Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know before booking a course, during your certification, or while you’re deciding if ADAPT is right for you. Can’t find your answer? Ask us directly →
About ADAPT
ADAPT is the world’s original parkour coach education system, founded in 2008 by the founders and original pioneers of the discipline. It is recognised internationally as the benchmark for parkour instruction.
Our courses focus on helping people become excellent coaches — not just practitioners — providing the knowledge, frameworks, and practical skills to lead sessions in parkour and movement training professionally and safely.
ADAPT stands for Art du Déplacement And Parkour Teaching — a name that honours the discipline’s Parisian origins while encompassing the full breadth of what we teach. Each letter carries meaning: Art, du Déplacement, And, Parkour, Teaching.
Yes. ADAPT certifications are recognised by a number of national and international bodies including the European Qualifications Framework, ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM, AFAA, Sport England, UISP Italy, and the UK CPD Standards Office.
ADAPT has been certifying coaches since 2008 and currently has qualified coaches in over 50 countries across six continents.
Absolutely — and the majority of people who attend our courses are already coaching. The best coaches never stop learning, and ADAPT courses are specifically designed to challenge and develop experienced practitioners just as much as newcomers.
Even founders of parkour like Sebastien Foucan completed their Level 1 certification through ADAPT. The system builds knowledge and frameworks that go well beyond what most coaches have developed on their own.
The Courses
The ADAPT Level 1 Coach Certification (L1CC) is the entry-level qualification for parkour coaches. It is a 3-day course covering practical coaching skills, session planning, safeguarding, risk management, and the theoretical frameworks underpinning good parkour instruction.
Participants should have a solid understanding of basic parkour techniques and be comfortable training in a variety of settings. Prior teaching experience is useful but not required. Minimum age to receive the certificate is 16.
The ADAPT Level 2 Coach Certification (L2CC) is an advanced qualification for experienced coaches and practitioners. It involves a 5-day training course followed by a separate 2-day assessment course, undertaken no earlier than 3 months after training.
Level 2 candidates must demonstrate high-level parkour competence in addition to advanced coaching ability. We recommend a minimum of 3–5 years of regular, committed parkour practice before undertaking Level 2.
The ADAPT Level 3 Coach Certification (L3CC) is the Master Coach qualification — the highest level of ADAPT coaching certification. It is designed for elite practitioners who demonstrate mastery across all domains of parkour coaching: practice, theory, pedagogy and leadership.
Level 3 is not a course you book — it is a qualification you progress toward through sustained excellence, mentoring, and a formal assessment process. Speak to an ADAPT Tutor if you are interested in the pathway toward Level 3.
No. Everyone must complete the Level 1 certification before attending Level 2, regardless of coaching experience. The pathway is designed to build progressively, and each level assumes the knowledge and frameworks of the one before it.
In practice, experienced coaches consistently report that Level 1 challenged and developed them in ways they did not expect — even those who have been coaching for many years.
ADAPT offers a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for certified coaches, covering specialist areas such as:
- Parkour for Older People
- Youth Coaching
- Parkour for School Teachers
- Strength & Conditioning
- Movement Continuum
- Flow States
- Communication & Cueing
CPD courses are open to certified ADAPT coaches and provide continuing education credits recognised by several accreditation bodies.
- Valid photo ID
- Notepad and pen
- Training clothes and suitable shoes
- A small bag for valuables and snacks
- Snacks and water
- Weather-appropriate clothing (sunscreen, jacket, etc.)
Certification Process
To receive the ADAPT Level 1 certification you must:
- Complete the 3-day course including all practical coaching assessments
- Pass the written assessment paper
- Complete the required supervised coaching hours post-course with an ADAPT Level 2 or Level 3 coach
- Submit evidence of your supervised hours to info@adaptqualifications.com
Once all elements are verified, you will receive your e-certificate. All post-course supervised hours must be completed within 12 months of your course end date.
If you do not meet the standard on one or more elements during the course, you will be given a deferral on those specific elements rather than an outright fail. A deferral means you have the opportunity to resit the relevant assessment(s) within an agreed timeframe.
Deferrals are a normal part of the certification process — the standard exists for a reason, and resitting an element often results in a stronger overall understanding of the material.
The 3-day course itself is the main event. After that, the timeline depends on how quickly you complete your supervised coaching hours. Most candidates complete the full certification within 1–3 months of the course, though you have up to 12 months.
Once you submit your evidence, allow 1–2 weeks for processing and certificate issuance.
Candidates may attend the course from age 15, but cannot receive their certificate until their 16th birthday. There is no upper age limit.
The path to becoming an ADAPT Coach Educator begins with completing the full certification pathway to Level 3, and then undertaking a further formal Tutor qualification. It is not a role you apply for — it is one you progress into through sustained excellence, mentoring and assessment.
ADAPT also offers formal Coach Educator Certifications for Level 3 coaches who are ready to begin teaching and assessing others.
Supervised Hours
After the course, you complete a required number of supervised coaching sessions with a certified ADAPT Level 2 or Level 3 coach. The supervising coach observes your delivery and signs off your log to confirm you are coaching at the required standard.
Many candidates complete most of their hours at workshops or classes that run directly after the course in the host city, making the process straightforward if you plan ahead.
All hours must be completed within 12 months of your course end date.
We always find a way. If you do not have access to a qualified ADAPT Level 2 or Level 3 coach in your area, we accept video submissions of your coaching sessions, which can be reviewed remotely by an approved assessor. Online sessions under live observation are also permitted.
To find a coach near you, use the Level 2 or Level 3 coach directories, or contact us directly and we will connect you with someone appropriate.
Scan or photograph your completed coaching log (signed off by your supervising Level 2 or Level 3 coach) and email it to info@adaptqualifications.com along with your full name and the course you attended.
For video submissions, guidance on what to include and how to submit is in your Video Assessment Guidance.
Hosting & International
Any gym, club, organisation or individual can apply to host an ADAPT course. All you need is a suitable venue. ADAPT handles all course design, delivery, assessment and administration — you provide the space and help spread the word locally.
In return, host organisations receive a percentage of course revenue and a free place on the course for a member of their team. Find out more about hosting →
Yes. ADAPT courses run internationally, with events regularly held across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and beyond. ADAPT-certified coaches are currently active in over 50 countries.
The ADAPT Coaching Summit is an annual gathering held every November for certified ADAPT coaches from around the world. It is a full day of workshops, discussions, and shared learning — open to all certified coaches regardless of level.
The Summit is one of the best opportunities to develop your practice, connect with the wider ADAPT community, and stay engaged with where parkour coaching is heading as a profession.
Bookings & Admin
There is a strict no-refund policy unless ADAPT Qualifications cancels the course. This is due to the logistics involved in organising and hosting events.
If ADAPT cancels a course, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another date.
If you have a valid medical or personal emergency, you may request a transfer to another course of the same price, subject to availability. Requests must be made at least two weeks before the course start date and are subject to a £25 administrative fee.
To request a transfer, email info@adaptqualifications.com with your booking details and reason for the request.
Email us at info@adaptqualifications.com and we will either answer your question directly or connect you with the relevant course host or Delivery Centre in your region.
Alternatively, use the Ask a Question form on the site.
Yes. ADAPT takes safeguarding seriously and has a comprehensive policy covering the welfare of participants, especially minors, across all courses and events.
All ADAPT standards and policy documents are available in the Resources section, including:
Still have
a question?
Get in touch directly and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible — or browse upcoming courses if you’re ready to book.