Coaching qualifications: what candidates and employers should verify

Distinguish a diploma from an active licence

A completed course and permission to practise under an association's licensing system are different records. UEFA's official guidance distinguishes coaching diplomas from accompanying licences and describes licence renewal. Record both the qualification obtained and the current licence status.

Keep an evidence checklist

Record the awarding association, diploma level, licence number where relevant, expiry date and continuing education. Provide evidence securely when requested by an authorised reviewer. Employers should verify information with the issuer rather than infer validity from a certificate image or familiar acronym.

Match credentials to the role

Discuss the role's age group, competition context and specialist responsibilities. AFC's convention describes its education and licensing framework, including further education. A qualification suitable for one coaching setting may not answer every requirement of another employer or association.

Confirm recognition instead of assuming equivalence

Ask the relevant association about recognition and registration for the proposed position. Do not describe UEFA and AFC credentials as automatically interchangeable for employment in China. Professional recognition and permission to work require separate confirmation; neither follows from submitting a profile.