The United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) runs the main coaching license pathway in the USA. It has changed several times, so you will still see references to the old “E” and “F” licenses and to a single “A License”. This guide explains the current U.S. Soccer coaching license pathway, what each level covers, who it is for, and what happened to the old licenses.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Course formats, prerequisites and fees change, so always confirm the latest details with U.S. Soccer or your state association before you register.
The U.S. Soccer coaching license pathway at a glance
| Level | Who it’s for | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Grassroots Coaching | Everyone. Free prerequisite for all grassroots courses | Short online module |
| Grassroots courses: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 | Parent, volunteer and recreational coaches | Online or in person |
| D License | Coaches of competitive youth and amateur teams | Blended, about 9 weeks |
| C License | Coaches of competitive 11v11 youth teams (U13+) | Blended, about 4 months |
| B License | Coaches of elite youth, college and semi-pro teams | Blended, by application |
| A-Youth License | Coaches in high-level youth and academy environments | By application |
| A-Senior License | Coaches in senior (adult) high-performance environments | By application |
| Pro License | Head coaches in top professional soccer | By application |
What happened to the USSF E and F licenses?
U.S. Soccer introduced the F license in 2015 and retired both the F license and the E license in early 2018. They were replaced by the grassroots pathway: the free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module plus four format-based courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11). Coaches who earned an E or F license before the change can still use it toward the D License, but may need to complete in-person grassroots courses first. Check the current D License prerequisites with your state association.
1. Grassroots courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11)
The grassroots courses are the entry point. After the free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module, coaches choose the course that matches the game format their players play. Each is available online or in person. They focus on player-centered coaching, the Play-Practice-Play session model, and creating a fun environment where children learn through playing.
2. D License
The D License is the first license after the grassroots level. It usually needs a mix of in-person and online grassroots courses as a prerequisite. The course is blended over about nine weeks, with virtual meetings and in-person sessions. Coaches learn to plan and coach sessions linked to the game, and to develop players within a team.
3. C License
The C License is for coaches with D License experience who coach an 11v11 team (typically U13 and older). It runs over about four months, combining in-person days with virtual meetings and individual feedback. The focus is on coaching team play, game models and player development in competitive environments.
4. B License
The B License is an advanced course for coaches of elite youth, college and semi-professional teams. Entry is by application. It covers coaching a team across a season, game analysis, leadership and performance.
5. A-Youth and A-Senior Licenses
The old single “A License” is now split into two specialist licenses. The A-Youth License is for coaches in high-level youth and academy soccer. The A-Senior License is for coaches in adult high-performance environments. Both are by application and need significant experience.
6. Pro License
The Pro License is the highest coaching license in U.S. Soccer. It is for head coaches in top professional soccer and focuses on leadership, management and performance at the elite level.
Which U.S. Soccer course should I start with?
- Parent or volunteer coach? Do the free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module, then the grassroots course for your team’s format (for example 7v7 for U9 and U10).
- Coaching a competitive club team? Complete the grassroots prerequisites, then apply for the D License.
- Coaching 11v11 at U13 and older? Work toward the C License.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest U.S. Soccer coaching license?
The Pro License. Below it are the A-Senior and A-Youth Licenses, then the B, C and D Licenses.
Do I still need an E license?
No. The E and F licenses were retired in 2018 and replaced by the grassroots courses.
How does this compare to England?
See our guide to English FA coaching licenses.
Add a skills-teaching method to your license
Federation licenses teach you how to coach. Many coaches also want a proven method for teaching individual skills. Coerver Coaching’s Youth Diploma 1 focuses on session planning with the Coerver method for coaches of players aged 8 to 16, and Youth Diploma 2 covers Coerver’s approach to team play. Both are available online and work alongside any U.S. Soccer license.
Become a Coerver-trained coach.
Coerver Coaching’s online Youth Diploma courses give you a proven method for teaching skills. Youth Diploma 1 covers session planning for players aged 8 to 16. Youth Diploma 2 covers team play.