If you are a subscriber to our newsletter (you can subscribe at this link, if you are not) you’ll remember we talked about our coaches in the most recent edition of Be Awesome. We spent time talking about how important the coaches are to our box, then delved a bit into the requirements you need to become certified to coach CrossFit.
In this blog post, we want to go deeper into what it takes to become CrossFit coach, and talk about some of the higher levels a CrossFit coach can attain if they really want to climb the ladder.
Level 1 Certification
The Level 1 certificate course provides an introduction to CrossFit’s methodology and foundational movements. It gives the prospective coach an introductory education on principles and movements of CrossFit. It gives the attendee the knowledge to better use CrossFit methods for themselves and an initial and foundational education to begin training others.
This course includes classroom instruction, as well as hands-on group training for the movements. The training includes direction for coaches on how to conduct a class, hold a standard of proper mechanics at high intensity, achieve relative high levels of intensity for each individual, and scale for any ability level.
To achieve the Level 1 Trainer Certificate, you must attend the entire two-day course of your choosing – these are conducted across the country at different CrossFit locations – and pass the Level 1 test in person. Once you accomplish these two goals, you are able to coach a class.
At Grand Trunk, all of our coaches have obtained at least Level 1 certification.
The cost to take the course is $1,000, and $500 to earn revalidation.
Level 2 Certification
The next level of certification for a CrossFit coach exists to help build on the concepts and movements introduced at Level 1 training and is suited for any trainer that is serious about delivering quality coaching. In short, it helps improve the ability of the CrossFit trainer to coach others.
Students who run through this course get enhanced understanding of the CrossFit methodology, program design and implementation, and they get to advance their skills while coaching others.
Among other things, the Level 2 Certificate Course teaches participants to describe essential mechanics of functional movement, define effective methods for correcting faults, and describe strategies for designing a program and evaluating its effectiveness.
The person who attempts to earn their Level 2 Certification must have at least six months of experience training individuals and groups, so there is a threshold of experience that needs to be crossed before Level 2 is a consideration.
Just like Level 1, the course costs $1,000.
Level 3 Certification
Similar to Level 2, the Level 3 Certification is for trainers who want to demonstrate a higher level of CrossFit coaching knowledge and ability. As with the other levels, this course is set up to ensure an individual possesses the knowledge and competency required to train clients safely and effectively.
To pass, the trainer must meet eligibility requirements and pass an examination that consists of 160 multiple-choice questions.
Candidates are tested on a range of topics such as programming, teaching, nutrition and lifestyle. The test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply his or her knowledge gained from practical experience and education.
If you earn this certification, you must maintain it through a 3-year recertification process. This is in order to promote and preserve CrossFit’s high standard of professional training.
CrossFit also offers a Level 4 Certification that will be rolled out soon. While details are scarce, this is a one-day performance evaluation and assessment of a trainer’s ability.
As you can see, there is significant time and money you need to invest to become a CrossFit trainer. Maybe we’re biased, but we deem it to be a worthy spend of that time and money.
CrossFit trainers are integral to the health of your gym. If you take the time to become a trainer yourself, you’ll soon reap the rewards that come with helping others become the most awesome version of themselves.