The USGTF and fellow WGTF entities provide four
levels of certification. It is important to know
what each level means, and also how members may
identify themselves. It is required through the Code
of Ethics that members identify themselves in an
accurate manner.
LEVEL I - Affiliate Member
Level I members are qualified to teach the full
swing to beginning golfers, and this program serves
as an introduction into the golf teaching profession.
Level I members must identify themselves with the
words “Affiliate Member” when describing their
USGTF membership. Level I members are not allowed
to describe themselves as a “USGTF Professional” or
“Certified USGTF Member,” for example. Phrases that
would be acceptable are “USGTF Affiliate Member
Teaching Professional” and “Certified USGTF Affiliate
Member.”
LEVEL II - Associate Member
Level II members are qualified to teach all facets
of the game to average golfers. Level II members must
identify themselves with the words “Associate Member”
when describing their USGTF membership. Level II
members are not allowed to describe themselves as a
“USGTF Professional” or “Certified USGTF Member,”
for example. Phrases that would be acceptable are
“USGTF Associate Member Teaching Professional”
and “Certified USGTF Associate Member.”
LEVEL III - Fully-Certified Member
(Certified Golf Teaching
Professional®)
Level III members are qualified to teach all facets
of the game to above-average players, and have successfully
completed the playing ability test. Level III
members may identify themselves with almost any
phrase, including “USGTF Professional” and “USGTF
Certified Golf Teaching Professional®.” Level III
members may participate in the United States and
World Golf Teachers Cups. The phrase “Certified
Golf Teaching Professional” is a United States Federal
Registered Trademark owned by the USGTF.
LEVEL IV - Master Golf Teaching
Professional®
Level IV members have distinguished themselves
as individuals with an exceptional level of commitment
and desire to pursue excellence in golf
teaching. They have earned the right to call themselves
a “USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional®,”
and have demonstrated a teaching knowledge and
ability to the highest order. The phrase “Master Golf
Teaching Professional” is a United States Federal
Registered Trademark owned by the USGTF.
