Making Lemons Out of Lemonade, the Inline Certification Program (ICP) Launches an Online version of the Level 1 Instructor Certification

 The Inline Certification Program (ICP) is an educational platform devoted to the development of professional inline skating instructors. Since 1991, the ICP has provided a consistent educational framework using proven skill building methods of instruction to over 7000 instructors world-wide. Each year, the ICP conducts certification programs in cities around the world, and with its first program in Nairobi, Kenya at the end of last year, has certified instructors in over 50 countries and on 6 of the 7 continents!

Just like most everyone in the world, the ICP was not spared the impact of Covid-19 with most of 2020 in-person program offerings having to be canceled. After completing two programs in Mexico City in March, before the entire world shut down, it became clear that we were going to have to move fast, and get creative, if we wanted to continue our ongoing efforts to “Teach the World to Skate” in 2020.

Fortunately, over the last 5 years the ICP had been slowly building an online educational presence through the ICP Skating Academy. With this online platform already established, it was just a matter of adjusting the current Level 1 Certification course framework to address an online distance learning audience. Not necessarily an easy task, but doable, thanks to a dedicated core group of international ICP examiners that volunteered their time and expertise to convert the in-person program into a series of online Zoom sessions, homework assignments, and video submissions.

With our pilot program conducted in April, followed by 4 full certification programs with a 5th starting on November 7th, the ICP is pleased to have been able to successfully adapt the program to an online format training for over 40 instructors in over 16 countries so far.

While in person certification will continue to be the preferred, we have found that the online program, which takes place over 2.5 weeks instead of a 2.5 days, provides more opportunity for the instructor candidates to assimilate and practically apply core instructional concepts. It was exciting and affirming to see the steady improvement of skating and teaching and many “ah-hah” or "Eureka!" moments from all involved.

Cody Hampshire, from Arkansas, USA, and a recent program Level 1 Online program graduate, had this to say about the online program:

“As inline skaters, I think we all work very hard to develop our skills and are always seeking to improve a proficiency or learn a skill that will help us reach the next level. The experience of the ICP Level I Online Certification course was overwhelmingly positive for me, because, aside from validating my existing skill set and helping me to hone those skills even more alongside other skilled instructor candidates, it took my dream of getting more involved in the inline skating industry/community and gave it shape.”

Another bonus of having the program available online is that it makes the program more accessible and financially feasible as many potential instructor candidates are often unable to attend because of visa restrictions or travel and hotel costs. Not knowing when things will return to “normal” and looking on the “make lemonade side” of the current world-wide pandemic situation, it is gratifying to know that this option for certification is now available giving us the opportunity to reach and create even more inline skaters world-wide.

The ICP World-Wide Team looks forward to rolling with you as you pursue turning your passion for skating into a profession.

For more information about the ICP or to find a certified instructor in your area, go to the ICP website at www.inlinecertificationcertfication.org or email us at [email protected]