• Train Like a Champion. Teach Like a Professional.

    NWANA is the only continental governing body of Nordic Walking in North America.

    Our certification program was created by  elite international Nordic Walkers - World Championship winners, medalists, and top competitors of major international events.

    Only serious athletes understand the technical details of Nordic Walking that make the promised health and performance benefits actually work.

    Without that knowledge, instructors teach the form - but not the substance.

    • How NWANA Professional Education Works

      Every NWANA professional education pathway begins with the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification.

      This required introductory course establishes a common foundation in Nordic Walking technique, biomechanics, equipment, safety, and professional responsibility. Students must complete the course lessons, pass the Final Assessment, and successfully complete the required technique review.

      After completing the Beginner Level Certification, a student may request access to the next eligible course through the NWANA Academy.

      Advanced courses are not available for direct self-enrollment. NWANA reviews each student’s completed education, demonstrated technique, practical experience, and readiness before opening the next appropriate course.

      Professional education progresses step by step:

      Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification  
      Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 1 Certification  
      Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 2 Certification  
      Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 3 Certification

      Additional professional pathways, including coaching, competition judging, race directing, and competition technical officiating, become available only after the applicable prerequisites have been completed.

      Courses cannot be skipped, and completion of one course does not automatically provide access to every professional pathway. NWANA opens only the next course for which the student is eligible.

      Course certification and an active NWANA professional license are separate. After completing the required education, qualified applicants may complete the applicable license eligibility and activation process.

NWANA Academy Course Catalog

Introduction to Nordic Walking

Introduction to Nordic Walking is a free introductory course for anyone who wants to understand Nordic Walking and become familiar with the NWANA system.

Course Fee: Free

Enrollment Status: Open to Registered NWANA Academy Users

Introduction to Nordic Walking is a free orientation course for anyone who wants to understand what Nordic Walking is, how it differs from ordinary walking, why specialized poles and proper technique matter, and how Nordic Walking can be practiced for recreation, fitness, community participation, and competition.

The course provides participant-level information about basic equipment, safe participation, gradual progression, and the Nordic Walking opportunities available through NWANA.

Completing this course does not require or obligate the participant to join NWANA, obtain a license, enter a competition, join a group, volunteer, work for NWANA, or participate in any NWANA program or activity. The course is offered solely as an introduction to Nordic Walking.

This course does not provide an instructor, coach, judge, Race Director, or Competition Technical Official qualification. It does not award a professional NWANA certification or license and does not authorize the participant to teach, coach, certify others, officiate, organize official competitions, or officially represent NWANA.

Anyone who later chooses to begin an NWANA professional education pathway must separately complete the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification.

Nordic Walking Instructor - Beginner Level Certification

PayPalEnrolment on payment
Launch price: $95

Enrollment Status: Open for Enrollment

This introductory certification program prepares future Nordic Walking instructors to teach safe, effective, and technique-focused beginner sessions.
The course covers biomechanics, equipment selection, movement correction, training structure, and practical teaching skills required for working with new participants.

To earn your NWANA Certification:
1. Complete all course lessons.
2. Pass the Final Assessment with a score of 100%. Attempts are unlimited — the first 3 attempts have no waiting period; from the 4th attempt onward a 12-hour waiting period applies.
3. Submit short video clips (10–30 seconds each) demonstrating your Nordic Walking technique for review by NWANA.
4. Upon successful review of your video, NWANA will issue your digital certificate.

NWANA Safe Sport

NWANA Safe Sport introduces the participant-safety principles and standards expected within NWANA programs, groups, education, events, and competitions.

Course Fee: Free for Holders of an Active NWANA License

Enrollment Status: Available to Eligible NWANA License Holders

The course addresses:

  • participant safety and respectful conduct;

  • professional and personal boundaries;

  • prevention of harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct;

  • responsibilities when working with adults and minor participants;

  • recognition and reporting of safety concerns;

  • appropriate communication, supervision, transportation, and electronic interaction;

  • responding to alleged misconduct or immediate safety risks;

  • the responsibilities of instructors, coaches, officials, volunteers, group leaders, and event personnel;

  • NWANA reporting procedures and standards of conduct.

