How can you grow your coaching business with certification?

1 Why get certified?

Certification is a way of demonstrating your credibility, competence, and commitment as a coach. It shows that you have met certain standards of training, experience, and ethics, and that you follow a code of conduct and best practices. Certification can also help you attract more clients, charge higher fees, and gain access to more resources and opportunities. By getting certified, you are not only improving your skills and knowledge, but also showing your respect for the profession and your clients.

2 Types of certification and accreditation

There are two main types of certification and accreditation for coaches: individual and organizational. Individual certification is awarded to coaches who complete a certain level of training, practice hours, and assessment by a coaching body. Organizational accreditation is granted to coaching programs or schools that meet the quality criteria of a coaching body. Some of the most recognized coaching bodies are the International Coach Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE).

3 How to choose the best certification for you

Choosing the best certification for you depends on several factors, such as your goals, niche, budget, and learning style. Before deciding, it's important to ask yourself what your coaching objectives and values are, and if they align with the vision and mission of the coaching body you are considering. Additionally, consider the requirements and benefits of each certification level, as well as the time, money, and effort you are willing to invest. Furthermore, think about the learning methods and formats of the training program; do they suit your preferences and needs? It's also worth exploring the feedback and support mechanisms of the coaching body and the training program to see how they can help you grow and improve as a coach. Finally, research the reputation and recognition of the coaching body and the training program in the market - will they enhance your credibility and visibility as a coach? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and find the certification that best fits your coaching business.

4 How to prepare for certification

Once you have chosen your certification path, you need to prepare yourself for the application and assessment process. To succeed, you should review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines of the coaching body, ensuring that all documents and evidence are ready. Additionally, complete the required training hours and practice hours, keeping a log of your coaching sessions and collecting feedback from clients and peers. Furthermore, study the core competencies and ethical standards of the coaching body, practicing your skills and knowledge with mock exams and scenarios. You should also find a mentor or coach supervisor who can guide you through the process. Lastly, stay positive and confident in your abilities and experience as a coach, trusting in your unique value.

5 How to leverage your certification

Achieving your certification is an opportunity to grow your coaching business. You can update your website, social media, and marketing materials with your certification badge and logo to highlight your credentials and expertise. Additionally, joining the network and community of the coaching body can help you connect with other certified coaches, access exclusive resources, and participate in events and webinars. To remain certified, you should continue your professional development by seeking further education, mentoring, or supervision. You can also share your insights and experiences by writing articles, blogs, or podcasts about your certification journey and how it has helped you as a coach. Don't forget to ask for referrals and testimonials from satisfied clients. Certification is a continuous process of learning, growing, and improving as a coach that can help you enhance your skills, credibility, and impact as a leadership development coach.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?