Why Coaching Certification Matters

One early morning as I waited outside the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero for a car to take me to SFO, a sign across the street caught my eye. Just above Ziggy’s Burgers and Lucky Nails, a neon sign blazed LOVE SPECIALIST LIFE COACH, which got me thinking about the wide variety of coaching and the importance of professionalism, standards-based training, accreditation, and ethics. 

Coaching is an unregulated industry. Say you’re the type of person who offers sound advice to family and friends, who over time come to rely upon your insights. There’s nothing stopping you from identifying yourself as a coach and build a coaching practice. 

Years ago, a few of my friends suggested that I pursue coaching as a profession. At that time I didn’t know anything about professional coaching and felt more than a little uncomfortable thinking about myself in that role. It wasn’t until several years later when I worked with a professional leadership coach that I learned first-hand about the tremendous benefits of coaching. Like my friends, my coach also recognized a natural coaching ability in me. He shared his educational and accreditation journey with me and suggested that I at least learn about the profession. With my coach’s encouragement, I completed the curriculum at Co-Active Training Institute, worked with a mentor coach, completed the required coaching hours, and obtained my ACC certification.

As a potential coaching client, how can you determine whether a coach is legit or whether you’re risking investing your valuable time and money with an untrained, unscrupulous, or unethical coach?

While there is no overarching regulatory framework for coaching, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the internationally recognized accreditation body for the coaching profession. Offering accreditation for coaching training organizations, credentialing, ethics & standards for the coaching industry, ICF is the differentiator for professional coaching. 

A majority of clients reported in the 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study that it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential. A professional coach earns an ICF credential after meeting specific standards and requirements that are designed to develop and refine their coaching skills. That credential also indicates the coach’s commitment to adhering to the principles of ethical behavior. 

Interested in learning more about ICF? Check out the ICF coach finder, Credentials & Standards, or the Code of Ethics

Ready to explore coaching with an accredited coach? Schedule a time to chat to see if we’re a match!

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