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Frequently Asked Questions

Answering your questions about coaching here creates an opportunity for you to learn more about coach certification and programs to become a certified coach. Consider your possibilities with executive or life coach training.

International Coaching Federation (ICF) Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (Level 1)
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accredited Coach Training Program (Level 2)
Authorized International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Certification Provider
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Continuing Coach Education (CCE)
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) Continuing Education Unit (CEU)-Approved Program
Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about coach training and coaching certification.

1. What are the reasons for so many different places to get certified?
2. What is behind the different accreditations and what is the Center for Coaching Certification’s approach to accreditation?
3. How come the cost varies so much?
4. What is the reason the amount of time it takes to get “certified” varies so much?
5. How do I decide which Certified Professional Coach, Certified Master Coach, Foundational Cohort Level 1, Growth Cohort from Level 1 to Level 2, or Advanced Cohort Level 2 program to take?
6. What if I start a class and then am unable to continue?
7. Which skills really matter to effectively coach?
8. What is the difference between Life and Executive Coaching?
9. What difference does certification make to me?
10. How do I know if I would be a good Coach?
11. Realistically, what are the opportunities for a Coach?
12. How long does it take to build a Coaching business?
13. If I do not want to Coach as a business, what does this program do for me?
14. How do I know who the trainer is for the class I want?
15. Where are the face-to-face classes held?
16. Are the classes approved by the International Coaching Federation?
17. How does ICF membership work?
18. How is ICF membership different from ICF credentialing?
19. Do training organizations give the membership or credentialing?
20. What is the difference between an ACTP (formerly) program and an ACSTH (formerly) program?  What is Level 1 and Level 2?
21. How does ICF credentialing work?
22. How long between the CPC and the CMC classes?
23. What is the difference between CPC, CMC, CCS, ACC, PCC, and MCC?
24. What language are the programs offered in?

1. What are the reasons for so many different places to get certified?

Coaching is one of the fastest-growing industries because the return on investment clearly demonstrates the value. As a result, many different certification programs have sought to meet the demand. Because no government oversight yet exists, it is important to investigate both what is taught in a coach training program and the ability of the instructor to effectively teach the material.

What is the most recognized coaching certification?  The International Coaching Federation, ICF, accredits coach training programs based on coaching-specific content. These accreditations are the most recognized world-wide.

The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training, IACET, authorizes offering Continuing Education Credits based on quality process for designing and delivering training.

Choosing the right program for you is about choosing what makes sense given your background, experience, budget, time, location, and the training focus on developing the ICF's Core Competencies for a Coach as published by the International Coaching Federation.

The Center for Coaching Certification offers ICF-accredited ACTP (formerly) training cohorts and ICF-approved ACSTH (formerly) coach training programs: the Certified Professional Coach program, the Certified Master Coach program, the Certified Advanced Coach programs (for Academic Specialist, Addiction Specialist, Business Specialist, Career Specialist, Executive Specialist, Holistic Specialist, Leadership Specialist, Life Specialist, or Wellness Specialist), a 30-hour Coaching Practicum class, and the Mentor Coaching. CCC will continue to be there to answer your questions, provide information on the practical aspects of coaching, and support your coaching work. In addition, our graduating coaches have the option of posting a listing on www.FindaCertifiedCoach.com, writing a chapter in the Coaching Perspectives book series, guest blogging, and guest presenting an online webinar.  All graduates are also provided a dashboard they can personalize and use to administer assessments plus the dashboard includes resource materials.



2. What is behind the different accreditations and what is the Center for Coaching Certification’s approach to accreditation?

With so many organizations offering certification, the International Coaching Federation, ICF, has taken the lead to self-regulate the coaching profession. ICF approves or accredits coach training programs and only the ICF credentials coaches as ACC, PCC, or MCC. 

The Center for Coaching Certification offers coaching certification programs that are specifically designed to develop the ICF's Core Competencies.  All of the coach training programs are accredited by the International Coaching Federation and support earning a credential.

The Center for Coaching Certification program is accredited by the ICF, and the Center for Coaching Certification is also accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, IACET, to offer CEUs. AICI approved the Professional coach program.



3. How come the cost varies so much?

Each business offering services chooses what to charge based on their expenses and their desired profits; costs vary because each business chooses their rate.