Completion of this course may be required for particular NWANA professional roles, appointments, programs, events, or activities involving minor participants.

NWANA Safe Sport is an NWANA educational course. It does not represent certification, authorization, or endorsement by the U.S. Center for SafeSport or any other outside organization unless expressly stated by that organization.

Access is not available through direct public self-enrollment. Eligible license holders receive access through NWANA.

Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 1 Certification

The Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 1 Certification is the first professional level of the NWANA Instructor Pathway.

The course builds on the foundational knowledge and technique introduced in the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification. It develops the instructional skills required to explain and demonstrate foundational Nordic Walking technique, structure introductory sessions, observe participant movement, identify common errors, and provide appropriate corrections.

Course Fee: $149

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of the Beginner Level Certification and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification, including the required assessment and technique review, is required before progressing to Instructor Level 1.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing the Beginner Level Certification, a student may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the student’s completed education, demonstrated technique, and readiness for the first professional instructor level. Eligible students will then receive access to the Instructor Level 1 course.

Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 2 Certification

The Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 2 Certification is the second professional level of the NWANA Instructor Pathway.

The course builds on the knowledge, technique, and instructional competencies developed through the Beginner Level Certification and Instructor Level 1. It prepares instructors for more advanced teaching responsibilities, including deeper technique analysis, correction of movement errors, structured participant progression, and work with individuals and groups at different levels of experience.

Course Fee: $199

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Instructor Level 1 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 1 Certification and appropriate practical instructional experience is required before progressing to Instructor Level 2.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Instructor Level 1 and gaining the required practical experience, an instructor may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the instructor’s completed education, demonstrated technique, instructional experience, and readiness for the next level. Eligible instructors will then receive access to the Instructor Level 2 course.

Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 3 Certification

The Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 3 Certification is the highest level of the NWANA instructor pathway. It is designed for experienced instructors who are ready to teach advanced Nordic Walking technique, analyze complex movement patterns, correct persistent technical errors, and work with participants requiring a higher level of instructional planning and individualization.

Course Fee: $249

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Level 2 and NWANA Approval

The course expands the instructor’s ability to evaluate technique, develop structured instructional progressions, lead advanced individual and group sessions, mentor developing instructors, and apply NWANA instructional standards across different teaching environments.

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 2 Certification and appropriate practical instructional experience is required before progressing to Level 3.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Level 2, an instructor may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the instructor’s completed education, demonstrated technique, practical instructional experience, and readiness for the next level. Eligible instructors will then receive access to the Level 3 course.

Nordic Walking Coach – Level 1 Certification

The Nordic Walking Coach – Level 1 Certification is the first professional level of the NWANA Coach Pathway.

It is designed for experienced Nordic Walking instructors who are ready to progress from teaching Nordic Walking technique to the structured development and preparation of athletes.

The course develops the foundational coaching competencies required to assess an athlete’s current level, plan structured training, develop technique under increasing training demands, monitor progress, and prepare athletes for participation in Nordic Walking competitions.

Course Fee: $249

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Instructor Level 3 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 3 Certification and appropriate practical instructional experience is required before entering the NWANA Coach Pathway.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Instructor Level 3 and gaining the required practical experience, an instructor may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to enter the Coach Pathway. NWANA will review the applicant’s completed education, demonstrated technique, instructional experience, and readiness for coaching education. Eligible applicants will then receive access to the Coach Level 1 course.

Nordic Walking Coach – Level 2 Certification

The Nordic Walking Coach – Level 2 Certification is the second professional level of the NWANA Coach Pathway.

It is designed for coaches who are ready to work with athletes through more advanced and individualized stages of technical, physical, and competitive development.

The course expands the coach’s ability to analyze Nordic Walking technique under different speeds, training loads, surfaces, terrain, and environmental conditions. It develops competencies in individual training planning, progression of workload, athlete monitoring, correction of performance-limiting technical errors, competition preparation, and post-performance evaluation.

