What Is the Trackman Level 2 Certification?

In the modern era of golf instruction and club fitting, guessing is no longer acceptable. The Trackman Level 2 Certification represents a gold standard in the golf industry for understanding and applying dual-radar launch monitor data. Governed and administered by Trackman University (the educational arm of Trackman A/S), this certification proves that a golf professional has moved beyond the basics of turning on a machine and reading numbers.

While the Level 1 certification introduces you to the fundamental definitions of Trackman parameters (like Club Path, Face Angle, and Attack Angle), the Level 2 Certification dives deeply into the physics of ball flight. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the D-Plane, gear effect, spin loft, and how these variables interact at the moment of impact to create a specific shot shape and trajectory.

The industry significance of the Trackman Level 2 Certification cannot be overstated. From PGA Tour coaches to high-end bespoke club fitters, possessing this credential signals to clients and employers that you possess an elite, scientifically sound understanding of golf swing mechanics. It bridges the gap between traditional, visual-based teaching methods and modern, data-driven performance analysis.

Who Should Take the Trackman Level 2 Certification?

The Trackman Level 2 Certification is not designed for the casual weekend golfer, though highly analytical amateurs certainly can and do take it. It is specifically formulated for professionals and aspiring professionals whose livelihoods depend on accurate golf instruction, player development, and equipment fitting. The primary target audiences include:

• PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals: Instructors looking to validate their knowledge of ball flight laws and provide data-backed lesson plans to their students.
• Professional Club Fitters: Fitters working at independent studios, big-box retailers, or green-grass facilities who need to understand how changing equipment alters dynamic loft, spin loft, and impact location.
• Collegiate and High School Golf Coaches: Coaches managing team practices in indoor simulator environments or utilizing launch monitors on the driving range to optimize player performance.
• Touring Professionals’ Support Teams: Caddies, biomechanists, and performance coaches who need to interpret Trackman data accurately during practice rounds and tournament preparation.
• Simulator Technicians and Facility Managers: Individuals running indoor golf centers who need to troubleshoot data anomalies, explain numbers to customers, and ensure equipment is properly calibrated.

If you are currently enrolled in the PGA of America Professional Golf Management Program, obtaining your Trackman Level 2 Certification is an excellent supplementary credential that will instantly elevate your resume during your job search.

Exam Format & Structure

Understanding the structure of the Trackman Level 2 Certification exam is crucial for effective preparation. Unlike traditional, proctored board exams, the Trackman assessments are administered entirely online through the Trackman University portal.

Here are the primary details regarding the exam format:

• Delivery Method: Online, computer-based testing via the Trackman University Learning Management System (LMS).
• Question Format: Multiple-choice and true/false questions. Many questions are scenario-based (e.g., “Given a Club Path of +4.0 and a Face Angle of +2.0, what will the resulting ball flight be assuming a center strike?”).
• Number of Questions: The exam typically consists of 40 to 50 questions, though Trackman periodically updates the exam bank. Candidates should verify the exact number upon enrollment.
• Time Limit: The exam is generally untimed, allowing candidates to carefully calculate D-Plane scenarios and review their notes. However, it must be completed in a single session once started.
• Passing Score: Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 80% to pass the exam and earn the certification.
• Adaptive or Fixed: The exam is fixed, meaning it does not adapt to your previous answers. Everyone receives a standardized set of questions drawn from the master database.
• Open Book Policy: Because it is an unproctored online exam, candidates technically have access to their notes and Trackman manuals. However, the scenario-based nature of the questions means you cannot simply “Google” the answers; you must genuinely understand the physics to calculate the correct outcomes.

Where and How to Register for the Trackman Level 2 Certification

Registration for the Trackman Level 2 Certification is a straightforward, digital process. Because the entire curriculum and exam are hosted online, there is no need to travel to a physical testing center like Prometric or Pearson VUE.

