Did you know?
All Alberta cheerleading coaches must hold valid ICU Credentials for the level they are coaching.
The ACA is proud to partner with the International Cheer Union (ICU) to offer All-Star Coach credentialing to coaches in Alberta. Our ICU-trained facilitators are cheerleading professionals who bring their knowledge, experience, integrity, and unbiased commitment to coach education in our province.
The ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing (CSC) Program is intended to increase the knowledge of safe and reputable technical standards to promote the growth of the sport. A coach must understand the rules that govern the sport, basic skill knowledge competency, skill progressions, and the ability to make sound judgement calls when instructing.
All-Star credentialing sessions are offered every season (September – June), however, fewer sessions are available during competition season; therefore, it is important that coaches are aware of their certification expiry dates and plan accordingly to ensure their coaching requirements are current and appropriate for the level of team(s) they are coaching.
ICU Credentials must be renewed every 3 years.
Note for parents of minor coaches (under 18 years):
o All new and/or young coaches benefit from the guidance and mentorship of adults, be it parents, experienced athletes, coaches, or teachers. Having said that, it is important for coaches to take on the responsibility for their own coaching path and communicate directly with the Coaching Coordinator. Coaches must provide their own contact information (e.g.: email, phone number) and be prepared (albeit with adult guidance if needed) to participate directly in their certification process.
Select a level to learn more:
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STEP 1: Ensure you meet the prerequisites for All-Star Cheer Coach Certification.
16 years of age or older.
Reside in Alberta.
Understand the rules that govern the sport of cheerleading in Alberta, basic skill knowledge competency, skill progressions, and the ability to provide sound judgement when instructing.
Current registration as a Coach-in-Training (CIT) or Coach member with the ACA and Cheer Canada.
NOTE: if you have never been certified as a coach, you must register as a CIT member first until coach requirements are satisfied and the ACA has approved your coach status. See STEP 5.
STEP 2: Complete required NCCP courses.
NCCP Safe Sport Training(Respect in Sport is also accepted)
STEP 3: Complete First Aid.
Complete a First Aid / CPR (minimum CSA Basic - Level A CPR + AED) course, either in-person or an online & in-person combination. You will be required to upload your first aid certificate to your ACA coach membership profile and ensure that it is always current.
STEP 4: Complete a Criminal Record Check
Coaches who are 18 years of age and older, must provide a clear Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector. You will be required to upload your CRC to your ACA Coach membership profile. Presently, record checks are valid for two (2) years from the date the document was issued
ACA members are welcome to use the ACA’s criminal record check provider at a discounted rate of $25 + GST.
Request an application through the ACA HERE
STEP 5: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Note: If you already have your 9-digit ACA-ICU coach number, skip this step.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam(s) within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 6: ACA Coach Membership
1. If you were first designated as a CIT member, once steps 1 to 4 & 6 are complete, log in to your ACA membership profile to update your status from CIT to Coach.
ALL coaches, log in to your ACA coach membership profile and provide all required information for the ACA’s review and approval.
STEP 7: Certification
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your Coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 8: Get Coaching!
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Intermediate | LEVEL 2
STEP 1: Prerequisites for Certification
Complete all requirements of Novice (Level 1).
STEP 2: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 3: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 4: ACA Coach Membership.
Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 5: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 6: Get Coaching!
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Median | LEVEL 3
STEP 1: Prerequisites for Certification.
Complete all requirements of Intermediate (Level 2).
STEP 2: Complete additional required NCCP courses.
STEP 3: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 4: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Submit the Practical Field Experience Form (PFE).
Request your gym owner or manager submit the PFE on your behalf.
The form will confirm you have completed 200 hours of coaching at Novice & Intermediate Levels within the last 365 days.
6. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 5: ACA Coach Membership.
Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 6: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 7: Get Coaching!
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STEP 1: Prerequisites for Certification.
Complete all requirements of Median Level (Level 3).
STEP 2: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 3: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Submit the Practical Field Experience Form (PFE).
Request your gym owner or manager submit the PFE on your behalf.
The form will confirm you have completed 150 hours of coaching at Median Level within the last 365 days.
6. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 4: ACA Coach Membership.
Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 5: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 6: Get Coaching!
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STEP 1: Prerequisites for Certification.
Complete all requirements of Advanced Level (Level 4).
STEP 2: Complete additional required NCCP courses.
NOTE: You choose and complete FOUR (4) of the seven (7) course options above.
STEP 3: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 4: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Submit the Practical Field Experience Form (PFE).
Request your gym owner or manager submit the PFE on your behalf.
The form will confirm you have completed 150 hours of coaching at Advanced Level within the last 365 days.
6. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 5: ACA Coach Membership.
Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 6: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 7: Get Coaching!
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STEP 1: Prerequisites for Certification.
Complete all requirements of Elite Level (Level 5/6).
STEP 2: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 3: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Submit the Practical Field Experience Form (PFE).
Request your gym owner or manager submit the PFE on your behalf.
The form will confirm you have completed 150 hours of coaching at Elite Level AND 100 hours of assistant coaching, shadowing, or athlete experience at Premier Level within the last 365 days.
6. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 4: ACA Coach Membership.
Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 5: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 6: Get Coaching!
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Need to renew your credentials?
STEP 1: Ensure your credentials have not expired.
ICU Credentials expire 3-years after the date on your certificate.
Coaches must register for the applicable renewal session before their current credentials expire.
If your credentials have already expired, you are not permitted to complete RENEWAL Credentialing. You must register for, and complete, NEW Credentialing for the level(s) you are coaching.
STEP 2: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
o Review all required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
o Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 3: Complete ICU Coaching Skill Credentialing.
1. Register for ICU RENEWAL Credentialing through the ACA’s webpage.
2. Create/confirm ICU coach profile.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your coach profile within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
You MUST create the profile before completing the rest of the credentialing process.
Once completed, your profile will be reviewed for approval by the ACA, allowing you to proceed.
NOTE: If you already created your coach profile when completing a previous level, you DO NOT have to complete this step again.
3. Purchase the applicable RENEWAL Rules & Regulations Online Exam within the ACA Membership Category of the ICU web portal.
4. Complete the Rules & Regulations Exam.
You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
5. Complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) with an ICU-trained facilitator. The ACA will contact you to schedule the assessment.
STEP 4: ACA Coach Membership.
• Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 5: Certification.
Upon confirmation of all requirements, the ACA will approve your coach membership profile for the season.
STEP 6: Get Coaching!
Helpful Information
ICU Credentialing Rules & Regulations Online Exam Information
Upon registration, you will receive an email that includes a link to the ACA Membership Category within the ICU web portal to set up your coach profile, register, and pay for your online exam(s). You have two attempts to pass the exam, however, if you are unsuccessful after 2 attempts, you must wait a period of 3 months to re-register and attempt again.
Practical Field Experience (PFE) Information + Form (All-Star)
Required for Median / Level 3+
Coaches certifying at Median / Level 3 or higher, are required to provide signed evidence of prior coaching experience through submission of the Practical Field Experience (PFE) Form.
Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) Information
Upon successful completion of your online exam, the ACA will contact you to schedule your assessment.
If you are unsuccessful, you must re-register after 3 months and attempt again.
Coach Tip:
Be sure you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of skills, how to teach them and how to troubleshoot before your Practical Skills Assessment.
Parent Consent Form (PCF) Information + Form
Coaches who are under the age of 18 years are required to submit the ICU Parent Consent Form the first time they credential.
Required Courses & Certificates - ALL COACHES
NCCP Safe Sport Training (Respect in Sport is also accepted)
Current First Aid + CPR (minimum CSA Basic - Level A CPR + AED)
Current (within 2 years) Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector (those 18+ only)
Required Courses & Certificates – Coaches of MEDIAN Level (L3), ADVANCED Level (L4), Elite Level (L5/6) and PREMIER Level (L7):
Required Courses & Certificates – Coaches of Elite Level (L5/6) and PREMIER Level (L7) **Choose 4 of 7:
Remember
ICU Credentials must be renewed every 3 years.
For all-star cheer, you must credential at the previous level before proceeding to the next level.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us at coach@albertacheerleading.ca and let us know how we can help.
Alberta Cheerleading Association
coach@albertacheerleading.ca