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How to Become a USA Hockey Certified Coach
Registration and Learning Center instructions for the 2026–2027 season
USA Hockey requires annual membership, safety requirements, and Coaching Education Program certification. Use this guide to set up your account and complete the requirements shown in your coaching profile.
For SMHC inline hockey coaches, confirm with the league which USA Hockey credentials and courses are required before purchasing training. This guide describes USA Hockey’s coaching pathway; league and AAU requirements are separate.
Step 1 Register with USA Hockey
Register for the current season as a coach. Save your confirmation number and registration email. Returning coaches should renew using their existing information.
https://membership.usahockey.com/
Step 2 Access the Learning Center
Open the link below and select Member Login. Use your USA Hockey Single Sign-On username and password. Your SSO username is provided after membership registration; it may differ from your email address.
https://lms.usahockeylearningcenter.com
If you need your username
Select Forgot Username on the sign-in screen and follow the prompts to recover it. Have your last name and USA Hockey confirmation number ready. Check your email, including the spam folder.
If you need to set or reset your SSO password
1. Select Forgot Password in the sign-in window.
2. If the verification form allows it, leave Username blank and enter the primary email address used for your USA Hockey membership. Select Send Verification Code.
3. Check your email for the Microsoft message with the subject “Member Services, USA Hockey Account email verification code.”
4. Enter the code without spaces before or after it. Select Verify Code, then Continue.
5. Enter your SSO username when prompted, then select Continue.
6. Create your password and continue. Return to Member Login and sign in.
Screen labels may change. Follow the prompts shown. If access fails, contact memberservices@usahockey.org or call 1-800-566-3288.
Complete the coaching requirements
Once signed in, open your dashboard or coaching profile. Review each requirement and use its link to access the appropriate screening, training, or clinic.
Step 3 Complete background screening
Open Screening if your dashboard shows it is needed. Submit the application and wait for clearance. USA Hockey requires clearance before coaching; submitting an application alone is not approval.
Step 4 Complete SafeSport training
Open SafeSport and complete the assigned core course or refresher. USA Hockey requires this training annually. Check that completion is reflected in your profile.
Step 5 Complete the required coaching modules
Complete the Foundations of Player Development prerequisite if required by your Learning Center profile, then the age-specific module or modules for the players you will coach. Previously completed age-specific modules generally do not need to be repeated for the same age level.
Step 6 Confirm your status
Check your profile for completed requirements, certification level, and expiration dates. Keep copies of your confirmations and provide them to your league as requested. Membership registration alone does not complete coach certification.
Returning coaches
Renew your annual membership and SafeSport training, check screening status, and review certification expiration. Complete any required clinic or continuing education. If you change age groups, check whether an additional age-specific module is needed.
Official links and assistance
USA Hockey coaching requirements
USA Hockey Learning Center information
Foundations and modules guidance from Massachusetts Hockey
Member Services: memberservices@usahockey.org | 1-800-566-3288