Are Coaching Specific Credentials Important?
Be a knowledgeable consumer as you weigh the merits of coaching from someone whose only credential is a ‘coaching certificate’ or a ‘certified coach’ credential with a capital letter acronym (Fictitious Example: Jayne Smythe, Master Certified Quality Coach—MCQC). Some academic institutions do offer coach training; so be sure to look behind the certificate and the letters to the source of the training while also evaluating other credentials/experience. Here’s why.
Nearly everyone who can afford to enroll and chooses to complete a non-academic certificate programs will end up with a coaching certificate or certification. And those non-credit coach training programs usually have no prerequisites for acceptance. Many are online. The quality, oversight, and guidance for the coach training vary.
Therefore, the ‘coaching credential’ may not be a clear indicator of knowledge quality, experience, skill, or competence of the ‘trained’ coach. This applies even to the better known national and international organizations.
The training certificate/certification has limited and uncertain value as an important criteria for coach selection. Avoid selecting your coach mainly because he or she has a coaching certificate or certification. Check further before investing your time and money.
What Qualities and Credentials are the Most Important in a Coach?
- Length and Nature of Experience
- Types of Academic Degrees, Professional Licenses, and relevant certificates
- How the Coach’s Experience and Education Relate to Your Goals
- Whether the Fees Charged Align with Experience and Education
- The Coach’s Self: You have a Gut Sense of ‘Fit’
- Professionalism: Maintains Professional Liability Insurance and is bound to a Code of Ethics by either a License or Professional Certificate or Membership. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT PROVIDES YOU WITH AN INDICATOR OF THE COACH’S SENSE OF INTEGRITY AND COMMITMENT.
Bottom Line
Consider all of the information above and apply these 6 criteria to select a coach who will assist you to reach maximum coaching benefits and achieve your goals more quickly than you would on your own.
Be sure to research ANY coach FULLY before you choose.