Gymnastics certifications; will they count towards USA Gymnastics University certification?
A: In most cases, yes, previous USA Gymnastics certifications will be incorporated into the University. If these courses or electives are a requirement for certification, you will receive credit. USA Gymnastics maintains records for those completing Safety/Risk Management Certification, Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction, Preschool Fundamentals courses, Business Courses, Regional and National Congresses, KAT, MELPD, PDP,, and T&T Level 1 Certification. Other USA Gymnastics University courses, from here on out will also count towards University credits and certification.
Q: Do I need to be a member of USA Gymnastics to earn certification?
A: Yes. Individuals must be a Professional, Junior Professional, Introductory Coach, Junior Introductory Coach, or Instructor member of USA Gymnastics in order to become certified. However, individual courses are offered to anyone in the gymnastics community, including non-members.
Q: What are the requirements of certification?
A: Certification is available in four different areas or schools of study: Competitive, Judging, Recreational Gymnastics, and Business/Administrative. Within each school, certification requirements are defined for each of the four levels of certification.
Q: How will I know when I have met the requirements for certification?
A: You will manage your certification process through our website. You can go to the "My Membership" page and print out your certifications. Can email questions to university@usagym.org.
Q: Can one course count for two requirements?
A: No, each course can only count for one requirement. However, one course can apply to multiple schools of study. (i.e. U101 Safety and Risk Management)
Q: If I go to three different regional or national congresses do I get three course credits?
A: Yes, because each session of congress is a unique learning experience that covers different topics each time. However, this may only count as a credit if applicable to your school and certification level. Also, please note that one session of congress cannot count as more than one credit. For example, if you attended congress as an elective for Level 1 Certification, and it is a requirement for Level 2 Certification, you must either attend a new session of congress or take another elective in its place to earn your Level 2 Certification.
Q: Why should I be certified?
A: USA Gymnastics believes that education is important to providing quality conditions and training environments for gymnastics participants. Safety, child development, correct skill technique, injury prevention, conditioning and progressions, and overall athlete preparation are just some of the areas of education that will help coaches, instructors, judges, and administrators provide safe, fun environments for all. Certification helps to prepare gymnastics professionals for their role in the sport and raise the level of the sport across the country. By earning certification you are refreshing and expanding your knowledge and highlighting your professional credentials.
Q: How do I get started with my certification?
A: First, become a member of USA Gymnastics! You must be a member to earn certification. Begin with U100 Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction as it is a required course for all schools within the university.
Q: Do my courses need to be completed within one year to get certified?
A: No, the courses can be done over any period of time.
Q: Can I take courses in tiers above the certification level I am working on?
A: Yes, you can work ahead and these courses will count toward your next tier of certification.
Q: If I choose as an elective course a course that is a required course in other certifications, does it count?
A: Yes, the elective course will be applied to the required course; however you must then take another elective. If a certification required four courses then four unique courses must be applied. A course counts only one time for course credit. If you repeat a course, such as camps, or congresses, this can count as additional courses. One course cannot count for two different requirements.
Q: Will USA Gymnastics be mailing me a certificate?
A: No, but some courses allow you to print a certificate at the end of the course. You can also go to our website, log in, and go to My Membership, which will allow you to print your certificate.
