Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
What is the ISSF Academy?
The ISSF Academy is the official training and coaching academy for the Olympic
shooting sports of the ISSF and has the right to license graduates. The aim of
the Academy is to bring together all those involved in the sport of shooting and
to produce new knowledge for the development of the sport.
Registration
Are there any eligibility requirements for the course?
- For D and C Courses, a person can register either through the national federation or directly as an individual. The requirements include a proven link to the shooting sport, such as membership in a shooting club, a competition license, etc.
- Courses B and A can only be attended via the national federations and require, in addition to the lower-level course qualifications, active experience in coaching.
- English language proficiency will facilitate your completion of the course, but the learning platform also allows you to translate materials into your native language.
I am a para-shooter. Can I register for the course?
Individuals aspiring to become para-coaches are welcome to join the course as
usual. In 2025, a specific teaching module focusing on para-coaching will be
introduced.
How do I register for the course?
- You can register for the course through the ISSF Academy website: www.issf-academy.com. Registration to the D-Courses open in June 2024.
- National Federations may also submit registrations via email to info@issf-academy.com.
When do the courses start?
- The online pilot courses (D) will commence in May 2024, followed by the actual D courses starting in September 2024. Each course has a capacity of 20 participants.
- The online C courses are scheduled to begin in January 2025.
Payment
How can I pay for the course?
The course is paid by credit card at the time of registration on the website or
by providing a billing address. The course must be paid before it starts.
Can my National Federation/shooting club/other pay for my participation in the course?
Anyone can pay the course fee as described above.
Can I get a refund if I do not pass the course?
No. The course fee is non-refundable. However, the course
is not designed to weed out participants through written examinations but to
ensure that every motivated participant passes the course.
Courses
What is included in the course?
The content of the courses is outlined on the Coach Education website.
How long is the course and what does it require?
The online course (D and C) lasts 12 weeks. On average, students have to work
about 5 hours a week to complete the course.
I cannot attend some of the online meetings. Can I still complete the course?
The online lectures can be recorded and can be viewed when you have time.
How good do I need to be in English?
A satisfactory level of English makes it easier to participate, but on the other
hand, course materials can be translated directly into your mother tongue on the
learning platform. If you are taking the course with another person who speaks
English, it is possible to complete the course even if you only know basic
English.
Are there courses available in languages other than English?
The first courses will be in English but in the future there will also be
courses in other languages.
What equipment do I need to complete the course?
A computer, internet access, a weapon for the sport and the opportunity to visit
the range or at least handle the weapon in a safe environment.
I can't go to the shooting range at all because I live so far away, can I take the course?
As a general rule, you can do the training outside the actual shooting range,
with an empty gun. In other words, you can participate.
Can I get a licence automatically after completing the course?
The D course ends with a personal feedback and interview with the trainer, after
which the licence will be issued taking into account the learning tasks
completed. Obtaining a licence is not automatic.
Licences
I have previously passed the D course. Do I have to take the course again now?
- If you have been a coach since the D course and can prove it, your D license can be renewed for four (4) years.
- If you have been inactive but your license is not old, renewal of your license also requires attendance at one online seminar (dates of seminars to be announced later on the website)
- Otherwise, the course must be taken again.
I am a professional coach but do not have ISSF status. Do I have to take the D course or can I go directly to, for example, the C course?
Completion of the D course is recommended, but on separate application,
practical coaching experience may be considered as a substitute for the course.
I am a former professional athlete and have participated in the Olympic Games as an athlete. I have now moved into coaching and would like to have the ISSF coaching licence. Do I need to start at the basic level?
Yes, you do. Master level coach's perspective on a sport is different from that
of an athlete.
I have completed the D course in the past but have not been a coach since. Can I renew my licence?
Licences are valid and renewable until 30.6.2028, provided that the person has
coached for an active period. We also strongly recommend that you attend Coach
Training.
I have completed the national basic level coaching course. Do I have to attend the ISSF Academy D course?
The ISSF Academy does not recognise national training courses due to the varying
content. The D course must be completed.
I have been awarded an ISSF Coach Pro, Coach or National Coach license due to my successful coaching career. Is this still valid?
Licences are valid and renewable until 30.6.2028, provided that the person has
coached for an active period. We also strongly recommend that you attend Coach
Training.
How long are the licences valid for?
Licences will be valid for four (4) years at a time. The old licences now under
review may be renewed until 30.6.2028.
Other questions
I would prefer to attend the course as a contact course. Will there still be a possibility to organise a contact course in the future?
Shorter contact courses may still be organised in the future. This will be
discussed and planned together with the National federations and Training
centres.
Where can I find out more about upcoming courses?
More information can be found on this website www.issf-academy.com or email
info@issf-academy.com.
What about the Referee Courses?
ISSF Academy does not deal with the Referee courses. Please contact munich@issf-sports.org.