Learn How to:

• Help athletes move forward on their most important goals using sport specific competencies
• Coach athletes to achieve their goals by leveraging their sport specific abilities
• Help athletes manage obstacles effectively and strategically by using their talents and strengths at a higher level of performance
• Increase your credibility and boost your professional development in the sport of swimming

What is the PSCC?

The PSCC is the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Coaches Certification ("PSCC") Course.  It is a part of the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Program under the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee ("USOPC"). It is a course for swimming coaches who wish to further develop their coaching knowledge and skills to effectively work with para swimmers or to gain an understanding of the governance and differences that exist in the para swimming community.  The course is currently designed as a blended course of online presentations, in-person educational training and on-deck experiential learning. There are four (4) certification levels with prerequisites required for each level.

Why the PSCC?

The PSCC is the only program of its type for Para swimming. It gives coaches a unique understanding of the fundamental challenges and concerns that coaches deal with in their daily settings when including an athlete with a disability. The introduction into the Para swimming world can be shortened dramatically and the performance of all stakeholders increased when support and education is provided by U.S. Paralympics Swimming.

Who is the organization behind the program?

The USOPC is the ultimate stakeholder and its donors and sponsors. U.S. Paralympics Swimming is the program creator and governing body responsible for operating the certification program in the United States.

Are there prerequisites for the PSCC Course?

Yes, the prerequisites are basic knowledge and requirements of coaches in the sport of swimming. The attendance at an in-person or virtual Introduction and Orientation to Para Swimming and Coaching a Para Swimmer is required before starting the PSCC. As the coach moves through the different levels of certification the prerequisites relate to the level of para swimmer being coached. 

Is the PSCC Course applicable to USA, YMCA, High School, Collegiate, Masters or Adaptive Sport Coaches?  

YES!  Your work with swimmers is instrumental in the development and inclusion of para-swimmers in competitive swimming programs.  A key objective of the certification program is making the program assessable to any coach within a swimming arena to improve the experience and progress of swimmers with a disability.

For more information about each Level of certification, the dates and locations being offered and registration information, click the level below.

The PSCC courses must be taken in sequential order. Please do not register for a course unless you completed the preceding level.

Level 1 (Previously Level 1 and Level 2)

• Virtual
• Cost: $75
• Final assessment and at-home activities completion will be necessary to receive certification

Level 2 (Previously Level 3)

• Virtual with a one-hour in-person experience at a meet (typically WPS World Series or National Championships)
• Cost: $100
• Scheduled announced annually
• Final assessment, at-home activities and in-person training will be necessary to receive certification

Level 3 (Previously Level 4)

• In-Person
• Cost: $125
• 2025 and 2026 schedule to be determined as needed
• Final assessment and full course attendance will be necessary to receive certification

All certifications will be valid for four years with a minimum Coaching Education Unit (CEU) or Professional Development Unit (PDU) requirement associated with the renewal requirements. These requirements will be adjusted based on the year a coach begins participation in the PSCC program. 

Introductory Course (Presentation on new PSCC format) 

• Wednesday, April 16 at the Para Swimming World Series USA meet in Indianapolis, IN. Time and location TBD.
• Attendees will be credited one CEU toward their current PSCC requirements

To register and pay for a Level 1 - 3 course, please navigate to Form Assembly using the link: https://usoc.tfaforms.net/391. Please note registration closes 48 hours before the course. The PSCC courses must be taken in sequential order. Please do not register for a course unless you completed the preceding level.

Level 1 (Virtual)

• Wednesday, April 27, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, June 1, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, September 17, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET

Level 2 (Virtual and In-Person)

• Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET (Virtual) + in-person experience at the Para Swimming World Series USA in Indianapolis on Wednesday, April 23
• Wednesday, June 11, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET (Virtual) + in-person experience at the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships in Boise on Thursday, June 19
• Sunday, August 24, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET (Virtual) + in-person experience at the The Jimi Flowers Classic in Colorado Springs on Friday, August 29
• Wednesday, October 8, 2025; 6-9:30 p.m. ET (Virtual) + in-person experience at the The Fred Lambach Memorial Classic on Friday, October 10 

Level 3 (Virtual and In-Person)

• To Be Announced (as needed)