Do coaching accreditations just seem like random pieces of jargon to you? If you are a coach and are unsure about what accreditation means and why it is important, you are not alone. With more coaches entering a field that’s not regulated, stiff competition is expected. Being a coach is no longer about learning the material and walking away with valuable skills and knowledge that mean something.

While some unaccredited programs might offer valuable learning experiences, not all offerings are the same. Attending an unaccredited program can mean that coaches might not look credible in the eyes of their clients who put their lives in the hands of their coaches and need to know they are being given a professional service. The program you choose will be a crucial decision affecting the level of success you enjoy as a coach. Accreditation can make the difference between embarking on an exciting coaching career path and having an uninspiring career.

What is Coaching Accreditation?

Accreditation can be defined as a status that shows the public that a coach has met and is maintaining a high level of standards set by an accrediting body. However, the accreditation process by different accreditation bodies can be confusing to many.

Before choosing a training program, it is important that you have a clear picture of exactly who accredits the training organization and what that accreditation means for your future.

In the coaching world, there are four coaching accreditation bodies you need to know: International Coach Federation (ICF), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and The International Association of Coaching (IAC). Each has its own accreditation process and credential levels. Being credentialed by these bodies simply means you are in good hands and is akin to holding professional licensure which you can use worldwide.

Why Coaching Accreditations Matter

In its 2016 Global Coaching Study, the International Coach Federation (ICF) estimated that 89% of coaches attended accredited or approved coach specific training through a training program or university.

Coaching accreditations aren’t only important to coaches, they are important to coaching clients as well, with a reported 83% of clients expecting a credential from their coach. About 90% of clients who partnered with a credentialed coach reported satisfaction with the experience.

This has solidified the perception that coaching accreditations and credibility are important to both coaches and coaching clients. Therefore, getting credentialed is absolutely essential if you hope to garner the coaching career success you deserve.

If you have made the decision to invest your time and money into getting credentialed and you are enrolling in a training program, make sure you choose one who you know will give you everything you need to give you the results you want in a safe, enjoyable way.

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Jeannie Cotter
Editor/Writer
Writer, Coaches Training Blog community