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Nationally Recognised

Sport Coaching
Credentials

Build nationally recognised credentials in leadership, communication, mentoring, and athlete development, applicable across community sport, education, fitness, and youth services. Delivered under the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package.

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SIS Training Package

From volunteer coach to professional credentials, formalise the expertise you've built on the field.

Straight answers

The things people actually ask us, answered without the run-around.

How long does it take? Both qualifications run over 12 months: 40 weeks of training and assessment across four terms, one unit at a time. Units you already hold, through RPL or credit transfer, shorten it.

What do you walk away with? A nationally recognised AQF qualification or Statement of Attainment, issued within 30 days of completing assessment, once fees are settled.

What it doesn't do. A Certificate III doesn't guarantee a paid coaching role. It makes you eligible, insurable, and credible. The work is still yours to do.

Already coaching? Recognition of Prior Learning is a learner right, not a favour. We assess what you already know and credit it.

What does it cost? Pricing is shown on each course below. RPL credit reduces the units you need, and therefore your total. Fees are confirmed in writing in your enrolment agreement before you commit.

What do you need to start? A Unique Student Identifier (USI), and the language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills for the level. We'll help you check both.

Not sure where to start?

SIS20321 Start here

Certificate II in Sport Coaching

For people new to coaching, supporting a head coach, or formalising volunteer experience. Foundational, assisted practice with supervision.

SIS30521 Ready to lead

Certificate III in Sport Coaching

For working coaches, head coaches, and those ready to charge for sessions or run their own programs. Independent practice with intermediate athletes.

SIS20321

Certificate II in Sport Coaching

Available

Your formal entry into coaching. Build the foundation skills to assist a head coach, run sessions under supervision, and earn nationally recognised credentials for work you may already be doing.

Who is this for?

Parents coaching junior sport

Coaching your kids' team and want it formalised

Community volunteers

Volunteering at a local club and ready for credentials

School sport assistants

Working in schools or after-school programs

Career starters

Building your way into the sport and recreation industry

Retired/transitioning athletes

Turning playing experience into coaching qualifications

What you'll be able to do

  • Assist with and deliver coaching sessions under supervision
  • Apply to assistant coaching roles at clubs, councils, and schools
  • Meet club, council, and government volunteer qualification requirements
  • Build a foundation to progress to Certificate III and beyond

Course structure

Seven units of competency, completed one at a time in this order.

  • HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid
  • SIRXWHS001 - Work safely
  • SISSSCO002 - Work in a community coaching role
  • SISSSCO001 - Conduct sport coaching sessions with foundation level participants
  • SISSSOF001 - Work as an official in sport
  • SISSSOF003 - Officiate sport competitions
  • SISSSOF002 - Continuously improve officiating skills and knowledge

Course details

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face at your club, live webinars and online learning

Duration

12 months (40 weeks over four terms), about 350 hours

Entry Requirements

Active coaching/volunteer role, USI, a computer with internet access, satisfactory Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills, and a Working with Children Check wherever you coach or officiate under-18s

Fees

$2,450, paid in 4 instalments, one due at the start of each term. RPL credit reduces your total.

Enrolment included in the course feeRecognition of Prior Learning $100 per unit

Assessment

Knowledge assessments, observations of your coaching and officiating, logbooks and projects, as each unit requires. Each unit is assessed on its own, and it is complete when all of its assessments are satisfactory.

Work placement

No separate work placement, but you need an active coaching or volunteer role at a club for the whole course. Your coaching and officiating are observed there, and you complete a logbook after each session that your supervisor at the club signs off.

Enquire About This Course Ask About RPL

Career pathway

Step 1

Skill Set or Cert II

Foundation

Step 2

Cert III

Independent practice

Future

Higher-level pathways

Not delivered by Apex

Units completed in skill sets and Certificate II count as credit toward higher qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning available, your existing experience may count toward your qualification.

Why coaches choose Apex

Apex is built by coaches, educators and industry professionals. You won't just learn coaching theory, you'll develop the skills to coach safely, effectively and professionally in the real world. Great coaching is more than technical instruction; it builds confidence, develops resilience and strengthens communities.

Practical learning

Apply what you learn directly to your own coaching environment.

Industry-experienced trainers

Learn from professionals with real coaching and leadership experience.

Flexible study options

Designed to fit around work, family and sporting commitments.

Nationally recognised

Graduate with a qualification recognised across Australia.

Personalised support

Trainer guidance, reasonable adjustment and language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills support throughout.

Coaching & leadership focus

More than technique: communication, leadership and athlete development.

For clubs & associations

Develop your whole coaching team

Apex works with sporting clubs and associations to lift coaching standards across entire organisations, through group enrolment and tailored Coach Development Programs.

Consistent coaching standards
Improved participant experiences
Enhanced safety practices
Stronger coach retention
Professional development pathways
Increased club capability
Discuss a club program

Free information for committees and coaches: our club and coaching safety hub answers common questions on concussion, first aid at the ground, child safety and Working with Children Checks, with the official source for each answer.

Free download

The 7 Mistakes Most Community Coaches Make

A practical guide to becoming a more effective coach, common coaching mistakes, communication and session-planning tips, athlete engagement techniques, and safety considerations.

Download the free guide

Before you enrol

  • Commencement: Learners start on a negotiated date, usually at the start of a school semester.
  • USI: you need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before you start. It is free: create one at usi.gov.au, or we can apply for one for you with your permission.
  • Licensing: no licensing or occupational licence requirement applies to this training, and completing it does not give you a licence. Some sports also ask coaches or officials to hold their national sporting organisation's accreditation, which is separate from this training. A Working with Children Check, where you coach or officiate under-18s, is an entry requirement, not a licence.
  • Third parties: Apex delivers and assesses all of its nationally recognised training itself. No third party delivers, assesses, recruits for or enrols learners into Apex's training on its behalf. Where a course includes coaching or work at your club or workplace, your supervisor there confirms your logbook entries; Apex's assessor makes every assessment decision.
  • Government funding: no government training entitlements or subsidies are available for this training. Apex does not hold a government funding contract, so every fee is fee for service, as set out on the fees and charges page.
  • Withdrawal: Need to withdraw? See how withdrawal and refunds work.

Training products delivered by Apex Learning and Development (RTO 46324). All fees, training arrangements, and Recognition of Prior Learning options will be provided in a written enrolment agreement prior to commencement, in compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2025. See the full fees and charges.