The USPTA specialist program provides education and certification opportunities to those who specialize in certain areas of the tennis-teaching profession. The USPTA administers most specialist programs so that once applicants fulfill the criteria, they do not have to travel to a testing site to obtain the specialist degree they seek. Instead, applicants demonstrate their command of the specialization subject through additional documentation submitted for panel review.

The specialist program was designed to:

  • Create a market demand for USPTA-certified Professionals by promoting the benefits of hiring specialists to owners, managers, and others who employ tennis-teaching professionals.
  • Offer continuing education to USPTA members who seek to improve their skills and their competencies throughout their careers.
  • Provide measurable opportunities for the best USPTA Professionals to demonstrate their skills, allowing them the prestige of being recognized as among the most elite in their chosen profession.

Competitive Player Development

In cooperation with USTA Coaching Education Department

USPTA-certified teaching professionals who specialize in developing players who compete or will compete at the highest levels of tennis now can be recognized for their expertise by gaining certification as a Specialist in Competitive Player Development.

To earn the specialist credential, teaching professionals must successfully complete the USTA High Performance Coaching Program curriculum administered by the USTA Coaching Education Department.

Professionals committed to developing competitive players play a vital role in the future of professional tennis and in the lives of the players they teach. This specialist program, like those already in place and being added, offers USPTA members a significant educational experience and an opportunity to distinguish themselves as true specialists.

To apply, you must be rated USPTA Professional or higher.

Interested professionals should call USPTA’s Education Department at 800-877-8248, ext. 147 or email education@uspta.org or USTA’s Jessica Battaglia at battaglia@usta.com or 561-962-6406.

Application and packet

Facility Management

The Specialist in Facility Management degree is designed to:

  • Create a market demand for USPTA-certified Professionals with owners, managers, and other employers.
  • Evaluate the business skills required for a tennis-teaching professional to effectively manage a tennis facility.
  • Enhance the teaching professional's business knowledge to more efficiently market the professional.
  • Provide measurable opportunities for USPTA Professionals who possess managerial skills to earn recognition and excel at their profession.

The USPTA Specialist in Facility Management degree is available to qualified professionals who meet all the prerequisites and competencies.

Application and packet

Pro Shop Operations

The Specialist in Pro Shop Operations is designed to:

  • Create a market demand for tennis-teaching professionals who can bolster the financial health of a tennis business through sound retail business practices.
  • Provide continuing education to professionals who seek to further their careers by emphasizing retail opportunities.
  • Recognize professionals with the greatest competency in this area.
  • Increase the profitability of tennis retail businesses for the betterment of tennis professionals and the tennis industry.

The USPTA Specialist in Pro Shop Operations degree is available to qualified professionals who meet all the prerequisites and competencies.

Application and packet

Tennis Fitness

The Specialist in Tennis Fitness degree is designed to:

  • Increase the tennis professional’s knowledge about training, rest and recovery, nutrition, injuries and injury prevention
  • Recognize professionals with the greatest competency in this area
  • Standardize fitness terms for consistent education and coaching
  • Provide reading and video assignments, as well as case studies and analysis to develop a deep understanding of practical applications

The USPTA Specialist in Pro Shop Operations degree is available to qualified professionals who meet all the prerequisites and competencies.

Application and packet

Wheelchair Tennis

The Specialist in Wheelchair Tennis degree is designed to:

  • Create a market demand for USPTA-certified Professionals with consumers, owners, managers, and other employers.
  • Provide the tennis-teaching professional with the skills required to teach wheelchair players and other special populations.
  • Enhance the professional's knowledge of teaching through continuing education and specialized training.
  • Provide measurable opportunities for USPTA Professionals to earn recognition in a specialized area.

The USPTA Specialist in Wheelchair Tennis degree is available to qualified professionals who meet all the prerequisites and competencies.

Application and packet