Level 1 is an easy and interesting way to learn the basics of golf. This level focuses on the game’s etiquette, key definitions, and the most common situations in the field. As part of the Level 1 program, students can put their knowledge to the test by answering summary questions at the end of each section, before tackling the Level 1 online certification exam.

CLICK HERE to begin Level 1

Please note when you register to participate in the R&A Rules Academy through the Academy’s R&D Rules website, your contact information and other relevant information, including exam results, will be shared with Golf Canada. Golf Canada reserves the right to use this information to communicate with you about rules training, golf education, volunteer opportunities and golf events. We will use this information to promote and develop golf in Canada. For more information on how we can use and protect your personal information, please see our privacy policy by clicking here.

Level 2 seminars are conducted by the provincial golf associations (PA), and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Rules of Golf book or the Official Guide on the Rules of Golf are introduced along while also implementing on-course demonstrations. The Provincial level is designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.

Eligibility:

• Level 1 certified (online)

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

• Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by the Provincial Association
• Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
• Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

The Level 2 Tournament Work Record online form can be found HERE.

Tournament Work Record submission is to be done by October 31, or upon completion of requirements.

For National accompanying opportunities in your area, please see the Golf Canada Competitions schedule or contact your Provincial Association for more information.

The Level 3 Rules education program consists of an eight-week online seminar run by Golf Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest level. This program is intended for experienced Referees who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a referee.

Eligibility:

• Provincial level certification (written and practical components completed)

Requirements to be Nationally Certified:

• Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
• Complete 100 hours of on-course experience as a Referee
• Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

The Level 3 Tournament Work Record online form can be found HERE.

Tournament Work Record submission is to be done by October 31, or upon completion of requirements.

Golf Canada will conduct an 8-week Level 3 Rules Webinar in January and February 2025. The program will consist of a weekly 2-hour session which will take a deep dive into each individual rule, including Clarifications and Committee Procedures.

Each session will consist of a presentation from instructors, interactive quizzes, questions, explanation of rulings using videos and pictures will be used to help the participants understand the specifics of each Rule.

Additionally, two mock exams will be available as part of the eight-week program to help participants prepare for the R&A online exam format before writing on March 4th, 5th, or 6th.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Fully Certified Level 2 and all Level 3 Referees may attend these seminars. Those who have obtained a minimum of 75% on the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf (100 question) Exam between 2021-2024 are also eligible to participate.

• Cost: $200 – includes the cost of writing the Level 3 exam.
• Registration fee includes both a 2023 Rules of Golf and Officials Guide

Please click here to register and for more info, including a list of topics and instructors for each session.

The Level 3 Exam will be written online in 2025.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Referees who are registered to write the Level 3 Rules of Golf Exam must fall under one of the below criteria:

• Fully Certified at Level 2 with a passing Exam score of 80%
• Previously attempted to write the Level 3 Exam
• Have passed an equivalent Level 3 Exam (R&A or USGA)

Cost: $100 / person

Click here to register for the 2025 Rules of Golf exam.

Online Schedule

The exam may be written online on any of the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 4th
• Wednesday, March 5th
• Thursday, March 6th

*Please note that Golf Canada online/IT support will be available on Tuesday, March 4th ONLY between 9:00am – 9:00pm EST.

A passing grade for the Level 3 Exam is 80%.  Anyone who achieves this mark will be certified for four (4) years.

If a Referee writes the Level 3 Exam before their certification is expired and does not meet the passing grade, this does not affect their current certification.

Golf Canada’s Referee Schools are regional workshops for Provincial and National Certified referees of all experience levels who wish to attend. Referees will receive hands-on experience to learn the duties of a Tournament Rules Chair by setting up a championship course.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Certified Level 2  or Level 3 Referees, PGA of Canada members and Provincial Association staff can attend these in-person seminars.

Cost: $300/person (includes food & beverage throughout the event)

Please click here to register and for more info, including a list of topics and instructors for each workshop.

Schedule