Certification
Valid First Aid Course for the Coaching License
First Aid and CPR Certification Flexibility for Coaches in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis Memo
Individuals who apply for their first Temporary Coaching license must obtain a valid (not expired) first aid certificate of completion by completing an Initial course (not a Review, Challenge, or fully online course). Individuals who apply for a Temporary Coaching License Renewal or a Professional Coaching License or License Renewal must obtain a valid (not expired) first aid certificate of completion by completing either an Initial or Review course (not a Challenge or fully online course).
The First Aid certificate course must be taken from an:
- approved SED provider
OR - SED approved First Aid course offered by a National provider
from the list of Newly Approved First Aid & CPR Course Titles & Providers.
If you complete a first aid course from one of the national providers, the course title must match exactly the title listed on the webpage.
American Red Cross Courses
Important information regarding the submission of American Red Cross courses can be found on the Submitting American Red Cross courses webpage.
Applicants can have their American Red Cross Course instructor sign and submit the following Verification of Completion of an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Course form to verify that they completed an Initial or Review course, and not a Challenge course.
Documentation in Lieu of the First Aid Certificate of Completion
Employed Police Officers and Firemen in New York State (NYS) may have the employer submit verification of employment as a Police Officer or Fireman in lieu of completing the First Aid course.
NYS certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic may submit a copy of their valid NYS issued EMT or paramedic card, or may have the employer submit verification of employment in NYS as an EMT or paramedic in lieu of completing the First Aid course.
NYS licensed and registered Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Professional Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Certified Athletic Trainers, Dentists, Physical Therapists or Optometrists must submit a copy of their current NYS registration certification, or the applicant may submit a copy of a valid First Aid certificate (any First Aid).
Document Submission
As of November 1, 2024, districts wishing to employ coaches must verify, collect, and retain CPR and First Aid credentials of the coaches. An additional attestation has been added to the Temporary, Temporary Renewal, and 2nd-4th Renewal Superintendent Statement to be completed by the district representative. The Office of Teaching will no longer accept CPR or First Aid documentation from the public for these applications.