The Best Path to Becoming a Certified Coach
Coaching is some of the most fulfilling work one can undertake. Watching your clients grow as you help them reach their goals and overcome obstacles is immensely rewarding and one of the main reasons people commit themselves to this profession. There are many opportunities in coaching and becoming a certified coach can help you access more of those opportunities.
There are many ways to become a certified coach and we want to show you the best path possible. Read on to learn more about becoming a certified coach, the International Coach Federation (ICF), and how Ashton College’s Certified Coach Diploma program can help you get there.
The ICF
The ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession. They advance the profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
Earning your certification with the ICF ensures that your skills will be recognized on a global level and that you will be connected with like-minded, certified coaches through the ICF network. Being an ICF member makes it easier to advance in your career.
Ashton College’s certified coach program is designed with ICF standards in mind. Through the program, students learn the 11 Core Competencies of the ICF and how they apply to professional coaching.
The Certifications
ICF offers several levels of certification, including the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certifications. Ashton College’s program will help students work towards both of these certificates.
ACC
The ACC is considered an entry-level coach certification and it requires both theoretical and practical experience. ACC candidates must complete 60 hours of training and acquire 100 hours of coaching experience (70 hours must be paid experience). Candidates must also successfully pass the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) to earn their ACC credential.
PCC
The PCC is considered the gold standard for coaches. Earning your PCC certification requires 125 hours of training and 500 hours of work experience (440 paid). Candidates must also successfully pass the CKA.
Training
Getting Coach Certification is critical to your success as a coach. Learning practical coaching skills and how to conduct your coaching business in a professional, ethical manner will help you set your career on the right track. Whether you are looking to earn your ACC or PCC, Ashton College’s certified coach training is sure to give you quality education that fulfills your training requirements.
The practical knowledge components of the program will ensure that you are fully ready to start working, and earning money, as a coach, regardless of whether you become a business coach, life coach, relationship coach, team coach, employment coach, or otherwise.
Practical Experience
Practical experience plays a large role in earning your certification. If you are completely new to coaching then gaining this practical experience might be slow to start. The ICF allows for a small section of your coaching experience to be unpaid for both the ACC and PCC certifications, which means you can consider taking on pro-bono work as a means to get the word out about your business and get some experience under your belt.
You may be eager to get your practical experience started right away, but it would be wiser to start with your training requirement, so you can ensure that you are following best practices throughout your working experience.
Taking the Next Step
Coaching is an exciting career, and it is full of opportunities for those willing to seek it out. Setting your coaching career off in the right direction is a matter of getting the right education and the right certification. Luckily, Ashton College can help you with both of those aspects. Visit ashtoncollege.ca to learn more about the program and its upcoming dates.