Course Fee: $349

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Coach Level 1 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Coach – Level 1 Certification and appropriate practical coaching experience is required before progressing to Coach Level 2.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Coach Level 1 and gaining the required practical coaching experience, a coach may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the coach’s completed education, demonstrated technical knowledge, practical experience, and readiness for the next level. Eligible coaches will then receive access to the Coach Level 2 course.

Nordic Walking Coach – Level 3 Certification

The Nordic Walking Coach – Level 3 Certification is the highest professional level of the NWANA Coach Pathway.

It is designed for experienced coaches working toward advanced athlete development, high-performance preparation, long-term training management, and leadership within competitive Nordic Walking programs.

The course develops advanced competencies in long-term athlete planning, preparation across training and competition cycles, detailed performance analysis, management of training load and recovery, technical decision-making under competitive conditions, team preparation, and coordination with other professionals involved in athlete development.

Course Fee: $449

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Coach Level 2 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Coach – Level 2 Certification and appropriate advanced coaching experience is required before progressing to Coach Level 3.

This qualification may support coaches preparing to work with advanced athletes, representative teams, or national-team programs. Completion of the course does not itself appoint a coach to any national or representative team. Such appointments are made by the responsible national federation or other authorized sports organization.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Coach Level 2 and gaining the required practical coaching experience, a coach may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the coach’s completed education, demonstrated technical and coaching competencies, practical experience, and readiness for the highest level of the Coach Pathway. Eligible coaches will then receive access to the Coach Level 3 course.

Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 1 Certification

The Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 1 Certification is the first professional level of the NWANA Competition Judge Pathway. It introduces the responsibilities, technical knowledge, and decision-making principles required for judging Nordic Walking competitions within the NWANA competition system.

The course covers the application of competition rules, recognition of permitted and prohibited technique, observation of athletes at different speeds and from different positions, judge placement, warnings and penalties, documentation, communication with other officials, ethical conduct, and consistent decision-making.

Course Fee: $149

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Instructor Level 2 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Level 2 Certification and appropriate practical experience with Nordic Walking technique is required before entering the Competition Judge Pathway.

Completion of this course does not automatically authorize a person to judge every NWANA competition or serve in every judging position. Competition assignments depend on the judge’s active license, demonstrated competency, event level, and appointment by the responsible competition authority.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Instructor Level 2 and gaining the required practical experience, an instructor may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to enter the Competition Judge Pathway. NWANA will review the applicant’s completed education, demonstrated technique, practical experience, and readiness for judge education. Eligible applicants will then receive access to the Competition Judge Level 1 course.

Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 2 Certification

The Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 2 Certification is the second professional level of the NWANA Competition Judge Pathway.

It is designed for qualified Level 1 judges who are ready to evaluate more advanced athletes, work in additional judging positions, and officiate at higher-level Nordic Walking competitions.

The course develops advanced observation and decision-making skills, including evaluation of technique at higher speeds, recognition of violations under changing race conditions, coordinated work within a judging panel, consistent application of warnings and penalties, preparation of official documentation, incident review, and communication with the Chief Judge and other competition officials.

Course Fee: $199

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Competition Judge Level 1 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 1 Certification and appropriate practical judging experience is required before progressing to Competition Judge Level 2.

Completion of this course does not automatically authorize a judge to serve in every position or at every level of competition. Assignments depend on the judge’s active license, demonstrated competency, practical experience, event level, and appointment by the responsible competition authority.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Competition Judge Level 1 and gaining the required practical judging experience, a judge may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the judge’s completed education, officiating record, technical decisions, practical experience, and readiness for the next level. Eligible judges will then receive access to the Competition Judge Level 2 course.

Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 3 Certification

The Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 3 Certification is the highest professional level of the NWANA Competition Judge Pathway.

It is designed for experienced judges preparing for senior judging responsibilities, leadership within judging panels, and officiating at major Nordic Walking competitions.

