FAQ

1. What does certification mean?

   There are two main types of coach certification:

   1. School-Issued Certification:

      Many coaching schools certify graduates who complete their training programs. These certifications show you've finished specific coursework and met that school's standards.

   2. Professional Governing Body Credentials: Independent organizations credential coaches who meet industry-wide standards for training hours, coaching experience, and competency. The major governing bodies include:

      International Coaching Federation (ICF): The largest, with 50,000+ credentialed coaches worldwide. Offers three main credentials:

      • ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
      • PCC (Professional Certified Coach)
      • MCC (Master Certified Coach)

      European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC): Established in Europe, with 10,000+ members. Offers four levels:

      • Foundation
      • Practitioner
      • Senior Practitioner
      • Master Practitioner

      Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA): SAQA-recognized professional body for coaching in South Africa. Offers three levels:

      • Credentialed Coach (CCC)
      • Senior Coach (CSC)
      • Master Coach (CMC)

      National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC): 10,000+ certified health coaches. Issues the NBC-HWC credential specifically for health and wellness coaches. Built in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners, making it the only coaching credential with a pathway to potential insurance reimbursement.

      Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE): ~25,000 total across all CCE credentials, not just coaches. Offers the Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential, particularly suited for those with graduate degrees in counseling or related fields.

      Many coaches hold both types: a school certification showing where they trained, plus a governing body credential for third-party validation and broader professional recognition.

      Credentials from governing bodies require demonstrating specific competencies, documented coaching hours, and adherence to ethical guidelines. Higher-level certifications require more training hours and documented coaching experience.

2. What's the difference between a certified and a non-certified coach?

   "Coach" is currently an unregulated term—anyone can call themselves a coach without training, experience, or oversight.

   A certified coach has completed formal training from a coaching school and/or earned credentials from a professional governing body (like ICF, EMCC, or COMENSA).

   Coaches credentialed by governing bodies must follow a code of ethics (example of one) with accountability and oversight. School-certified coaches have completed structured training but may not have the same level of third-party verification.

   While some non-certified coaches are excellent, certification provides a baseline of training, and credentials from governing bodies add an additional layer of competency verification and ethical accountability.

3. Does higher certification always mean a better coach?

   Not necessarily. A coach with higher certification has more documented experience and formalized training, but some excellent coaches choose not to pursue higher levels for various reasons (cost, time, different business focus). Use certification as one factor, not the only factor.

4. Does location matter?

   Consider timezone first - this determines when you can actually meet. Also, think about language, cultural context, and whether you need in-person sessions. If timezone works and the other factors don't matter to you, location is irrelevant - most coaching happens virtually now.

5. Why do coach rates vary?

   There are many factors that can impact a coach's rate: location, education/training, experience, their offerings, and the market they predominantly work with.

6. I'm new to coaching. How do I find a good fit?

   Beyond the general criteria you can filter for, a strong relationship has been shown to improve coaching outcomes. You can assess whether you and your coach can build a strong relationship by observing: Are they a good listener? Do they understand your situation and your goals? Do they welcome your authentic self? Do they explain and clarify questions you have? Do you feel safe talking to them? Do you trust this person? Do you enjoy talking to this person? Most coaches offer a complimentary discovery call where you can chat and feel this out for yourself. Trust your gut - if something feels off, it probably is.

7. I'm a coach, how do I submit my profile?

   If you're an independent coach who markets to individuals (not businesses): Contact us with your full name, business name (if different), and your business website, and we'll send you what you need to submit your profile.