Week 3 of 4: How to become a credentialed coach

Last week, we discussed the key topics of what you could be learning when you join us on our NPCA coach programme. Now, in week 3, we are looking closer at how to become a credentialed coach and the commitment required to get there.

In doing so, we will be focusing on the following three questions:

• 1. How will it benefit me to gain my ICF credential?
  2. What commitment is required for my ICF credential?
  3. How does the NPCA Certificate in Professional Coaching support me towards my credential?

How will it benefit me to gain my ICF Credential?

As the coaching industry continues to grow, both on a global level and within the UAE, achieving a credential is becoming ever more important.  Gaining your ICF credential demonstrates your commitment to your ongoing development as a coach.   In this report on The Advantages of an ICF Credential, the ICF give the following reasons for pursuing your ICF credential.

• 1. Credentialed coaches can expect higher income than non-credentialed coaches.
  2. Clients are more satisfied with their coaching experience and more likely to recommend their coach when working with a credentialed coach.
  3. Clients are more likely to employ coaches who have a coaching credential.

What commitment is required for my ICF credential?

To gain your ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) via the Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) path, you will need to complete the following:

• At least 60 hours of coach-specific training hours (CSTH) through an ACSTH program
• 10 hours of Mentor coaching
• 100 hours (75 paid) of coaching experience with at least 8 clients
• Coaching hours should follow the start of your coach-specific training
• At least 25 of these hours should occur within the 18 months prior to submitting the application
• Complete an online Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA)

Visit the ICF website for more information on the requirements and process of completing your ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential.

How does the NPCA Certificate in Professional Coaching support me towards my credential?

The NPCA Certificate in Professional Coaching was developed to give you all the tools you need to become a fully credentialed coach and it’s now become even easier to gain your credential.

Now that we have received our accreditation, our programme meets all the training requirements for you to apply for your Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coach Federation (ICF) via the ACSTH path, plus we also support you throughout the programme and beyond with 10 hours of Coach Mentoring over the course of one year from the start of the course.

Our Certificate in Professional Coaching provides you with the following:

• Skills aligned with the eleven International Coaching Federation (ICF) competencies
• 79 Coach Specific Training Hours (CSTH)
• 10 Coach Mentor Support Hours
• Coaching Practice Groups
• 5 observed coaching sessions
• Business skills to launch your new coaching career

Of course, you will need to complete the coaching log of 100 coaching hours yourself - we can’t do that for you!  That is exactly why we continue to support you beyond the training programme with four further coach mentor sessions to help you achieve your ICF credential goal.

Next week Matt will be answering the top 10 questions that you have asked over the course of the last 4 weeks. Please write to me, or Matt, with any questions you have about our programme or make a comment below this post.

Remember to check your inbox next Wednesday and for those of you celebrating Christmas, enjoy your festive celebrations!

Sarah Anthony

Co-Founder of North Point Academy