1. Create a Trackman University Account: Visit the official Trackman University website and sign up for a free account.
2. Complete Level 1: Before you can register for Level 2, the system requires you to successfully complete the Level 1 learning track and pass the Level 1 exam.
3. Enroll in the Level 2 Track: Once Level 1 is cleared, navigate to the “Certifications” or “Learning Tracks” section of your dashboard and select the Level 2 Certification.
4. Consume the Content: You will be granted access to a series of high-quality video modules, presentations, and downloadable PDF manuals.
5. Take the Exam: When you feel prepared, you can launch the exam directly from your browser. There is no need to schedule a specific date or time; it is available on-demand 24/7.

Note: While the exam itself is online, Trackman also hosts physical workshops around the world. Attending a live workshop is an excellent way to prepare, though it is not strictly required to take the online exam.

Exam Fees & Costs

One of the most attractive aspects of the Trackman Level 2 Certification is its accessibility regarding cost. Historically, Trackman has used its educational platform to elevate the standard of the entire industry rather than using it purely as a profit center.

• Online Registration Fee: Access to the online Trackman University portal, including the Level 1 and Level 2 study materials and exams, is generally free of charge for anyone who creates an account.
• Trackman Facility Subscriptions: While the online education is free, utilizing a physical Trackman unit to practice and test your knowledge requires access to the hardware. If you do not own a unit, you may need to rent bay time at a local indoor facility, which can range from $40 to $80 per hour.
• Live Workshop Fees: If you choose to attend an in-person Trackman University Workshop (which highly supplements the online material), tickets typically range from $150 to $300, depending on the location and the presenters.
• Retake Fees: There are no fees associated with retaking the online exam if you fail.

Disclaimer: Pricing and access policies are subject to change by Trackman A/S. Always verify the current fee structure directly on the official Trackman University site.

Eligibility Requirements & Prerequisites

Trackman has designed its educational pathway to be progressive. You cannot jump straight into the advanced physics of Level 2 without proving you understand the foundational vocabulary.

The Core Prerequisite:
You must hold an active Trackman Level 1 Certification. The LMS portal will physically lock you out of the Level 2 exam until the Level 1 exam is passed with an 80% or higher.

Other Requirements:

• Education: There are no formal college degree or high school diploma requirements.
• Work Experience: You do not need to be an active PGA professional or have prior teaching experience, though practical experience makes the theoretical concepts much easier to grasp.
• Equipment Ownership: You are not required to own a Trackman launch monitor (which cost upwards of $20,000+) to take the certification. The knowledge is theoretical and universally applicable to golf physics.

What Does the Trackman Level 2 Certification Cover?

The content of the Trackman Level 2 Certification is where the true value lies. The curriculum shifts away from basic definitions and moves heavily into the interplay between different data parameters. To pass the exam, you must master the following domains:

1. The D-Plane (Descriptive Plane)

This is the foundation of modern ball flight laws. You will be tested on how the 3D orientation of the clubface (Face Angle) and the 3D direction the clubhead is moving (Club Path) intersect to create the D-Plane. You must understand that the ball will launch predominantly in the direction of the Face Angle (about 75-85% for irons and woods) and curve away from the Club Path.

2. Spin Loft & Smash Factor

Spin Loft is the 3D angle between the Dynamic Loft and the Attack Angle. The exam covers how Spin Loft is the primary driver of Spin Rate and how it directly affects Smash Factor (energy transfer). You will need to calculate how changing a player’s Attack Angle while keeping Dynamic Loft constant will alter their Spin Loft and, consequently, their distance.

3. Gear Effect

Understanding off-center strikes is critical. The exam extensively covers horizontal and vertical gear effect. For example, if a player strikes the ball on the toe of a driver, the center of gravity pushes the clubface open, but the gear effect imparts draw spin (tilts the spin axis to the left for a right-handed golfer). You must be able to diagnose impact location purely by looking at anomalous Trackman data (e.g., a path that is in-to-out, a face that is open, but a ball that hooks).

4. Bounce and Roll Out

The curriculum covers what happens after the ball lands. You will study Landing Angle, Spin Rate, and how they dictate the bounce and roll of the golf ball. This is highly applicable for optimizing driver distance and iron stopping power.

