Following the launch of the STA Swimming Teacher qualification, STA has introduced structured upskill pathways, as requested by employers, for holders of the STA Award in Teaching Swimming.

The STA Award in Teaching Swimming remains a valid qualification. Swimming teachers are not required to complete the STA Swimming Teacher qualification. Teachers should continue to maintain their occupational competence through ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPDs), such as seminars, practical teaching, and professional learning activities.

STA Swimming Teacher Upskill

FAQs

• Can I upskill to the new STA Swimming Teacher qualification if I hold the STA Award in Swimming Teaching?

  Yes. Swimming teachers who hold an in-date STA Award can upskill towards the STA Swimming Teacher qualification through a structured upskill pathway.

  There are two upskill options, depending on whether a teacher wishes to update their knowledge through CPD only, or gain the full STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate.
  

• What does the CPD upskill option include and how much does it cost?

  The CPD upskill option is a CPD-only pathway for swimming teachers who already hold the STA Award in Teaching Swimming and wish to update their knowledge in line with the STA Swimming Teacher qualification.

  • £25 for STA members
  • £45 for non-members

  
  On successful completion, teachers are issued with a CPD programme completion certificate, providing evidence that they have updated their knowledge in line with the STA Swimming Teacher qualification.

  This option does not result in the STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate.

  The CPD upskill is suitable for qualified Award swimming teachers who are not teaching the higher learn-to-swim grades but wish to update their knowledge.

  Where a regulated qualification certificate is required by an employer, operator or insurer, completion of the CPD upskill and the Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification assessment is recommended.

  In summary, the CPD upskill updates knowledge for teachers who already hold The STA Award in Swimming Teaching; where a regulated qualification certificate is required by an employer, operator or insurer, completion of the CPD upskill AND the new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification assessment is recommended.
  

• I hold the STA Award in Swimming Teaching – how do I gain the full STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate?
  Swimming teachers who wish, or whose employers want them to gain the full STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate must complete:

  • The CPD upskill programme, and
  • The qualification assessment, which includes both theory (MCQ) and a practical assessment

  
  Prior learning and experience are recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), so teachers do not need to complete the full course again. Instead, they complete the required assessment components alongside the upskill programme.

  Teachers should contact their local Approved Training Centre (ATC), who will advise on assessment arrangements and associated bundle package costs.

  Find your local ATC here
  

• If I only complete the CPD upskill, do I hold the new STA Swimming Teacher qualification?
  No. Completing the CPD upskill alone does not mean a teacher holds the new regulated STA Swimming Teacher qualification. Only teachers who complete both the CPD upskill and the qualification assessment, and who are issued with the STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate, hold the qualification.

  As you are already a qualified Level 2 Award swimming teacher, we recommend completing the assessment, as it is a proportionate and straightforward process that recognises prior learning and experience. Holding the STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate can support professional recognition and open up further career opportunities, including progression towards becoming an STA Aquatics Tutor.

• If I only complete the CPD upskill, am I insured to teach?

  Teachers should always confirm their individual circumstances with their insurance broker, and are responsible for ensuring they are appropriately qualified and insured for the activities they deliver.

  Qualified Level 2 Award holders who complete the CPD upskill and hold STA membership may be covered under the STA membership insurance package, subject to the scope of that cover. STA recommends you always check with your insurance broker for clarification on Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance.

  Also, holding insurance does not replace holding the Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification. Employers and operators may specifically stipulate the STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate be held under the terms of their insurance. STA recommends you always check with your employer.

• Who is the upskill available to?

  The upskill pathways are available to holders of:

  • STA Award in Teaching Swimming
  • STA Award in Teaching Swimming (pre-September 2022 – CIMSPA endorsed)
  • STA Award in Swimming Teaching (2012–2018)
• Why are the guided learning hours different for the new STA Swimming Teacher qualification compared to the STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming?

  The new STA Swimming Teacher qualification, developed in line with CIMSPA’s latest Professional Standards, is not directly comparable to the STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming. Some elements that were included within the Certificate (such as starts and turns) are now delivered through separate CPDs for those who wish to complete them in addition to gaining the STA Swimming Teacher qualification.

  This approach explains the difference in guided learning hours and associated costs. These CPDs remain available for teachers who need or wish to develop those specific skills, allowing learning to be more targeted and flexible for learners and employers.