The Center for Coaching Certification recognizes that the majority of our students are already business professionals seeking to enhance their communication and training skills. We dispense with beginner material and cut to the heart of the coaching process with practical, user-friendly, coach trainer-supervised sessions in live, online classes combined with a coaching practicum completed either online or face-to-face, affording us the opportunity to charge less than the majority of coach training programs while emphasizing quality instruction, and affording you the opportunity to invest wisely in your continuing education.

The Certified Professional Coach program cost is $1995, the Certified Master Coach program is $2195, the Certified (Academic Specialist, Addiction Specialist, Business Specialist, Career Specialist, Executive Specialist, Holistic Specialist, Leadership Specialist, Life Specialist, or Wellness Specialist) Coach Specialist programs are $2195, the Coaching Practicum class is $2195, and the ACC, PCC, or MCC Group Mentor Coaching is $2195 for graduates. The Foundational Cohort for earning the ACC credential is $5890 and the Advanced Cohort for earning the PCC Credential is $9780.  Handouts and class materials are included.



4. What is the reason the amount of time it takes to get “certified” varies so much?

Because coaching remains self-regulated, the gold standard for training hours is the International Coaching Federation, ICF, and they require 60 hours to become a member. Each coach training organization determines whether they will apply for ICF approval, what type of coaching they focus on, and how many hours of training they will offer. All Center for Coaching Certification programs are accredited by ICF.

How long does it take to become a certified coach?  The initial certification is 30 hours.  ICF membership requires 60 hours.  The ACC credential from ICF requires 60 hours of coach training, 100 hours of coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching.   The PCC credential from ICF requires 125 hours of coach training, 500 hours of coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching.   The MCC credential from ICF requires 200 hours of coach training, 2500 hours of coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching.   

The Center for Coaching Certification recognizes that your time is valuable, so our programs are designed to maximize your current education and experience with practical application. Offering multiple programs gives you control over your budgeting and schedule to move through training and credentialing.

By combining the Certified Professional Coach and the Certified Master Coach programs you will complete the 60 hours required by the ICF for membership and with the Mentor Coaching for the first level of credentialing too – the ACC. The advanced training options are for those specializing in a specific area and support pursuing the PCC or MCC credentials with the ICF.

Extensive resources and follow-up information are provided to expand your knowledge and support the career goals you have for your coaching.



5. How do I decide which Certified Professional Coach, Certified Master Coach, Foundational Cohort Level 1, Growth Cohort from Level 1 to Level 2, or Advanced Cohort program to take?

When you are getting started, the Certified Professional program is the first step and it is a pre-requisite for the Certified Master Coach program.  The Foundational Cohort Level 1 and Advanced Cohorts include the Certified Professional Coach program.  Choosing which dates for each of the programs involves several considerations:

  • Level of Training - the Certified Professional Coach is 30 hours, which is part of what is required to join ICF or earn a credential.  It is an option for getting started, completing initial training for coaching skills to use in other roles, or deciding if you want to be a coach.  The Foundational Cohort Level 1 and Advanced Cohorts serve to earn a credential.
  • Schedule - Because many options are available online and those that are in a location involve online plus just two days in the location, many choose a class based on a schedule that works best for them.
  • Type of Coaching – the initial training is focused on developing your competency as a coach and providing a process.  The advanced training options include choosing the designation within the area you plan to coach - a value-add because the focus is on your coaching niche or specialty. While the content for all programs is the same, the focus, discussions, stories, and examples are tailored to the type of coaching. Additionally, when you offer your services, including your niche in your certification designation lets your clients know about your focus.
  • Desire to earn a Credential - the Foundational Cohort Level 1, Growth, and Advanced Cohorts support you completing the training hours, recording assessments, and mentor coaching to earn the ACC or PCC credential with ICF.

At the Center for Coaching Certification we encourage you to call and speak with the connection team or coach trainer to gain an understanding of the program and ask questions to ensure that we are the right fit.



6. What if I start a class and then am unable to continue?

Each participant is given up to six months after the last scheduled session to complete the program. While it is ideal to start and finish with the same group, sometimes things do happen so you can transfer to a different class based on space availability. If the circumstances warrant, the transfer fee of $350 can be waived.



7. Which skills really matter to effectively coach?

The International Coaching Federation, ICF, publishes ICF's Core Competencies for a coach. The Center for Coaching Certification programs are designed to develop and enhance these skills.

An effective Coach establishes trust, co-creates the coaching relationship, listens well, understands how to work effectively with different personalities, utilizes the power of language, asks questions, and adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and Core Values.

The Center for Coaching Certification masterfully covers each of these topics in our training program, allowing you both to learn during classes and to apply this knowledge in trainer-supervised coaching sessions during your coaching practicum experience.



