British Swimming & The ASA : I have a swimming qualification from overseas, how do I compare this against ASA's qualifications?

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I have a swimming qualification from outside the UK. How can I compare this against the ASA’s teaching/coaching qualifications?

Anyone wishing to teach swimming who holds an appropriate overseas qualification may apply to the ASA Awarding Body to ascertain whether their qualification is appropriate for teaching swimming in England and Wales.

However they should in the first instance apply to the National Recognition Information Centre for the UK (NARIC) for an academic comparison of their teaching qualification.

NARIC compares academic qualifications gained outside the United Kingdom from school leaving certificates to post graduate qualifications. To contact NARIC please visit their website www.naric.org.uk and follow the guidance given.

Currently there is no mechanism to compare overseas coaching qualifications.

Application Process: - candidates should apply by letter to:

The ASA Awarding Body
35 Granby Street
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3DU

The fee for this is £19.50 (non-refundable). Please send a cheque or postal order made payable to the Amateur Swimming Association, please do not send cash.

The following documents must all be included with the letter:

the Awarding Body Application Form (click here to download)
Letter from NARIC identifying the qualification comparison*
Copies of relevant certificates
Detailed account of the qualification
Translation of the qualification/s by an official translator
Curriculum Vitae
Cheque or Postal Order for £19.50 (made payable to the Amateur Swimming Association)

The process takes 4-6 weeks, provided that all the relevant documentation (including a letter from NARIC) and the fee have been received.

*Applying to NARIC is the recommended route which will allow for a more streamlined process. However, if a NARIC comparison is not appropriate, then in addition to the bulleted list above candidates must also send a detailed breakdown of the units, the content covered and the length of time taken for each unit. In this instance the process will take longer than 4-6 weeks.