Become IPTPA Certified

1. 1. Online Education (12 hours)
   A structured, self-paced learning experience covering IPTPA teaching methodology, skill progressions, lesson planning, safety, and coaching principles.
2. 2. On-Court Evaluation (4 hours)
   Conducted by an IPTPA Master Teaching Professional (MTP) and/or Level I Workshop Evaluator, this session evaluates the candidate's ability to apply IPTPA methodology in real coaching scenarios.
3. 3. Online Exam
   A final assessment confirming understanding of the IPTPA teaching methodology, core instructional concepts, and pickleball rules.

Successful candidates earn the IPTPA Level I Certification, authorizing them to introduce pickleball to new players and teach at the beginner level using IPTPA standards.

Each workshop requires a minimum of 10 registered participants to be conducted.

Applicants must be at least 14 years of age to become certified as an IPTPA Level I Instructor.

Applicants under the age of 18 may become certified, provided they agree to be mentored by a current IPTPA Level II Instructor until they reach the age of 18.

While under the age of 18:

• All lessons must be supervised by the mentoring Level II IPTPA Instructor
• The certified junior instructor may not teach independently
• Responsibility for securing a mentor rests with the applicant

Upon reaching 18 years of age, certified instructors may teach independently without supervision.

A complete list of current IPTPA Level II Instructors is available on the IPTPA website under Certified Instructors at www.iptpa.com

• United States, Canada, and England: USD 390 (includes insurance)
• All other international countries: USD 320 (insurance not included)

Online exam re-take fee: USD 40

Level I Workshop refunds, less a $10 transaction fee, will be available if you cancel up to two weeks before the On-Court Evaluation. If you cancel less than two weeks before the On-Court Evaluation, a credit will be given on your account towards a future On-Court Evaluation.

No Refund will be given for any reason, including if IPTPA decides to cancel the workshop, once you progress past the Introduction in the Online Course. Once you progress past the Introduction in the Online Course, you will only be eligible for a credit on your account towards a future On-Court Evaluation

IPTPA Level II is designed for teaching professionals working with beginner through intermediate players and builds upon the foundation established in Level I.

Structure:

1. Skill test
2. Observed Lesson

This certification focuses on:

• Advanced skill development and progressions
• Deeper understanding of shot selection and strategy
• Teaching effectiveness in group and individual settings
• Demonstration of higher-level playing and instructional competence

IPTPA Level II certification validates a coach's ability to teach more complex concepts while maintaining consistency with IPTPA methodology.

The IPTPA Level II Skills Test evaluates a coach's ability to demonstrate consistent, technically sound execution of beginner to intermediate pickleball strokes, in alignment with IPTPA teaching methodology.

The skills test is a pass/fail assessment. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 80% across all required skill sequences and demonstrate proper stroke fundamentals throughout the evaluation.

The objectives of the skills test are to assess the candidate's ability to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in beginner and intermediate strokes
2. Maintain proper stroke mechanics and technique
3. Execute consistent shot placement to specific court locations
4. Demonstrate correct form and fundamentals
5. Show a clear understanding of the components of each stroke

Candidates are encouraged to review the official IPTPA skills demonstration videos prior to testing to understand each shot sequence and the technical expectations.

• Assessment Fees:
  • Skill Test: USD 100
  • Observed Lesson: USD 100

Re-testing fee: USD 40

• Candidates will be notified of results in person.
• IPTPA Directors submit official results and feedback to the IPTPA.
• Candidates receive guidance on areas requiring improvement if unsuccessful.

• Candidates may retake the skills test after a minimum one-week waiting period
• Each retest requires scheduling with an IPTPA Director and payment of an additional testing fee (USD 40)
• Candidates should leave the evaluation with a clear understanding of which skills need improvement

• Feeding methods (director feeding, ball machine, or partner rallying) are determined by the IPTPA Director
• Candidates do not need to be advanced players, but must demonstrate consistency, control, and correct technique
• Demonstration quality is critical, as it reflects instructional competence

For questions or assistance during the testing process, please contact info@iptpa.com

The IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS) program provides an internationally recognized, on-court player rating system designed to objectively assess pickleball skill levels for recreational and competitive play.

IPTPA ratings are used worldwide by clubs, leagues, academies, and tournaments to ensure consistent, accurate, and fair player placement. Every rating is delivered by a trained IPTPA professional using standardized testing protocols and scoring criteria.

Players who complete an IPTPA rating session gain a clear understanding of their current level, strengths, weaknesses, and development pathway.

The CRS certification begins with an online training workshop covering:

• IPTPA Rating Descriptions
• Rating session protocols
• Scoring sheets and documentation
• Ghost doubles format
• Proper use of the IPTPA Rating Calculator
• Best practices for consistency and fairness

This training ensures standardized rating procedures worldwide.