8. What is the difference between Life and Executive Coaching?

Coaching is a professional service that offers value both professionally and personally.  It is of benefit to people in all walks of life.  The process of coaching is consistent across different areas of focus.  The areas of focus determine the dominant topic of conversation.  There are types and areas of coaching and as you go deeper there are many niche areas within each type and area of coaching.  As a starting point, here are a few of the more commonly recognized types of coaching:

  • Academic – encompasses three areas of coaching: administrators as leaders, teachers on efficacy, students for results or opportunities.
  • Addiction – supports people choosing treatment and successful recovery. 
  • Business – supports small to mid-sized businesses on growth, stability, scalability, and sustainability.
  • Career – focuses on career which can mean starting a career, finding a job, advancing to the next level, changing careers, or retiring from a career.
  • Executive – working with professionals in a corporate setting including leaders, high potentials, and executives.
  • Health – health care service includes coaching professionals working in the field and health coaching for the individuals accessing care. 
  • Holistic – an over-arching term indicating the coaching works with the whole being of a client and may incorporate somatic, gestalt, ontological, or other techniques. 
  • Leadership – supporting new, emerging, and established leaders in their role.
  • Life – addresses personal interests including lifestyle, personal goals, managing ADHD, dating, relationships, grief, relocation, transitions, and more. 
  • Wellness – encompasses balance, well-being, health, fitness, nutrition, and more.



9. What difference does certification make to me?

Certification offers three key benefits: credibility among your clients and potential clients, coaching tools and support, and professional development.

As with any profession, training makes sense and ensures you have the tools to step up as a certified, professionally trained Coach who supports results for your clients!

Increasingly membership in and credentialing with the International Coaching Federation, ICF, is a determining factor for insurance rates and also for being hired as a coach.



10. How do I know if I would be a good Coach?

If you are asking this question, it indicates you are interested in learning how to be effective, which generally means you can become a good Coach.

The Center for Coaching Certification works with you to identify and develop your coaching skills under the supervision of a professional coach trainer.



11. Realistically, what are the opportunities for a Coach?

As in any profession, opportunity is based on the possibilities you create through hard work, networking, and results.

The number of jobs that request or require coaching is growing and coaching is a leadership competency.

As a business opportunity your success will be built on your business planning and marketing.

The Center for Coaching Certification gives you the tools to coach clients effectively, the resources for business planning, and marketing support to pursue clients in your area of expertise.



12. How long does it take to build a Coaching business?

The amount of time varies based on your efforts, your network, your experience, and your willingness to learn. For some that want to build a Coaching business, it takes a few years. Others are successfully meeting their goals within months.

The Center for Coaching Certification offers support through the web-based searchable directory of coaches www.FindaCertifiedCoach.com, the opportunities to get published and present, plus with webinars and monthly calls offering marketing insights and business tips to develop your coaching career goals.  The Center for Coaching Certification graduates have the opportunity to sign up with www.Coach-123.com to be available to coach.



13. If I do not want to Coach as a business, what does this program do for me?

Coaching is a core skill for leaders. Additionally, people skills and communication skills are the number one deficiency in the workplace today. This program teaches and enhances these skills, offering you the opportunity to exceed expectations in your career field.

The Center for Coaching Certification offers coach training to a vast number of diverse professionals who simply want to enhance their skills, from sales professionals to attorneys and CEOs, from health care professionals to small business owners and NPO employees, from professional trainers or speakers to HR professionals. In short, anyone working in any industry, interacting with clients or employees, benefits from the skills developed in coach training.



14. How do I know who the trainer is for the class I want?

The team bios are available at https://www.CoachCert.com/about/ccc/team-bios.html#ourteam
Feel free to call or email and ask too.
The trainers are available to you for a conversation in advance of the class.


15. Where are the classes held?

The Certified Professional Coach class is offered either completely online or in a blended learning approach with both online and face-to-face classes. Once class size is known, a meeting room near the airport in the listed city is confirmed. The goal is an airport hotel so that there is a shuttle service for those flying in plus the greatest number of local transportation options. When the meeting room is finalized the trainer will notify all participants of the location.

The Certified Master Coach, Academic Specialist, Addiction Specialist, Business Specialist, Career Specialist, Executive Specialist, Holistic Specialist, Leadership Specialist, Life Specialist, or Wellness Specialist, and Coaching Practicum programs are completely online.

