Each Level of Certification Requires a Minimum number of structured training hours supervised by an NTA certified academic coach trainer or supervisor. This is a one time certification. Below is a list of recommended training topics.

Academic Coach - Level I
Student Peer Coach

Requires: A minimum of 50 hours practical academic coaching experience; NTA membership in good standing; A minimum of 10 hours of structured training via workshops and approved conference sessions with an NTA certified academic coach trainer or supervisor; Meet with supervisor no less than bi-weekly with no fewer than 3 evaluative observations per term; Supporting documentation as indicated on certification application.

Academic Coach - Level II
Professional Coach

Requires: Bachelor's degree earned or currently enrolled with a minimum of 60 hours completed; A minimum of 75 hours practical academic coaching experience; NTA membership in good standing; A minimum of 25 hours of structured training via workshops and approved conference sessions with an NTA certified academic coach trainer or supervisor; Submit 3 evaluative observations or client surveys per year to the NTA; Supporting documentation as indicated on certification application.

Academic Coach - Level III
Master Professional Coach

Requires: Master's degree earned or currently enrolled; A minimum of 150 hours of practical academic coaching experience; NTA Member in good standing; Published one article in the NTA Newsletter or other recognized educational forum; A minimum of 35 hours of structured training via workshops and approved conference sessions with an NTA certified academic coach trainer or supervisor; Submit 3 evaluative observations or client surveys per year to the NTA; Supporting documentation as indicated on certification application.

TRAINING TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: * Required for Master Level

• Basic learning theory
• Brain Centered Learning *
• Academic intervention strategies *
• Setting goals and priorities
• Basic communication skills
• Good listening practices
• Basic study skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem solving skills
• Diversity issues
• Learning styles and multiple modalities
• Time Management
• Stress Management
• Decision Making
• Reading Strategies
• De-coding the syllabus
• Test Preparation Strategies
• Note Taking Strategies
• Self-assessment
• Program assessment *
• Coaching Supervision *
• Ethics in Coaching *
• Confidentiality and Privacy Issues *
• Coaching vs. Counseling *
• Documentation *
• Using Praise Effectively
• Troubleshooting students and coaches *
• Academic advising and counseling.
• Assertiveness training.