Professional coaches get certified because they want to provide very best service possible for their clients.
Professional coaching is still a relatively young field with the organization of the ICF in the 1990’s. As a self-regulated profession, no legal regulations have been set in place. This means that literally anyone who wants to say they are a coach is can say so – no license, degree, or experience is required to declare yourself as a coach. 
According to The International Coaching Federation (ICF), which is the entity that approves coach training programs and manages the credentialing process for individuals, a professional coach will uphold the Code of Ethics, and develop their skills in the Core Competencies. To earn a credential requires coach training, coaching experience, mentor coaching, demonstrating proficiency by recording coaching sessions, and passing an exam. All members of the ICF are accountable to the Code of Ethics.
At the Center for Coaching Certification, we hold to the highest standards and are accredited by ICF, and the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (which means the credits are accepted by SHRM, HRCI, and many other professional organizations, colleges, and universities).
When you are looking for a coach, ask them about their coach training and coaching experience. Ask them about their other professional experience. Find out if they are a member of ICF and thus accountable to the Code of Ethics.
When you are working with a great coach, here are four ways to know they are serving you in the best possible way:
- They ask questions (rather than tell you the answer).
- They use many tools from their coaching toolbox (rather than relying on one).
- They pay attention to your language and use active listening skills.
- They are authentic and flex to your focus.
Coach graduates from the Center for Coaching Certification, CCC, were trained to ask questions based on your style and language, use and create many different coaching tools and processes, plus listen actively and on many levels. Each earns their certification and has access to many tools to maximize each coaching relationship. Hiring a graduate of CCC is a way to assure quality in the choice of a coach.
