We get asked a lot of questions about various aspects of the Level 3 and Level 4 courses. To make things easier for you, here are the answers to a few of the most common ones:

Why is the Level 3 course so much more expensive than the level 1 and 2 courses? There's also been a large increase since 2020.

The real cost of the Level 3 is closer to £1500 per person once the cost of resources, courts and course tutors in factored in. Government funding that had previously been available to offset the cost of the courses and enable them to be offered at a lower price to coaches has now stopped. Without the price increases courses would run at a loss and would no longer be sustainable. From 2021, LTA coaching qualifications are being run by a new network of LTA accredited Coach Development Centres such as inspire2coach. This is a different delivery model to before with new processes and costs associated with it. However, it will enable courses to run at scale across the country and will therefore cut travel time and distances for coaches attending the courses.

What’s the difference between the LTA Level 3 and the new LTA Coach course?

From spring 2021, the existing LTA Level 3 is being replaced by a new LTA Coach course. The ‘old’ Level 3 was in need of an update to make it fit for purpose in the current coaching climate, and has therefore been updated by a new course called the LTA Coach course. It is essentially the same qualification and the ‘old’ Level 3 will still be recognised.

Is this an LTA accredited course; it isn't being delivered by the LTA?

Level 3 courses are now delivered by LTA-approved Coach Development Centres (CDCs) such as inspire2coach. From January 2021, all Level 4 SCC and SPC courses will be run by the LTA.

How long should I leave between my Level 2 and Level 3?

There is no exact answer. You should discuss this with your Level 2 course tutor during the Level 2 course; they will recommend whether you should consider a Level 3 or not, and what you need to do in preparation for the course.

How does my coaching experience help me?

Our experience is that learners who have a good mentor to help them through the course are more likely to be successful. The mandatory coaching experience between each module is an assessed part of the course and must be organised. If you need advice on this, please contact us.

What age should I be to take a Level 3 or Level 4 course?

There is no minimum age for either course but all applicants must first have successfully completed their Level 2 (replaced by a new LTA Instructor qualification from spring 2021) and possess a suitable rating or Play Test grade to apply for the course. From spring 2021, the entry criteria for the Level 3 will require you to have a minimum World Tennis Number and/or complete a new Coach Readiness Test.

What is the Play Test? Will I need to do it?

If your rating is 6.2 or below, to demonstrate that you have the required tennis abilities, you will need to take a Play Test before applying for your Level 3. inspire2coach offers Play Tests around the UK; refer to our short courses. From spring 2021, the Play Test is being replaced by a new Coach Readiness Test if you cannot prove a minimum rating or new World Tennis Number.

How do I book the course if a third party is paying my fees?

All courses must be paid for prior to the start of the course. If you have secured funding or if a third party is paying for your course, you must provide inspire2coach with a purchase order to accompany your application so that we can issue an invoice. It is your responsibility to ensure that all fees are paid before the start of the course. You will be asked to provide details of the third party when you apply for the course.

Can I still attend if I don't get my DBS (formerly the CRB) done before the start of the course?

No, unfortunately you can't. We are unable to make any exceptions. Guidelines introduced on 1 October 2009 state that you must have a valid DBS done through the LTA before you apply for the course.

We cannot accept your application until you provide us with evidence of a valid DBS certificate. If you are worried about getting on to a particular course, we advise that you apply for your DBS in good time so that you still have a chance to get on the course you want. Times for processing DBS vary, but usually range from 3-6 weeks. Please see https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/safeguarding-protection/criminal-record-checks/apply-for-a-dbs/ for up-to-date information on DBS checks.

Do I need a current First Aid certificate?

You must possess a current First Aid qualification to apply for the Level 3. Only certain First Aid courses are suitable, so check that it is approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the LTA. inspire2coach offers an HSE Approved 1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work Tennis First Aid course through our partners, Impact First Aid.

What can I do if I am unsuccessful in my assessment?

On an assessed course, it is normal that some learners may not pass first time around. This may be due to lack of experience, assessment-day nerves or an incomplete course Training Diary. Until the end of February 2021, we will be offering reassessments at Level 3 and Level 4 for learners who were not successful in their first assessments. If you want to organise a reassessment, please contact us. From spring 2021, the assessment of the Level 3 course will be done by the LTA and not by inspire2coach.