Making an Application
As the leading provider of swimming education on the island of Ireland, we recognise that not all teachers and coaches hold a Swim Ireland qualification, indeed any qualification at all. It is our goal as the National Governing Body to increase the number of teachers and coaches in our sport. Individuals who have come through an informal route into the aquatics industry, or from another framework within or outside of Ireland, we provide the opportunity for acknowledgement of qualifications, skills and experience.
To find out how to have your certificates or skills and experience mapped against Swim Ireland’s awards identify which pathway is for you;
Pathways
Swim Ireland recognise that Swimming Teachers and Coaches in Ireland come from all over the world. A qualification from outside of Ireland or another Awarding Body in Ireland can be mapped against Swim Ireland qualifications. Anyone wishing to have a qualification mapped, to receive an equivalent Swim Ireland qualification can apply for Equivalency by creating a profile on the Swim Ireland Database.
Applicants will require the following;
- Swim Ireland recognised Safeguarding Certificate
- Swim Ireland Vetting NVB or Access NI
- Reference from a Swim Ireland Teacher or Coach who hold minimum of a Level 2 qualification but preferably a Level 3
- Copy of Syllabus and Award/Certificate of existing qualification (all documents must be translated to English prior to uploading)
Application for Equivalency costs:
Level 1 Equivalency |
| €100 |
|
Level 2 Equivalency |
| €200 |
|
Please note a practical assessment may also be required prior to an award being issued. The cost of this will be an additional €50
Swim Ireland recognise that experience is often just as valuable as a qualification or certificate in teaching and coaching. As such, anyone who does not hold a formal qualification may wish to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. This application can be submitted by creating a profile on the Swim Ireland Database.
Applicants will require the following;
- Swim Ireland recognised Safeguarding Certificate
- Swim Ireland Vetting NVB or Access NI
- A personal statement detailing coaching or teaching experience, with reference to the syllabus of the relevant qualification (this must be in English)
- Reference from a Swim Ireland Teacher or Coach who hold minimum of a Level 2 qualification but preferably a Level 3
Application for Recognition of Prior Learning costs:
RPL Level 1 |
| €100 |
|
RPL Level 2 |
| €200 |
|
To find out more about equivalency and recognition of prior learning, contact

Sinead Gallagher
Education Support Officer
sineadgallagher@swimireland.ie
+353 1 6251120
Contact for queries in relation to Level 1, 2 and 3 teaching and coaching course registrations , Equivalency and RPL applications.