The Foundational Cohort Level 1, Growth Cohort from Level 1 to Level 2, and Advanced Cohort Level 2 are offered completely online.

All online classes are live and very interactive. Attendance and participation are required per the International Coaching Federation, ICF, and IACET standards.


16. Are the classes approved by the International Coaching Federation?

Yes – all Center for Coaching Certification programs are accredited by the International Coaching Federation, ICF.

The individual Certified Professional Coach and Certified Master Coach programs are (formerly ACSTH) / partial hours in Level 1.

The Foundational Cohort is Level 1

The Growth Cohort is from Level 1 to Level 2

The Advance Cohort is Level 2


17. How does ICF membership work?

The information on membership in the International Coaching Federation, ICF, is available on their site at http://www.coachingfederation.org

Currently the ICF requires 60 hours of training that meets their criteria plus all members agree to be accountable to the Code of Ethics. The Certified Professional Coach and either the Certified Master Coach or the Certified Advanced Coach programs combined meet this requirement. 



18. How is ICF membership different from ICF credentialing?

Membership in the International Coaching Federation, ICF, is much like saying you have an associate's degree, and credentialing is much like saying you have a degree, masters, or doctorate. If you compare it to other professional membership organizations, the credentialing means advanced levels of both training and experience.

Visit https://www.coachcert.com/about/faqs/how-to-become-a-coach.html for a step-by-step explanation of training, membership, and credentialing.



19. Do training organizations give the membership or credentialing?

The International Coaching Federation, ICF, controls their own membership and credentialing. Training organizations support individuals in completing the ICF requirements to achieve membership and/or a credential. Training programs may or may not be approved by the ICF so it is smart to check first. All Center for Coaching Certification programs are accredited by ICF.



20. What is the difference between an ACTP (formerly) program and an ACSTH (formerly) program?  What is Level 1 and Level 2?

The ACTP (formerly) programs package all the training hours and the mentor coaching together, plus you are a student while you are seeking and doing paid coaching work to complete the required coaching hours with your clients.  An ACTP (formerly) program must include 125 hours of coach training and mentor coaching.  Beginning in 2023, this will transition to Level 2 with the same 125 hours of coach training plus mentor coaching included.

ACSTH (formerly) programs are an affordable a la carte option and empower you to manage your schedule and budget by choosing which segments of the program you enroll in and when you complete them.  An ACSTH (formerly) program must include 30 hours of coach training.  Beginning in 2023, this will transition to Level 1 and 60 hours of coach training plus mentor coaching must be included.

The International Coaching Federation is changing how they accredit coach training.  Beginning in 2023, programs will be Level 1 or Level 2.  Additionally, Level 3 programs will work with PCC credentialed coaches to earn their MCC credential.

The Center for Coaching Certification is accredited by ICF for (formerly ACSTH, ACTP), Level 1, and Level 2 programs in addition being accredited to offer Continuing Coach Education, CCE, programs.



21. How does ICF credentialing work?

The information on earning a credential with the International Coaching Federation, ICF, is available at www.CoachingFederation.org. More specifically, click for details on the levels of credentialing: the ACC, the PCC, or the MCC.  A note: most coaches start with earning membership and then the ACC or PCC.



22. How long between the CPC and the CMC classes?

This is up to the individual. Some go straight from one class into the next while others wait between classes. In the Foundational Cohort Level 1, Growth, and Advanced Cohorts all programs are pre-scheduled.

Typically, the considerations include time and budget.

It is important to note that both the CPC and the CMC programs are required for International Coaching Federation membership.  ICF membership is a minimum standard today for individuals marketing themselves as a coach.


23. What is the difference between CPC, CMC, CCS, ACC, PCC, and MCC?

  • CPC = Certified Professional Coach
  • CMC = Certified Master Coach
  • CCS = Certified Advanced Coach which covers the following: 
  • CAC-AS = Certified Advanced Coach – Academic Specialist
  • CAC-BS = Certified Advanced Coach – Business Specialist
  • CAC-CS = Certified Advanced Coach – Career Specialist
  • CAC-ES = Certified Advanced Coach – Executive Specialist
  • CAC-LS = Certified Advanced Coach – Life Specialist
  • CAC-WS = Certified Advanced Coach – Wellness Specialist

These are certifications through the Center for Coaching Certification.

  • ACC, PCC, and MCC are credentials earned through the ICF.


24. What language are the programs offered in?

The Center for Coaching Certification programs are all offered in English unless otherwise noted.

 

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