As you consider which Professional Coach certification program is best for you, you’ve probably noticed that every program claims to be “the best” “most comprehensive,” or the “quickest” way to become a Professional Certified Coach. As you go through your due diligence, it’s easy to become discouraged as you sort through all of the claims that companies make.

Instead of getting overwhelmed by marketing language and claims made, here are seven questions to ask that will help you determine which program is right for you.

1. Is the program ICF accredited?

Your goal is to become a competent and professional coach, and completing an ICF accredited program will set you apart from the crowd. ICF accredited programs have been evaluated and meet the ICF standards for quality delivery and training. Upon completion, you can count your hours toward an ICF credential, should you decide to. Non-ICF accredited programs can teach useful concepts and deliver solid training, but they won’t prepare you for ICF credentials. As you consider which program meets your needs, ask yourself is the ICF accreditation path is important to you, and choose your training program accordingly.

2. How many live hours are included?

When considering an online program, look for one that includes both work you will do yourself and in-depth, live training, interaction, and supervised practice—not just a series of pre-recorded videos. Ask for a breakdown of synchronous (live) vs. asynchronous (self-paced) training hours. Always remember that coaching skills are best developed in real time with real people. For example, the Aim Higher Professional Coach Certification program includes 30 hours of prework that you complete on your own, and 30 hours of live online training.

3. What kind of practice and feedback will I receive?

Interacting with peers during your training is a practical way to develop your coaching skills. But keep in mind that an in-depth program includes structured feedback from experienced coaches through monitored sessions. Find out how many observed sessions are included in the program, and whether you’ll received specific, actionable feedback aligned with the ICF Core Competencies. Also, be sure to ask about mentoring sessions that are available after completing the program.

4. Who are the instructors and mentor coaches?

The faculty for the training program should be of utmost importance to you. Look for instructors who hold ICF credentials and have many hours of coaching experience, not just those with a teaching background. Read the bios listed on the website and see if their coaching background aligns with your needs. Keep in mind that you’ll learn as much from the coaches and you will from completing the training curriculum.
5. How is the program structured?
Based on your personal schedule, you will determine the length of time you’ll need to complete your training. Find out if the program you are considering is completed over a set time period or if you can join at any time. Some models are designed to create community relationships and accountability, while others focus on flexible models that work around unpredictable schedules. Find out how long it typically takes to complete the training, and whether there are milestones that must be reached before taking the next steps. For example, after completing Aim Higher’s 30 hours of prework, you will then attend a live 3-day training session, typically Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

6. What support is available outside of class?

After completing your Professional Certified Coach training, it’s important to have additional support as you develop your coaching skills. Look for programs that have office hours, and offer peer group support, alumni communities, and additional resources. Consider your personal needs to stay engaged with your peers. Having a supportive environment can make the difference between becoming the competent, confident coach you envision yourself to be and losing confidence in yourself and your abilities.

7. What outcomes do graduates achieve?

It’s important to find out the training you’ll receive, but it’s equally important to find out how the program graduates are using their coaching skills. Are they developing their own clientele? Do they work within an organization? Have they obtained ICF credentials?
Instead of asking, “What will I learn?” inquire, “What are graduates doing now?” Are they successfully coaching clients? Working in organizations? Have they obtained ICF credentials? Don’t just read the marking hype; find out what graduates are really doing! Give yourself permission to ask hard questions, listen carefully to the responses, and dismiss programs that you feel are not aligned with your professional goals and personal values. Remember, you’re not just choosing a program to complete; you are choosing a foundation for our coaching future!

Call to Action

Before you enroll in any Professional Certified Coach program, be sure to ask for a free consultation to find out how the training program will best serve you. For example, you can contact us here to get your questions answered and find out if the program is right for you.