PCI Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
1. What is Pickleball Coaching International (PCI)?
PCI is the premier global leader in online coach education. As an official partner of USA Pickleball and Selkirk Sport, PCI provides a modern, high-impact platform for instructors to improve their skills by learning at their own pace. Our mission is to raise the global standard of pickleball instruction by giving coaches the practical teaching tools they need to lead with confidence.
2. What are the benefits of joining PCI?
As a registered member, you get:
- Exclusive coaching education and technical videos.
- Ready-to-use lesson plans and training activities.
- Members-only discounts on pickleball equipment.
- The ability to earn your official Coaching Certification.
3. Does PCI offer certification beyond Level 1?
Yes. PCI offers a progressive certification track. Once you have successfully completed your Level 1 Certification, you are eligible to move on to our advanced Level 2 Certification program, which focuses on higher-level strategy, advanced mechanics, and competitive player development.
We also offer a specialized Rating Assessment Course ($99, or $75 for PCI members) for those looking to become a PCI Certified Rater. This separate program teaches a clear, metrics-driven approach to evaluating player skills objectively based on performance outcomes rather than technique. It includes lifetime access to the PCI Skill Rating Assessment Tool and requires a 100% score on all quizzes to demonstrate total mastery.
Certification & Evaluations
4. How does the certification process work?
The PCI Level 1 certification is 100% online. You can work entirely at your own pace from home. To get certified, you will review the online video training modules, complete a single comprehensive knowledge test at the end of the course, and record yourself on court demonstrating specific playing and teaching skills. You then upload your video footage for our team to evaluate.
Note: Requirements for special in-person certification events may vary.
5. What specific evaluations are required?
To earn your certification, you must demonstrate competency in four core areas:
- Knowledge Test: One comprehensive written exam testing your understanding of teaching methods, technical principles, and group control (85% passing score required).
- Demonstration Evaluation: Video proof of your ability to set up and manage a fun, safe, and smooth lesson on-court.
- Playing Skills Evaluation: Video proof of consistent skills in the 5 mandatory shots: serve, baseline groundstrokes, kitchen-line dinks/drives, volleys, and overhead smashes.
- Teaching Evaluation: A recorded on-court lesson showing clear communication using specific coaching cues, and fixing student mistakes in real-time.
6. How long does it take to complete?
On average, it takes about 15 hours to study the materials, practice, and complete your video submissions. However, there are no deadlines—you progress whenever it fits your schedule.
7. Is passing the certification guaranteed?
No. Certification is earned, not bought. If your video submission does not meet the standard, you will receive detailed feedback on what to fix. You can retake the evaluations for a fee until you pass. The written Knowledge Test can be retaken as many times as you need at no extra cost.
8. Do I need to be a tech expert to submit my videos?
Not at all. We keep the digital side simple. You upload your videos to YouTube (set to Public or Unlisted), and then send us the URL links via the Jotform submission portal on our website.
If you aren't comfortable with online video platforms, many coaches find success by asking a tech-savvy friend or family member to assist with the YouTube upload step to make it easy. Our support team is always here to help, too.
Costs & Membership
9. How much does Level 1 Certification cost?
PCI uses region-based pricing to ensure our education is accessible to coaches worldwide. Our primary tiers are:
- U.S. Coaches: $399 USD. This includes the full certification program, 12 months of PCI membership, and professional liability insurance coverage.
- International Coaches: $279 USD. This includes the full certification program and 12 months of PCI membership. (Note: The international plan does not include liability insurance).
10. Does the certification expire?
No. Once you pass, your PCI certification does not expire.
To maintain active access to your liability insurance (U.S. only), the online resource library, ongoing education tools, and the member directory, you simply renew your annual membership. Membership renewals are $199/year for U.S. coaches and $69/year for international coaches. The process is fully automated, and you will receive electronic reminders before it expires.
