How to verify a chess coach's title
To verify a chess coach's title, look the coach up on the FIDE rating list by name or, better, by FIDE ID, and read the title line on the profile. It takes about a minute and is free. A genuine International Master, Grandmaster or FIDE Master appears there with the title, and a title that is not on the list is not a FIDE title. Last checked November 11, 2026.
The 60-second FIDE check
The steps below describe the FIDE and US Chess sites as we used them on that date. George Li, the author, is an International Master, and his FIDE profile is used as the worked example.
- Ask for the FIDE ID. A coach with a FIDE title has a FIDE ID, a number. Many players share a name, so the ID is the only exact way to find one person. If the coach gives a link, it ends in the ID.
- Open the FIDE profile. Go to the FIDE rating list, search by name or ID, and open the profile. The address of a profile is `ratings.fide.com/profile/` followed by the ID.
- Read the title line. The profile shows the player's FIDE title, such as International Master. It may also show the FIDE meeting that confirmed the title.
- Match the person. Check that the name, the federation and the year of birth fit the coach in front of you. A profile with the right name and the wrong country is a different player.
- Look at the rating and its status. The profile lists standard, rapid and blitz ratings, and says when a player is inactive. A title is for life, and a rating is not, so a coach may hold a title and be inactive. That is normal and does not matter for teaching, but it should match what the coach says.
A worked example: the profile at the link above is for FIDE ID 2052695. It lists the federation as the United States and the title as International Master. A coach who says "International Master" and gives that ID can be checked in the same way in under a minute.
Which titles are on FIDE and which are not
Not every title in a coach's bio is a FIDE title. Know the difference.
| Claim | Where it can be checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), Candidate Master (CM) | FIDE rating list, profile page | The international titles; the profile shows the title |
| Woman titles (WGM, WIM, WFM, WCM) | FIDE rating list, profile page | Separate titles; the profile shows them |
| National Master (NM) | US Chess member lookup, if from the US | A national title, set by the federation; not a FIDE title |
| "Master level", "expert", "strong player" | Nowhere | Descriptions, not titles |
| "FIDE-rated 2200" | FIDE profile | A rating, not a title; a rating can fall |
| "Certified trainer" | The issuing body | A teaching certificate, not a playing title |
Be careful with wording that sounds like a title. "Master-level coach" and "titled-level player" mean nothing a federation can confirm. A coach who is a real titleholder will give the exact title.
Checking a US Chess title or rating
A US coach may list a National Master title or a US Chess rating. These are checked on the US Chess website, where a member page shows the player's ratings and their history. The page on how to look up a USCF rating walks through the search and how to read the page. A National Master title is a US Chess title, so it is separate from FIDE titles and comes from the federation's own list.
Red flags when a title cannot be checked
Ask again before you pay if you see any of these.
- No ID and no link. A coach who has a title has no reason to hide it.
- A name with no federation. Many players share a name, and a profile for another country proves nothing about your coach.
- A title that appears only on the coach's own site. Look for a second source, such as the federation page.
- A rating offered as a title. A rating describes a moment, and a title is awarded once.
- A promise that replaces proof. "Trust me, I am a master" is not an answer.
None of these proves a coach is not titled, but all of them are reasons to check first.
Titles that describe teaching, not playing
FIDE also awards trainer titles, such as FIDE Trainer and FIDE Instructor. They describe training in how to teach and are listed separately from playing titles. A coach may hold one, both or neither. A trainer title can add to a playing title, and it does not replace one: if a coach says International Master, the FIDE profile should show International Master.
If the name is common
Many players share a name, and an unlucky search can land on the wrong person. Narrow it down with three facts: the federation, the year of birth and the FIDE ID. If a coach will not give an ID, ask for a link to the profile instead. A coach who has played under a former or a shortened name should be able to say so and give the ID that ties the names together.
A title is only the first filter
Once the title is confirmed, judge the teaching. Ask how the coach will find what holds your play back, what a lesson looks like and what homework follows. The guide to choosing a chess coach has the full set of questions. The page on whether a titled coach is worth it explains when the title is worth the price.
Lessons with a verifiable title
Lessons here are taught by George Li, one-on-one and online, in 60-minute lessons. His FIDE profile is public, and you can read it before you book.
Single lesson
$150
60 minutes, one-on-one
A game and position review, a read on your level and a written study plan by email within 3 business days.
Pay at secure checkout, then we email you to agree a time.
Cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours ahead by replying to the email that set it up, and it stays on your package.
Climb 10
$1,350
10 lessons, $135 each
Enough lessons to turn a written plan into a weekly habit.
Other packages
Foundation 5: 5 lessons, $700. Intensive 25: 25 lessons, $3,250. Season 40: 40 lessons, $5,000.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if someone is really a chess master?
Search for them on the FIDE rating list by name or FIDE ID and read the title on the profile. For a US National Master title, check the US Chess member page. If neither shows the title, it is not confirmed.
Do I need the FIDE ID to check a coach?
It makes the check exact, because many players share a name. Without an ID, search by name, then match the federation and the year of birth to the coach.
Is a title the same as a rating?
No. A rating changes with results, and a title is awarded once and stays. A coach can be inactive on the rating list and still hold a title.
Can a coach be an International Master and not be listed on FIDE?
No. A FIDE title appears on the player's FIDE profile, so a person who claims one and cannot be found there should be asked to explain.
Does a verified title mean the coach will teach me well?
No. It means the person plays at that level. Judge the teaching in a first lesson: after one hour you should know what you learned and what to practice.
How long does a title check take?
About a minute with a FIDE ID and a few minutes without one. Search by name, match the federation and the year of birth to the coach, and read the title on the profile.
Related pages
Check the title, then try a lesson
Book a single lesson with an International Master whose FIDE profile you can read first.
Cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours ahead by replying to the email that set it up, and it stays on your package.