AEF Announces 2026 NCCP Coaching Pathway Updates and Event Schedule

The Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is pleased to share an overview of NCCP coaching opportunities for 2026, including important updates to how Online NCCP Certification Training and Evaluation will be delivered. These updates are designed to provide greater clarity, flexibility, and support for coaches working toward Instructor or Competition Coach certification in both English and Western disciplines.

Beginning in 2026, Online NCCP Certification Training and Evaluation will be offered as two separate options, rather than as a single cohort-based process. This updated structure aims to:

• Improve clarity around readiness and expectations
• Increase flexibility for coaches entering the pathway at different stages
• Better align training content with evaluation requirements

Coaches may choose to participate in training, evaluation, or both, depending on their experience and needs.

Online NCCP Certification Training

Online NCCP Certification Training will be offered twice per year and delivered fully online.

Training Dates

• Winter Session: February 1 – March 23, 2026
• Summer Session: August 31 – October 19, 2026

Each training offering consists of eight online sessions delivered over an eight week period, with content specifically geared toward the Instructor and Competition Coach pathways.

While training is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended, particularly for coaches who are new to the NCCP pathway or who would benefit from additional guidance around documentation, standards, and evaluation expectations.

NCCP Evaluation Opportunities

AEF will continue to offer both video evaluations and in-person evaluations for Instructor and Competition Coach certification.

Video Evaluation

Video evaluation provides a flexible, remote option for completing NCCP certification and follows a structured 12-week evaluation process.

Scheduled Video Evaluation Intakes

• Spring: March 30 – June 8, 2026
• Summer/Fall: August 24 – November 9, 2026
• Winter: November 2, 2026 – January 11, 2027

Evaluation Process Overview

• Pre-brief meeting with evaluators
• Portfolio submission and feedback
• Portfolio revisions and approval
• Lesson video submission
• Final debrief and action plan discussion

All pre-brief and debrief meetings for video evaluation will take place via Zoom.

In-Person Evaluations

In-person evaluations offer live, on-site assessment and immediate feedback from evaluators.

Planned In-Person Evaluation Dates

Spring 2026

• April 11–12 – Calgary
• April (date to be confirmed) – Edmonton

Fall 2026

• October/November – Calgary (dates to be confirmed)
• October/November – Edmonton (dates to be confirmed)

All candidates will attend a pre-evaluation Zoom meeting in advance of the event. On-site debriefs will take place at the conclusion of the evaluation.

Looking Ahead: Provincial Coaching Symposium

AEF is also beginning early planning for a Provincial Coaching Symposium, with more details to be shared in early 2026.