The IOC Certificate in Prescribing and Drug Management in Sport for Physicians is open only to physicians. To be eligible to do the program, participants must hold a medical degree and be registered to legally practice and prescribe as a physician in their country of practice. Participation in or completion of this program does not confer prescribing rights where these have not already been awarded by the participant’s professional or regulatory body in their country of practice.

The IOC Certificate in Prescribing and Drug Management in Sport for Physicians is awarded by the International Olympic Committee (www.olympic.org), as part of the program of activities of the IOC Health, Medicine and Science Commission. The Certificate program operates under the academic oversight of an international Academic Advisory Board. The members of this Advisory Board advise on the academic standards of the IOC Certificate, including suitability of applicants, quality assurance of course content, and the moderation of student assessment. More details about the Advisory Board Members can be found on the “Advisory Board” webpage of this IOC Certificate website.

The Health, Medicine and Science Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognised the importance of evidence-based prescribing for the health and wellbeing of athletes. As part of its commitment to supporting the health and performance of athletes and to the continuing professional development of those who care for them, the IOC Health, Medicine and Science Commission offers this program on Prescribing and Drug Management in Sport for Physicians.

The workload for the whole IOC Certificate program has a nominal teaching and learning load of approximately 72 hours, spread ideally over three to six months. However, students may sign up and begin at any time and take as long as they need to complete it. It is important to realise that the time it takes to watch the lectures, read the set literature, and to prepare the final assessment will vary greatly between individuals. Some people will be able to achieve a satisfactory performance with a considerably smaller investment of time, but others may need to – or may choose to – invest more. Although the Certificate program is completed ideally over three to six months, students have considerable flexibility as to how they choose to distribute the workload over time. Those wishing to qualify for the IOC Certificate must take the examination within 12 months from the date of their enrolment on the program.

Lectures in the form of computer-based presentations by leading international experts consist of a PowerPoint presentation with associated video and audio track. Lecture material is supplemented by a program of directed study, including review papers, original research publications, and textbooks. Additional materials are posted on the program website.

The International Olympic Committee Certificate and Diploma programs have achieved widespread, worldwide recognition reflective of thorough, high-quality training.

The Certificate program includes contributions from the Program Directors and international experts all of whom are recognised as world leaders in their fields and all have extensive practical experience. Faculty have been selected not only for their expertise but also for their ability to present information in a clear and accessible way.

All resources needed for completion of the program are provided without further financial commitment. This includes not only the online lectures but also a portfolio of reading material that includes full online access to the British Journal of Sports Medicine for a period of 12 months.

No, the fee is due in one upfront payment.

Participation in or completion of this program does not confer prescribing rights where these have not already been awarded by the participant’s professional or regulatory body in their country of practice.