Candidates complete a ball-feeding accuracy test and a live rating session evaluation.

• Minimum accuracy requirement: 80%
• CRS-4 candidates demonstrate precision and consistency
• CRS-5 candidates demonstrate increased pace, power, spin, and challenge feeds
• Candidates score live rating sessions alongside a CRS Director
• Scores must fall within an approved variance of the Director's final rating

Candidates must pass an online written exam covering all components of the IPTPA Rating System.

• Minimum passing score: 80%

Certified Rating Specialists are responsible for:

• Conducting rating sessions using IPTPA standards
• Delivering player score sheets within 48 hours
• Submitting results to IPTPA promptly
• Maintaining professionalism and consistency worldwide

• USD 150 — for existing IPTPA Level I members
• USD 290 — for new applicants (includes first year of IPTPA membership and insurance)

Junior players are the pickleball stars of tomorrow. Whether they aspire to compete at the highest level or simply enjoy the sport as active, lifelong participants, the quality of their early instruction matters.

The IPTPA Junior Pickleball Teaching Certification is designed to equip instructors with the knowledge, structure, and tools necessary to safely and effectively teach junior players. The most rewarding part of being a coach, teacher, or mentor is knowing you can make a positive impact on a child's life. This program helps you do exactly that one child at a time.

To enroll in the IPTPA Junior Pickleball Teaching Certification, candidates must:

1. Hold a current IPTPA Level I Teaching Certification
2. Be an active IPTPA Teaching Professional in good standing.

• Step 1 - Submit Your Application

  Log in to your IPTPA member portal at members.iptpa.com and submit an application for the IPTPA Junior Pickleball Teaching Certification Program.

  Note: Consent to a background check is required as part of the application process.

• Step 2 - Background Check Verification
  • Instructors based in the United States will complete the background check through the IPTPA process
  • Instructors outside the United States are responsible for obtaining and submitting a criminal background check from their country, state, or province
• Step 3 - Pay the Registration Fee

  Complete payment of the certification registration fee through your IPTPA member account.

• Step 4 - Attend the Junior Certification Workshop

  Attend the 2-hour IPTPA Junior Pickleball Teaching Certification Workshop, which focuses on:

  • Junior-specific teaching methodology
  • Age-appropriate skill development
  • Safety, communication, and best practices when working with children
• Step 5 - Complete the Online Written Exam

  Upon successful completion of the workshop and background check, candidates will be invited to take an online written exam.
  This assessment confirms that the instructor has the knowledge and tools required to work safely and effectively with junior players.

• After successfully passing the online exam:
  • You will receive an IPTPA Junior Pickleball Teaching Specialty Certificate
  • Your IPTPA profile will be updated with the designation Certified Junior Pickleball Teaching Instructor
  • You will be listed on the IPTPA website with your new certification status

• This certification is a specialty designation and does not replace IPTPA Level I or Level II certifications
• All instructors must remain in good standing with IPTPA to maintain certification
• Background check compliance is mandatory for certification approval

Junior program: USD 150

The IPTPA Evaluator Certification empowers experienced teaching professionals to assess, mentor, and certify new coaches worldwide. Evaluators represent the highest standard of pickleball instruction.

As an Evaluator, you play a critical role in expanding the IPTPA network while ensuring that every new certified instructor meets our rigorous international standards for safety, methodology, and professionalism.

To be considered for the Evaluator Certification, candidates must:

• Hold an active IPTPA Level II Teaching Certification.
• Have a proven track record of teaching excellence and community involvement.
• Receive an invitation or nomination from an existing IPTPA Master Professional or Regional Director.

Certified Evaluators are entrusted with the following duties:

• Providing structured, constructive feedback to candidates, regardless of pass/fail outcome.
• Submitting official evaluation results securely and promptly to the IPTPA headquarters.
• Upholding the integrity of the IPTPA methodology in their region.

• Step 1 - Comprehensive Application Review

  Your teaching history, player feedback, and adherence to IPTPA standards will be thoroughly reviewed.

• Step 2 - Evaluator Training Modules

  Participate in specialized training focused on objective assessment techniques, constructive communication, and standardized scoring.

• Step 3 - Shadowing & Co-Evaluating

  Candidates will co-evaluate live sessions alongside a Master Professional to ensure consistency in scoring before working independently.

• Step 4 - Market, Recruit & Facilitate a Workshop

  Market, recruit and facilitate a Level I workshop under the observation of an MTP.

  *Candidates must begin marketing their courses as soon as they apply to become a Level I Workshop Evaluator.

• Step 5 - MTP Recommendation and Approval

  The MTP has to recommend and approve the candidate for the IPTPA Level I Evaluator designation. The final report is sent to IPTPA management and the candidate is then notified of the decision.