As we prepare for the upcoming season, we know many coaches have questions about licensing, Safe Sport requirements, and training expectations. To help streamline the process, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive each year. If anything is unclear or you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@climbingcanada.ca
Purchase your 2025-2026 Coach License here.
See the list of current coaches for the 2025-2026 Season here.
Q: Why do I need a CEC License?
A: The CEC License ensures that all coaches working at CEC-sanctioned events meet mandatory Safe Sport screening requirements and are properly covered under CEC’s insurance policies. This license confirms that you have completed the required training, background checks, and waivers, helping protect both you and the athletes you support. It also allows CEC to verify that all coaches on the competition floor meet national standards for safety, professionalism, and athlete well-being.
Q: What advantages do I have with the Coach License?
A: A Coach License grants you official access to key areas and responsibilities at CEC events. Licensed coaches are permitted to enter Isolation and to submit appeals on behalf of their athletes. In Flash-format rounds, while a license is not required to remain in the spectator area and coach, we ask all coaches to complete the licensing process so we can easily identify and communicate with the appropriate coach if any issues arise.
Q: What is an NCCP number, and where can I find it?
A: The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is the national coach education and certification system managed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The CAC is responsible for supporting the professionalization of coaching in Canada and offers a wide range of training and certification opportunities. To obtain your NCCP number, you must create a free account in The Locker, the CAC’s online training database. Your NCCP number will be generated there, and this is also where you will access the required e-learning modules.
Q: Do I need to renew anything if I completed all requirements last year?
A: No, except for the Criminal Record Check, which must be valid within a three-year window. All other training does not require renewal. However, coaches must sign the Concussion Education Sheet each year—this is completed directly in 2M, along with the standard CEC waiver.
Q: I completed the Mental Health in Sport training, but it doesn’t appear in my 2M transcript. Why?
A: Unfortunately, this is the only training that must be updated manually. CEC will update your transcript shortly.
Q: I already have a Criminal Record Check from my workplace, PTSO, club, etc. Can I use that one, or do I need a new one through 2M?
A: You may use an existing CRC as long as it was issued within the past three years. Please email us a PDF copy, and we will manually update your file in the system.
Q: I don’t have access to the Making Ethical Decisions training in my province / city. What should I do?
A: The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is phasing out the current training and evaluation, which will soon be replaced by a new online e-learning module. As a result, CEC will be flexible with this requirement for this season. We ask coaches to make their best effort to complete the training and evaluation, but we understand it may not be possible at this time. Once the new e-learning module becomes available, all coaches will be required to complete either the previous in-person version or the new online module.
Q: Do I need to complete the Climbing-Specific NCCP Training?
A: The climbing-specific NCCP trainings are not yet required to attend CEC events. A pilot version of these trainings is currently available through your Provincial or Territorial Climbing organization. Once the final course rolls out, it will gradually become mandatory for coaches before attending a CEC-sanctioned event.
