The UEFA Pro Licence is the highest coaching certification in European football. It’s mandatory for anyone wishing to manage a first team in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or any top-tier European league on a permanent basis.
This isn’t just another coaching qualification—it’s an elite leadership programme. While lower licences focus on practical coaching, the Pro Licence develops the strategic thinking, management skills, and leadership qualities required to create sustained success at the very top of the game. You’ll learn to lead multi-disciplinary staff, handle media pressure, manage player relationships, and build winning cultures within football organisations.
The coaches who complete this programme go on to manage in the Premier League, lead national teams, and shape the future of elite football. If that’s your ambition, the UEFA Pro Licence is your destination.
The UEFA Pro Licence goes beyond tactics to develop complete football leaders.
You’ll develop the leadership skills to provide clear strategic direction across all departments of a football club. Learn to manage multi-disciplinary teams, align staff toward common objectives, and create environments where sustained performance is possible.
Understand the unique pressures of top-level football management: media scrutiny, player agents, fan expectations, board relationships, and the constant demand for results. You’ll develop strategies for thriving in high-pressure situations and making effective decisions under pressure.
Learn to develop and implement a club’s technical policy and philosophy. You’ll understand how to create alignment between the first team, academy, and recruitment—building coherent long-term strategies rather than short-term fixes.
Working with professional players from different cultural backgrounds, ages, and experience levels requires sophisticated people skills. You’ll learn to manage star players, develop young talent, handle experienced professionals, and balance players’ professional and private lives.
At Pro Licence level, match preparation and analysis reach new depths. You’ll master advanced performance analytics, opponent analysis, and the strategic thinking required to gain competitive advantages at the elite level.
The UEFA Pro Licence is delivered over 18 months through seven intensive modules combining residential learning, independent study, and practical application.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months |
| Modules | 7 residential blocks at St George’s Park |
| Overseas Study Visit | 5-day international study trip |
| Coach Development Visits | Minimum 6 one-to-one support visits |
| Independent Study | Extensive self-directed learning between modules |
| Total Hours | 360+ hours of education |
The course combines face-to-face learning with the latest technology and facilities at St George’s Park, independent study periods, and minimum six one-to-one coach development visits to support your learning throughout the season.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months |
| Cost | Approximately £9,890 – £13,700 |
| Prerequisites | UEFA A Licence held for 12+ months |
| Experience Required | Full-time position in the professional game |
| Eligible Roles | Manager, Head Coach, Assistant Manager, First Team Coach, PDP Coach, or 5+ years as professional player |
| Delivery Location | St George’s Park + overseas study visit |
| Selection | Highly competitive with interview process |
The UEFA Pro Licence is exclusively for coaches working at the highest levels of the professional game. Meeting the prerequisites doesn’t guarantee a place—selection is highly competitive.
Eligible candidates include:
Priority is given to coaches:
Application requirements:
Without a UEFA Pro Licence, you cannot manage a first team in:
An unqualified caretaker manager can only take charge for 12 weeks before a Pro Licence holder must be appointed. This regulation makes the Pro Licence non-negotiable for anyone serious about top-level management.
The UEFA Pro Licence is the key that unlocks the highest positions in football.
Positions requiring Pro Licence:
Earning potential:
The Pro Licence also opens doors to international opportunities across all 55 UEFA member nations, with your qualification recognised throughout Europe.
You must hold a UEFA A Licence for at least 12 months before the course starts, with priority given to those holding the English FA’s A Award. You need a full-time position in the professional game as a Manager, Head Coach, Assistant Manager, First Team Coach, or in the Professional Development Phase. Former professional players with minimum 5 years’ experience may also be eligible.
The course costs approximately £9,890 to £13,700 depending on the specific programme and inclusions. This covers all residential modules, the overseas study visit, accommodation, meals, and learning materials. Most candidates at this level have costs covered by their employing club.
The programme runs over 18 months, delivered through seven residential modules at St George’s Park plus a 5-day overseas study visit. Between modules, you’ll complete independent study and receive minimum six one-to-one coach development visits to support application of learning in your role.
No. The Pro Licence is mandatory for permanent first team management in the Premier League and all top-tier European leagues. An unqualified caretaker can take charge for a maximum of 12 weeks, after which a Pro Licence holder must be appointed. This applies to Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League management too.
Extremely competitive. The FA receives far more applications than available places, and only candidates in full-time professional positions meeting all criteria are considered. The selection process includes a presentation and interview. Strong applications demonstrate clear career trajectory, club support, and genuine need for the qualification.
The UEFA A Licence is the highest practical coaching qualification, focused on elite player development and tactical coaching. The Pro Licence goes beyond practical coaching to develop leadership, management, and strategic skills. The A Licence prepares you to be an excellent coach; the Pro Licence prepares you to be a football manager and leader.
The Pro Licence represents years of dedication to coaching development. Here’s the typical pathway:
| Stage | Qualification | Minimum Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Introduction to Coaching Football} | 3-4 weeks |
| 2 | {UEFA C Licence} | 16-20 weeks |
| 3 | {UEFA B Licence} | 6-12 months + 12 months experience |
| 4 | {UEFA A Licence} | 12 months + 12 months experience |
| 5 | UEFA Pro Licence | 18 months |
Total minimum journey: 7-10 years from complete beginner to Pro Licence holder. This isn’t a sprint—it’s a career-long commitment to coaching excellence.
The UEFA Pro Licence is the ultimate destination for football coaches. If you’ve held your UEFA A Licence for at least 12 months, you’re working full-time in the professional game, and you’re ready to develop as a football leader—not just a coach—this is your pathway to the top.
Places are extremely limited. Express your interest early and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
