Feedback Requested: US Chess Coach Certification Program

US Chess is pleased to announce plans to create a new program to replace the current Certified Chess Coach Program. To ensure consistent quality standards, these plans include certifying qualified organizations and individuals as a US Chess Coach Certification Authority.

US Chess will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to organizations or individuals interested in becoming a US Chess Coach Certification Authority. Applicants awarded Certification Authority status by US Chess will be granted non-exclusive rights to deliver instructional programs to certify coaches who successfully complete the Certification Authority’s US Chess-approved curriculum.

US Chess is releasing the RFP as a draft to gather feedback from interested members on the specifications of the RFP and the future of the Certified Chess Coach program.

We Value Your Feedback

The current draft of the RFP is available here. After reviewing the document, click here to access the survey. Please submit your feedback by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, October 13.

More information is included below about the timeline of this plan, the role of Coach Certification Authorities, and how already-certified coaches can transition into the new program. This information is taken from the RFP, which interested parties are encouraged to read in full.

The Chess Coach Certification Program aims to grow the game of chess by increasing the number of certified coaches across the country, enhancing the professionalism of chess coaching, and helping Certification Authorities and certified coaches market their services to the chess community and general public. US Chess’s philosophy is that a viable program of instruction is much more than ensuring a coach understands the Rules of Chess, how to analyze positions, how to prepare for a tournament, the US Chess Code of Conduct, and chess etiquette.

By the end of calendar year 2027, US Chess aims to replace the existing “Certified Chess Coach” process with the new program described in this document. Coaches who already have a Level I, II, III, IV, or V certificate from US Chess and desire to transition as certified coaches under the new program will be required to complete the activities described below. Coaches who do not complete the transition requirements by December 31, 2027, will be removed from the list of certified coaches on the US Chess website.

Proposals shall demonstrate the Certification Authority’s ability to handle the following responsibilities:

Deliver a training curriculum of sufficient rigor to justify US Chess awarding a candidate the title of Certified Professional Chess Coach or Certified Chess Coach.
1. Professionally administer the coach certification process, including assessments, evaluations, and credential issuance as well as training for employees hired to provide instruction to candidate coaches.
2. Meticulously maintain records of all people who complete the certification program and report them to US Chess on a regular basis (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or after completion of a program of instruction). US Chess will not award the title of CPCC or CCC to a US Chess member until a Certification Authority informs US Chess.
3. Ensure their program complies with the US Chess Code of Ethics, Safe Play Policy, and the Official Rules of Chess.
4. Participate in periodic program reviews performed by US Chess to assess and validate the quality of the Certification Authority’s program offerings.
5. Collect and remit fees to US Chess in accordance with the applicant’s proposal.