Get Your CrossFit Level 2: Why & How

To open a CrossFit affiliate, the gym owner must obtain a CrossFit Level 1 certificate. This signifies that they understand CrossFit methodology and have passed assessments to be able to coach CrossFit. Past the Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1), many people don’t realize that CrossFit offers additional courses and certifications. The intermediate course after the Level 1 course is the CrossFit Level 2 certificate. 

What is CrossFit Level 2?

CrossFit Level 2 (CF-L2) is an intermediate distinction that means a coach has advanced knowledge of CrossFit methodology and implementation. To become a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, a participant must attend a two-day course and pass an exam.

Difference Between CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2

Level 1 (CF-L1) is the introductory education course for CrossFit. It goes over the basic movements and methodology of CrossFit. There are no prerequisites to attend the course and receive the CF-L1 credentials. 

Level 2 (CF-L2) is the intermediate CrossFit course that builds on the information learned in the Level 1 course. In addition to reinforcing the CrossFit methodology and movements, Level 2 focuses on coaching. You must have a current and valid Level 1 certificate to attend the Level 2 course.

Who Should Get a CrossFit Level 2 Certificate?

The CrossFit Level 2 course is ideal for gym owners and coaches who want to further their education. The course reinforces the methodology of CrossFit and focuses on coaching and implementation. 

The Level 1 certificate is valid for 5 years. At that point, trainers need to decide if they want to revalidate their Level 1 certificate or move up to a Level 2 certificate. It only costs $150 more to attend the Level 2 course than to revalidate a Level 1 certificate, so many coaches make the promotion at that time. 

Oftentimes, gyms want their managers, head coaches, or programming coaches to have their CrossFit Level 2 certificates. So, obtaining your CF-L2 can be helpful when looking for jobs or promotions.

CrossFit Level 2 Certificate Prerequisites and Preparation

To attend the Level 2 course and receive the CrossFit Level 2 Certificate, participants must have a current and valid CrossFit Level 1 Certificate. Additionally, participants must have no violations of the Code of Conduct or the CrossFit Trainer License Agreement. 

To prepare for the Level 2 course, you should read the Level 2 Certificate Course Participant Handbook and the CrossFit Level 2 Training Guide and Workbook. Both documents are available on the CrossFit website. 

CrossFit also recommends that Level 1 Trainers have spent at least 50 hours coaching CrossFit before pursuing their Level 2 Certificate. There are also several continuing education courses, including lesson planning, scaling, and spot the flaw, available on the CrossFit website to prepare coaches for the Level 2 course. 

Level 2 Course and Exam

The CrossFit Level 2 Course is a two-day program. The classes run from 9:30 am – 5 pm each day. The course is offered at gyms around the world throughout the year. The course schedule is available on the CrossFit website. 

It costs $1,150 to attend the CrossFit Level 2 Course. If you are revalidating your current CF-L2 credential, the course costs $1,000. 

The course consists of classroom, small group, and one-on-one instruction. There are also workouts, of course. 

To pass the CrossFit Level 2 Course, participants must attend all lectures, workouts, and practical sessions. After the two-day course, participants have 30 days to complete an online assessment. Furthermore, participants must agree to all policies in the Level 2 Participant Handbook, the Waiver & Release of Liability, and the Confidentiality Agreement. Course fees must also be paid before a certificate will be awarded. 

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer Salary

CrossFit Level 1 Trainers make an average rate of $10-20 per hour. In comparison, CrossFit Level 2 Trainers typically make between $20-25 per hour. 

In the fitness industry, salaries vary wildly based on the location and type of gym. CrossFit trainers are typically paid per class or hour, as opposed to an annual salary. Most gyms offer their coaches the opportunity to make additional income through membership commissions and personal training. 

Since Level 2 Trainers are more likely to be the head coach or take charge of the gym’s programming, there are opportunities for higher hourly rates. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to do any specific preparation before completing the CrossFit Level 2 Course?

The only requirement to participate in the CrossFit Level 2 Course is having a current CrossFit Level 1 Certificate. In terms of preparation, participants should study the CrossFit Level 2 Training Guide and Workbook. Participants should also have experience coaching CrossFit.

How long does a CrossFit Level 2 Certificate last?

A CrossFit Level 2 Certificate is valid for 5 years as long as the holder remains in good standing with CrossFit. At the point of expiration, the Level 2 Trainer can either revalidate their Level 2 Certificate or move up to the Level 3/Certified CrossFit Trainer credential. 

What is the highest level of CrossFit certification?

The highest level of certification within CrossFit is Level 4. This credential program has ended and will be replaced with Certified CrossFit Coach credential in the future. The highest certification currently available is the Level 3/Certified CrossFit Trainer. 

What other courses does CrossFit offer?

CrossFit offers a Level 1 Certificate, an Online Level 1 Certificate, a Level 2 Certificate, and an Online CrossFit Kids course. Additionally, coaches can obtain the Certified CrossFit Coach/Level 3 credential through an online assessment. 

What credential is required to open a CrossFit Affiliate?

The owner of a new CrossFit Affiliate must have a current and valid CrossFit Level 1 Certificate or higher. Additionally, all CrossFit trainers should have at least a CrossFit Level 1 Certificate. However, apprentice trainers or potential trainers may coach under the leadership of a Level 1 Trainer before receiving their certificate.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to continue your CrossFit education, it is a great idea to get your Level 2 Certificate. The Level 2 Course only costs $150 more than revalidating a Level 1 Certificate. For just a little bit more money, a coach can receive a higher credential, further education and more marketable skills. Oftentimes, gyms look to Level 2 Trainers for leadership positions, like a head coach and programming manager.