The course develops advanced competencies in the interpretation and consistent application of competition rules, evaluation of complex technical situations, coordination of judging zones and personnel, review of warnings and penalties, preparation of official judging reports, management of judge communications, mentoring of developing judges, and leadership under demanding competition conditions.

Course Fee: $249

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of Competition Judge Level 2 and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Competition Judge – Level 2 Certification and appropriate advanced judging experience is required before progressing to Competition Judge Level 3.

This qualification may support eligibility for senior judging assignments and judging-panel leadership. Completion of the course does not automatically appoint a person as Chief Judge or authorize officiating at every competition. Appointments depend on the judge’s active license, demonstrated competency, officiating record, event requirements, and selection by the responsible competition authority.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing Competition Judge Level 2 and gaining the required advanced judging experience, a judge may submit a request through the NWANA Academy to continue. NWANA will review the judge’s completed education, officiating record, decision-making, practical experience, and readiness for the highest level of the Competition Judge Pathway. Eligible judges will then receive access to the Competition Judge Level 3 course.

Nordic Walking Competition Technical Official Certification

The Nordic Walking Competition Technical Official Certification prepares qualified professionals to support the technical preparation, inspection, coordination, and operation of Nordic Walking competitions conducted within the NWANA system.

Course Fee: $249

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of the Required Prerequisites and NWANA Approval

The course addresses the technical requirements that connect competition rules with the physical and operational organization of an event. It prepares participants to work alongside Race Directors, Competition Judges, timing and results personnel, course personnel, safety teams, volunteers, and other event officials.

The course covers:

  • application of NWANA competition and sanctioning requirements;

  • technical review of competition venues and courses;

  • course layout, marking, checkpoints, start and finish areas, and athlete flow;

  • inspection of competition facilities, equipment, and operational systems;

  • coordination with Race Directors, Competition Judges, timing and results personnel, and safety teams;

  • technical briefings, competition documentation, and reporting;

  • identification and resolution of technical or operational issues;

  • preparation for stadium, road, cross-country, and relay competitions.

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification is required before entering this professional pathway. Applicants must also demonstrate appropriate competition, event operations, officiating, or related technical experience.

This course is not available for direct self-enrollment. Applicants may submit a request through the NWANA Academy. NWANA will review the applicant’s completed education, relevant experience, technical knowledge, intended role, and readiness for the course. Eligible applicants will receive access manually.

Completion of this course does not replace the separate responsibilities or qualifications of a Competition Judge or Race Director and does not automatically appoint the graduate to an event. Technical Official assignments depend on demonstrated competence, the requirements of the competition, and appointment by NWANA or another responsible organizing or sanctioning authority.

Nordic Walking Race Director Certification

The Nordic Walking Race Director Certification prepares qualified applicants for the operational, safety, administrative, and competition-management responsibilities involved in organizing Nordic Walking events.

The course covers event planning, venue evaluation, competition-course logistics, permits and coordination with property owners or public authorities, budgeting, registration, participant communications, staffing and volunteers, coordination with judges and technical officials, timing and results, safety planning, emergency procedures, contingency planning, event documentation, and the NWANA sanctioning process.

Course Fee: $249

Enrollment Status: Available After Completion of the Beginner Level Certification and NWANA Approval

Completion of the Nordic Walking Instructor – Beginner Level Certification and appropriate organizational or event experience is required before entering the NWANA Race Director course.

Completion of this course does not automatically sanction an event, authorize use of the NWANA name, or appoint the graduate as Race Director for a particular competition. Each event, appointment, and sanctioning application is reviewed separately under the applicable NWANA requirements.

Why Direct Enrollment Is Not Available

This course is part of NWANA’s step-by-step professional education pathway and is not available for direct self-enrollment.

After completing the Beginner Level Certification, an applicant may submit a request through the NWANA Academy. NWANA will review the applicant’s completed education, relevant organizational or event experience, intended role, and readiness for Race Director education. Eligible applicants will then receive access to the Race Director course.