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NFL is proud to recognize its members for their expertise in forensics coaching and teaching. NFL’s Professional Development Accreditation System ensures that coaches who are committed to growth and excellence receive credit for their efforts. Four levels of accreditation are offered; coaches and educators must be active NFL member coaches to receive the accreditation. Please note that you must earn the Professional accreditation before you are eligible to receive the Advanced Professional accreditation.

Visit our list of accredited coach educators!

The levels of accreditation are as follows:

Professional Forensic Educator

To be eligible for this accreditation, an NFL educator must meet the following criteria:

• 3 years as a full or part-time high school or middle level educator
• 2,000 coaching points OR 1 coach diamond OR 7 years as a member coach
• Successful completion of at least 4 CEUs/3 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD OR at least 6 undergraduate hours in speech, debate, or theatre related courses (transcript required for verification)

Advanced Professional Forensic Educator

To be eligible for this accreditation, an NFL educator must meet the following criteria:

• Holds a Professional Forensic Educator Accreditation
• 5 years as a full or part-time high school or middle level educator
• 10,000 coaching points OR 2 coach diamonds OR 10 years as a member coach
• Successful completion of 8 CEUs/6 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD OR at least 4 CEUs/3 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD plus 15 undergraduate credits or 20 CEUs OR 8 hours of graduate level credit in speech, debate or theatre related courses (transcript required for verification)

Professional Forensic Coach

To be eligible for this accreditation, an NFL educator must meet the following criteria:

• 7 years of coaching OR 1 coach diamond OR 3,000 coaching points
• Successful completion of 8 CEUs/6 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD OR 4 CEUs plus 3 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD OR at least 6 undergraduate credits in speech, debate, or theatre related courses (transcript required for verification).

Advanced Professional Forensic Coach

• Holds a Professional Forensic Coach Accreditation
• 15 years of coaching OR 2 coach diamonds OR 6,000 coaching points

OR

• Successful completion of 10 CEUs or 6 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD OR 6 CEUs and 3 graduate credits through the NFL/OPD AND coach a minimum of 10 years with 1 coach diamond or 3,000 NFL coaching points OR at least 12 undergraduate credits in speech, debate or theatre related courses (transcript required for verification).

Download the Application for Accreditation.

NFL member coaches who already meet the requirements for one or more of the above accreditations should simply submit proof of such qualification along with the appropriate application, available on the NFL Web site, and a $20 fee. Once accreditation is approved, an accreditation certificate(s) will be sent in a timely manner. Duplicate certificates are available for only $10 each. Wood framed certificates for display are available for only a $25 fee.

In addition to receiving a handsome certificate to commemorate the award, NFL publishes a list of all NFL accreditations each fall in Rostrum. An up-to-date list of accreditations is posted on the NFL Web site. Upon earning any of the four accreditations, the National Forensic League will mail a formal letter from the NFL Executive Director to the member’s principal and superintendent of schools recognizing the accomplishment of accreditation.

NFL accreditation marks a significant step in supporting and recognizing the nation’s largest community of forensic educators. Don’t wait to take advantage of this amazing opportunity! Order your accreditation today.

Q: Why get accredited?

A: In an educational climate where school administrations/districts look for documentation of professional development and recognition for activity in the profession, as a respected and established high school speech and debate organization, the NFL strives to meet that need through this program.

Q: Doesn't this just duplicate other degrees?

A: The accreditation program is designed to recognize several factors of qualification, including education, years of experience, and quantity of students served (thus the NFL points requirement). It represents a culmination of those factors, rather than simply replicating a degree certificate (such as a Master's) a coach has already achieved.

Q: Who is eligible for professional accreditation?

A: Any NFL member coach who meets the requirements for the Accreditation is eligible. Requirements for the accreditations may be found above.

Q: Is there a cost associated with accreditation?

A: There is a $20 fee for each Professional Accreditation to cover the costs associated with the program. Additional services are also available for a nominal charge, including duplicate certificates ($10 each) and handsome wooden framing ($25 each). However, these supplementary services are optional.

Q: Do I need to earn the Professional Accreditation before I earn the Advanced Professional Accreditation?

A: Yes. You must earn the Professional Accreditation before you are eligible to receive the Advanced Professional Accreditation.

Q: Do I need to fill out a separate application for each accreditation?

A: No. You may use one application to apply for any of the accreditations for which you qualify. Simply mark the appropriate boxes for each accreditation and remit the fee for each.

Q: What do I need to submit as proof for my accreditation?

A: We ask that you enclose a copy of your transcript to verify that you have completed the required number of classes and/or . Your signature and your principal’s signature are also required to verify the other requirements.

Q:How will you publicize my accreditation?

A: NFL will notify your Principal and Superintendent of your accreditation(s) with a letter signed by the NFL President and Executive Director. Additionally, a list of accreditations will appear in annually in Rostrum magazine and on the NFL Web site.

Q: Where do I send my application?

A: You may send your application for accreditation to the NFL Professional Development Accreditation Program, P.O. Box 38, Ripon, WI . You may also fax your application to .

Q: How often are certificates sent out?

A: On a weekly basis, though there may be a delay in May and June, due to the National Tournament.