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Y-USA Leadership Certifications and Learning & Career Development Center (LCDC) FAQs

Leadership Certification is a credentialing process specific to the Y. It supports the development of Cause-Driven Leadership® and allows you to demonstrate your abilities, experience, and commitment to personal and professional growth. There are four levels of certification: Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team Leader, and Organizational Leader.

Leadership Certification delivers benefits to both Y staff interested in developing personally and professionally, as well as YMCAs working to build capacity and meet the ever-changing needs of their communities. Learn more about Leadership Certification on LINK and find some common FAQs below.

Did you know? YMCA staff who attain a leadership certification within their first 5 years of employment have an 75% retention rate. Staff who do not earn a certification have a retention rate of only 25%.

Building Cause Driven Leaders at all levels
How do I access LCDC?

You can access LCDC through your LINK homepage or by going directly to https://lcdc.yexchange.org/.

What classes do I need for each certification?

You can find the classes needed for each certification on Link, LCDC, or by viewing the learning plans:

I've taken some classes, how do I know what classes I still need to complete my certification?

Log into LCDC and go to My Learning> Certification Status>  View Progress. The “View Progress” tab will allow users to choose which certification they are trying to achieve and then what classes they have completed or need to take. You can also click here for direct access.

Please note that Y-USA will be retiring the old Team Leader track (General v1.1) and will moving towards using the Team Leader Experience Track.  Similarly, Y-USA will be releasing a new version of the Multi-Team Leader track soon. For now, everyone should still follow General v1.1.

How do I find a class to take?

Find posted classes (both in-person and virtual) on LCDC by going to Catalog & Schedule>Search for Class Availability.

I need to take my Competency Assessment to complete my certification. Where do I find it?

Log in to LCDC and at the top of the page click My Learnings>Tests and Assessments and then find the appropriate test.

How do I know when my certification will expire and how do I get recertified?

Your transcript on LCDC will list your certifications as well as their expiration dates. You can enter recertification credits in LCDC by clicking "Enter Recertification Credits" on the left-hand side. To read more about what can be entered, check out the Recertification Guide. 

How do I upload outside licenses in LCDC?

To submit your current licenses in the LCDC, log in and navigate to:

My Records > Online Applications & Uploads > Submit Outside License.

Licenses are approved Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Central time. Licenses are approved within 24 hours of submission, excluding weekends.

Learn more about what licenses will be accepted on pay 9-10 in the Managing Aquatics Courses in LCDC guide in Link.