5. Putting Parameters (If Applicable)

With the advent of Trackman 4 and its putting capabilities, recent iterations of Trackman education include putting data. You should be familiar with Skid Distance, Roll Percentage, and how slight variations in Face Angle at impact dramatically affect a putt’s outcome.

Study Materials & Preparation Tips

Preparing for the Trackman Level 2 Certification requires more than just passive listening. You must actively engage with the physics of the golf swing. Here is a recommended approach to studying:

Official Study Materials

• Trackman University Videos: Watch every video in the Level 2 learning track. Take handwritten notes on the formulas and relationships between parameters.
• Trackman Fundamentals Manual: Download the official PDF manual provided in the portal. It serves as your primary textbook.
• Trackman White Papers: Read Trackman’s published white papers, particularly “The Secret of the Straight Flight” and their deep dives into the D-Plane.

A 3-Week Study Plan

1. Week 1: Master the D-Plane. Focus entirely on Face Angle, Club Path, Face-to-Path, and Spin Axis. Draw diagrams. Create flashcards with hypothetical numbers (e.g., Path +3, Face +1) and predict the ball flight.
2. Week 2: Vertical Parameters & Energy Transfer. Study Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, Spin Loft, and Smash Factor. Understand the mathematical relationship between these four points. Learn how to optimize a driver for maximum distance based on clubhead speed.
3. Week 3: Gear Effect & Practical Application. Study toe/heel and high/low strikes. Review all your notes. If possible, rent an hour on a Trackman simulator. Hit shots intentionally off the toe and heel, and watch how the Spin Axis data contradicts the Face-to-Path data due to gear effect.

Expert Tip from Golf Pro Exam: Do not rely on rote memorization. The exam will test your ability to synthesize information. If you memorize that “toe hits hook,” you will fail a question that asks why the spin axis tilted left despite an open face angle.

Retake Policy & What Happens If You Fail

Because the Trackman Level 2 Certification is administered online and is designed to be an educational tool rather than an exclusionary barrier, the retake policy is incredibly forgiving.

• Immediate Scoring: Upon submitting your exam, you will instantly receive your score and know whether you passed or failed.
• Waiting Period: Typically, there is no mandatory waiting period. If you fail, you can review your notes and attempt the exam again almost immediately. However, it is highly recommended that you take at least 24 to 48 hours to re-study the modules where you struggled.
• Maximum Attempts: There is generally no hard cap on the number of times you can attempt the exam.
• Retake Fees: There are no fees associated with retaking the online exam.

While the policy is lenient, candidates should treat the exam with respect. Guessing your way through multiple attempts defeats the purpose of the certification, which is to make you a highly competent golf professional.

Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations

Earning your Trackman Level 2 Certification is a powerful career catalyst. In today’s competitive golf industry, facilities are investing heavily in technology, and they need educated professionals to operate it.

Common Job Titles for Certified Professionals

• Director of Instruction / Lead Teaching Professional
• Master Club Fitter
• Director of Player Development
• Indoor Golf Simulator Manager
• Collegiate Head or Assistant Golf Coach

Salary Impact

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry surveys, the baseline salary for a golf instructor varies wildly based on location and facility type. However, possessing advanced certifications like Trackman Level 2 directly impacts earning potential in two ways:

1. Higher Base Salaries: High-end country clubs and bespoke fitting studios (like Club Champion or True Spec Golf) actively seek Trackman-certified individuals. Base salaries for these roles often range from $50,000 to $80,000+ annually, plus commissions.
2. Increased Hourly Lesson Rates: Independent instructors who utilize Trackman can justify significantly higher hourly rates. An instructor charging $75/hour for a traditional lesson can often increase their rate to $125 to $200+/hour by offering data-driven Trackman lessons, effectively doubling their revenue per hour.

Furthermore, achieving Level 2 is the stepping stone to becoming a Trackman Master, an elite designation held by a very small percentage of instructors worldwide, which commands absolute top-tier industry respect and compensation.

Trackman Level 2 Certification vs. Similar Certifications

How does Trackman’s education stack up against other launch monitor and industry certifications? Here is a breakdown of how the Trackman Level 2 Certification compares to its closest counterparts.

