What is coaching certification?
You’ve probably received SPAM in your email box that announces you can receive a Bachelors Degree or even a PhD with no substantial educational requirements. You are invited to just “call the number,” pay the “very reasonable price” and you will be set with letters behind your name. You’ve probably not taken advantage of this offer.
In the same way you’d want a BA or a Phd to have meaning, you want a coach certification with meaning. Deciphering the comparative meanings of the various certifications offered can be difficult.
Coach training programs often offer “certification” to their students for completion of certain requirements. From program to program, the requirements vary greatly. There is no current “standard” for the certifications that programs offer. Anyone can offer “certification” and name it what they please. For example, there are several certifications available, each from different organizations, called “Certified Christian Coach.” The requirements for each of these “CCC” certifications are different.
Requirements for various certifications available may include attending classes (the number of hours widely varies), practicing coaching (again, the number of hours required varies widely), mentor coaching or “being coached” (hours and/or duration of time varies), reading and writing assignments, letters of recommendations, and knowledge and skills tests.
The only clear comparisons of coach certification from program to program are the ACC, PCC and MCC’s awarded by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Where coaches from different programs receive these certifications, the coaches have met the same criteria even though they have taken different classes.
Two basic types of certification exist – certification connected to a professional organization and that which is awarded by a training organization.
Certification through a professional organization (check out the application process at the websites):
ICF certification – The following is quoted from the ICF website:
- ACC (Associate Certified Coach). The ICF Associate Certified Coach credential is for the practiced coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training; a minimum of 100 coaching experience hours; and at least eight clients, among other requirements.
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach). The ICF Professional Certified Coach credential is for the proven coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training, a minimum of 750 coaching experience hours, and at least 25 clients, among other requirements.
- MCC (Master Certified Coach). The ICF Master Certified Coach credential is for the expert coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training, a minimum of 2,500 coaching experience hours and at least 35 clients, among other requirements.
Christian Coaches Network certification – The following is quoted from the CCN website:
- CCC (Certified Christian Coach). This credential requires 60 coach specific classroom hours and 100 documented coaching hours in addition to required supporting documentation.
- CPCC (Certified Professional Christian Coach). This credential requires 125 coach specific classroom hours and 750 documented coaching hours in addition to required supporting documentation.
- CMCC (Certified Master Christian Coach). This credential requires 200 coach specific classroom hours and 2,500 documented coaching hours in addition to required supporting documentation.
Certification through a coach training school:
Most coach training schools offer certifications upon completion of their training programs. The requirements of these certifications vary greatly from school to school.
A Masters degree differs from professional certification, but it is certainly an attractive professional distinction. Western Seminary, one of the Christian coach training programs available, offers an opportunity to get a Masters in Coaching.
It is not unusual for a coach to have more than one certification. For example, a coach may have ICF certification, Christian Coaches Network certification and the certification they received through their training school. The value of this is specific to the individual. Some coaches report that their clients are looking for specific certifications. Certifications are “markers” of accomplishment, expertise and credibility, and can provide a sense of personal and professional integrity.
Linda Hedberg is the author of The Complete Guide to Christian Coach Training. Her broad knowledge of the field and her desire to see Christian coaches set a foundation for success isf reflected at www.christiancoachingresources.com, where she provides resources, cleasses and coaching dedicated to helping prospective and new coaches thrive in business, ministry and life.
This is an informative piece on certification. How about online certification programs? Are these reliable? I read one that offered such a course for a ridiculously low fee. http:coachestrainingblog.com/becomeacoach