Continuing tennis professional education opportunities are upcoming with United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) workshops for certification and ongoing professional development points.
Certification is intended for those at least 18 years old who derive or intend to derive a major portion of income from teaching tennis. To qualify for certified membership, a professional must meet all application, exam and experience requirements, and must agree to abide by the USPTA Code of Ethics.
There are three levels of certified membership:
Professional — USPTA Professionals must be at least 18 years old, with a recommended six months of full-time teaching experience, pass the on-court and written portions of the exam, and complete Stage 1 and 2 of Coach Youth Tennis.
Elite Professional — To become an Elite Professional, a USPTA member must be at least 22 years old, pass the written Elite exam, which covers business, programming, sport science and tennis operations, Elite stroke analysis exam and the Elite-level on-court exams.
Master Professional — USPTA Master Professional is the highest category of membership. Qualified applicants must hold an Elite Professional rating for 10 years, complete a required number of continuing education hours and fulfill a broad spectrum of industry service. The Master Professional Committee makes the final decision on the review of applicants.
Upcoming exams:
April 6-7 — USTA National Campus, Orlando
May 9-10 — Oaks at Boca Raton
May 30-31 — Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
For more info go to www.uspta.com/calendars.