As part of the member services and outreach programs of the United States Fencing Coaches Association, the National Coaching Development Program (NCDP) has been established. The goal of the NCDP is to provide fencing coaches with appropriate, modern, ongoing educational opportunities that can lead to a certification. Certification in the USFCA in on a “per weapon basis” and is granted at the following ranks:

• No formal certification/general member (Level 1)
• Assistant Moniteur (Level 2)
• Moniteur (Level 3)
• Prévôt (Level 4)
• Maître (Level 5)

As part of the NCDP the USFCA Certification and Accreditation Board (CAB) recognizes that some coaches entering into the educational system may already have formal or informal coaching education, education in related subjects, and student results that might make it appropriate for them to move directly to working on a higher level of certification than the entry levels. In order to facilitate this process the CAB has instituted the NCDP Entry Assessment Process. It is important to note that the Entry Assessment is conducted on a per-weapon basis, and should be completed prior to seeking any additional formal certification.

A candidate who requests NCDP Entry Assessment will be evaluated on metrics in the following categories:

• College Degrees and Higher Education Coursework
• Students Results
• Sport Coaching Education (could include USFA Coaches College)
• Leadership Roles in the Fencing Community
• Personal Competitive Results and Refereeing Experience