Cathy Liska 
The growth of the coaching profession and the power of the coaching process have resulted in an abundance of options for obtaining coaching certification. With hundreds of coach training organizations to choose from, it can be a challenge to choose one. Here are a few helpful tips for narrowing your focus:
- Credibility –look for accreditations. Most specifically for coach training, ensure the program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation as Level 1 if you want the ACC credential or Level 2 if you want the PCC credential – many offer both – as evidenced by the use of the logos.
Additional logos offer additional credibility. For example, being accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training means an organization is accredited to offer CEUs for programs. These CEUs are accepted in many professions as part of the continuing education required to maintain licensure or a credential and accepted by many colleges and universities.
Look for this logo. 
- Quality of Training – because this can be a challenge to determine, look for public testimonials because the confidentiality of individual students is protected. Testimonials placed on social media, or the websites of other organizations are an ideal alternative. Read what people say about their experience. Review the qualifications of the trainers. It may be helpful to speak with the trainers of the program schedule you want to ensure your comfort level with their style. Remember, each program is completely unique in terms of content and the quality of the training experience.
- Who Else is in the Program – when you review public testimonials, take note of the position of the individual and where available their organization. This will give you an idea of who participates. Ask the organization about their ideal client and the demographics of the people in the program.
- Coaching Tools – what coaching tools are provided during the program and what is provided afterwards? Ask about class materials being included. For afterwards, ask if you will have access to coaching agreements, questionnaires, guides, and information on starting and running your coaching business.
- Professional Development – explore the value-add of the program in your career. For example, learning coaching skills is expected of leaders and in certain roles. Additionally, it is beneficial for people who serve others. Additionally, does the program support your licensure or credential with accredited continuing education credits?
- Personal Development – in addition to advancing professional, quality coach training programs support ongoing personal growth and development. This happens through the learning, the coaching practicum, and the specific processes taught.
- Resources – what resources are provided after you graduate? For example, above and beyond the coaching tools provided, what else is available to you? Consider these possibilities: Assessment Dashboard, continuing education, support finding coaching opportunities, social media engagement, blog, podcast, etc.
- Ongoing Support – ask about regular Q&A calls and online discussion groups for graduates to support you moving forward.
At the Center for Coaching Certification, everything listed here is offered so please consider us one of the coach training schools on your short list.
