Credentials / International Youth Coaching Association
IYCA Certified Athletic Development Specialist
Verified: this record was checked against its official source. Last verified 2026-09-03. 5 sources on file.
At a glance
Credential type
certification
Status
active
Target professional
Trainers and coaches developing athletes ages 6 to 18
Country
unknown
Official page
Recertification page
unknown
Categories
Speed & Agility, Youth Performance, Professional Development, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Performance
Accreditation
No accreditation on record — status unknown. Absence of a claim is recorded honestly rather than guessed.
Eligibility & examination
Eligibility
Minimum age
18
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Degree required
no
Experience
No experience required; however 'You will need some background in exercise science' since about 20% of the exam is based on scientific information
CPR/AED
unknown
Other prerequisites
Stated prerequisites are only: be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent
Course is open internationally (online platform); all materials are in English. Holders of the prior YFS1 certification already have the CADS resources and only need to pass the CADS exam.
Examination
Format
100-question, primarily multiple-choice, non-proctored online exam taken at home
Online exam
yes
Testing center
no
Length
120 minutes
Questions
100
Passing score
75% or higher
Attempts included
1
Retake policy
One attempt is included with enrollment; must test within 365 days of enrollment. If you do not pass, you can purchase a retest for $50.
Initial certification costs
$50
exam retake fee
Renewal & CEU requirements
Renewal requirements not yet researched for this credential.
Pathway
What this credential requires
All of:
- AgeAt least 18 years of age
- EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent
Sources (5)
- IYCA Educationtier 1 primaryofficial provider page · retrieved 2026-09-03
- IYCA Store | Youth Fitness Certifications & Coaching Coursestier 1 primaryofficial provider page · retrieved 2026-09-03
- Certified Athletic Development Specialist | IYCAtier 1 primaryofficial provider page · retrieved 2026-09-03
- https://iyca.org/store/tier 1 primaryofficial recertification handbook · retrieved 2026-09-04
- https://iyca.org/cads-sales/tier 1 primaryofficial provider page · retrieved 2026-09-07
Latest verification activity: initial verification → confirmed (2026-09-07) · reverification → confirmed (2026-09-06) · initial verification → confirmed (2026-09-06) · reverification → confirmed (2026-09-03) · initial verification → confirmed (2026-09-03)
Look up a credential before you pay for it.
Browsing the register is free. Plans add tracking, alerts and team tools.