Certification	Governing Body	Key Focus	Approximate Cost	Prerequisites
Trackman Level 2	Trackman University	Radar tech, D-Plane physics, Gear Effect, Spin Loft	Free (Online)	Trackman Level 1
Foresight PEAK	Foresight Sports	Camera-based launch tech, club/ball data, indoor optimization	Free (Online)	None
TPI Level 1	Titleist Performance Institute	Body-Swing connection, biomechanics, physical screening	~$995	None
Boditrak Certification	Boditrak Sports	Ground reaction forces, pressure mapping, weight shift	Free / Varies	None
PGA Certified Professional	PGA of America	Comprehensive facility management, advanced teaching, business	Varies by program	PGA Class A Member

Takeaway: While TPI focuses on the human body and PGA certifications focus on overall professional development, Trackman Level 2 is hyper-focused on the physics of the club and ball. The most successful modern instructors often hold a combination of TPI, Trackman, and PGA credentials.

Maintaining Your Trackman Level 2 Certification

Technology evolves rapidly, and launch monitors are no exception. While the fundamental laws of physics do not change, the software and parameters measured by Trackman do.

• Renewal Cycle: Historically, once you earn your Trackman Level 2 Certification, it does not expire. There are no annual renewal fees to maintain the title itself.
• Software Updates: Trackman frequently updates its software (e.g., transitioning from TPS 8 to TPS 9) and introduces new data points (like Impact Location software or comprehensive Putting parameters). Certified professionals are expected to voluntarily stay updated by reviewing new modules added to Trackman University.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs): For PGA of America members, completing Trackman University certifications can often be submitted for Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credits. You will need to submit your certificate of completion to the PGA to claim these valuable credits, which are necessary to maintain your Class A status.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Trackman Level 2 Certification

Do I need to own a Trackman to take the Level 2 exam?

No. You do not need to own or even have daily access to a Trackman unit to take the online courses and pass the exam. The certification tests your knowledge of golf physics and data interpretation, which can be learned entirely through the provided video modules and manuals.

Is the Level 2 exam significantly harder than Level 1?

Yes. Level 1 primarily tests your ability to define terms (e.g., “What is Attack Angle?”). Level 2 tests your ability to apply those terms in complex scenarios (e.g., “How does a negative Attack Angle influence Spin Loft and Spin Rate?”). It requires a much deeper, mathematical understanding of the golf swing.

Can I skip Level 1 if I already know how to use a launch monitor?

No. The Trackman University portal programmatically requires you to pass the Level 1 exam before the Level 2 materials and exam become unlocked. This ensures all candidates share the same foundational vocabulary.

How long does it take to complete the Level 2 Certification?

The time commitment varies by individual. Watching all the video modules takes approximately 4 to 6 hours. However, taking notes, studying the manuals, and truly absorbing the D-Plane concepts usually requires 10 to 20 hours of dedicated study time spread over a few weeks.

Is there a practical swing test or teaching evaluation?

No. The Trackman Level 2 Certification is strictly a knowledge-based, multiple-choice online exam. There is no requirement to demonstrate your own golf swing or submit a video of yourself giving a lesson.

Does this certification hold value outside of the United States?

Absolutely. Trackman is a Danish company, and its technology is utilized globally across all major professional tours (PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA, etc.). The certification is recognized and highly respected worldwide.

Final Thoughts

The Trackman Level 2 Certification is more than just a resume builder; it is a transformative educational experience that will fundamentally change how you view the golf swing. By mastering the D-Plane, Spin Loft, and Gear Effect, you transition from a subjective observer of the golf swing to an objective, scientifically grounded expert.

Whether you are a PGA professional looking to justify higher lesson rates, a club fitter striving for perfection, or a coach dedicated to player development, the time invested in this certification yields massive dividends for your career and your students.

At Golf Pro Exam, we are dedicated to helping golf professionals navigate their educational journeys. If you are preparing for your Trackman exams, PGA PGM levels, or PAT, ensure you are utilizing all available resources to guarantee your success.