The World Para Powerlifting Technical Official Certification Pathway is the model for course delivery.

The Pathway has four (4) stages of development in which participants develop their skills and expertise within the courses and over time through experience. The structure and nature of each course builds upon its predecessor. The pathway overview describes the key differences between the courses.

New to this Role and Para Powerlifting? Take the no cost, self-study Level 4 Course to get started.

Course image Technical Official Level 4 Certification
Technical Official
Type: Self-study
Framework Stage: Foundation
Study Hours: 12

The Level 4 Certification Course is the “foundation” stage of officiating and is targeted towards people interested in becoming involved in the sport as a Technical Official at the local and national level.

The Course focuses on introducing the Technical Rules and Regulations as well as the roles, responsibilities and skills of the Technical Officials with a focus at the local context (e.g., combined Bodyweight Categories, the Coefficient Formula).

The Level 4 Certification is not an Official Certification; the Certificate is awarded solely in recognition of the completion of the course on the Learning Hub. It does not confer any additional rights in relation to a status as a World Para Powerlifting Technical Official or any other position.

Course image Technical Official Level 3 Certification
Technical Official
Type: Instructor-led
Framework Stage: Talent
Study Hours: 18

The Level 3 Certification Course is the “talent” stage of officiating and is targeted towards people interested in becoming involved in the sport as a Technical Official at the national and international level at Recognised Competitions.

The Course focuses on growing a participant’s knowledge of the Technical Rules and Regulations as well as the roles, responsibilities and skills of the Technical Officials with a focus at the national (e.g., Refereeing, Marshall, etc.) and international context.

Course image Technical Official Level 2 Certification
Technical Official
Type: Instructor-led
Framework Stage: Elite
Study Hours: 24

The Level 2 Certification Course is the “elite” stage of officiating and is targeted towards Technical Officials with advanced experience and knowledge in the sport who are interested in further developing themselves and contributing at the national and international level at Recognised Competitions.

The Course focuses on advancing a participant’s knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and skills of the Technical Officials with a focus on the national (e.g., Technical Delegate) and international context (e.g., Refereeing, Marshall, Team Events, Scoring Systems, Jury, etc.).

Course image Technical Official Hub
Technical Official
After completing course: Technical Official Level 3 Certification
After completing course: Technical Official Recertification 2022-2024
Framework Stage: All

The Technical Official Hub is a “community of practice” for certified technical officials for continued professional development, exchange of knowledge and ongoing communications.

Course image Technical Official Recertification 2022-2024
Technical Official
Type: Instructor-led
Framework Stage: All
Study Hours: 18

The Technical Official Recertification Course is for participants with previous certifications to update their skills and knowledge as a Technical Officials and verify their understanding of the new Rules and Regulations for the 2022 to 2024 cycle.

Course image Technical Official Recertification 2025-2028
Technical Official
Enrolment on payment
Type: Instructor-led
Framework Stage: All
Study Hours: 24

The Technical Official Recertification Course is for participants with previous certifications to update their skills and knowledge as a Technical Official and verify their understanding of the new Rules and Regulations for the 2025 to 2028 cycle.