There’s no universal determination for what path makes the best coach. What you can answer is what would work best for you– and that means navigating the options first.
Pros & Cons
Whether you’re on the search for a life coach or looking to become one yourself, an inevitable question will be faced: Credentialed or no?
With globally recognized institutions like the International Coaching Federation providing a standard for coaching as a career, it might seem like this question is a no-brainer. The right path is always going for credentials…right?
The truth is that coaching is not a government regulated field in many countries (including the U.S.). While certifications look nice and the name of a coaching institution on a coach’s educational background could certainly draw attention, these certificates and credentials are not the same as licenses or college degrees. Plus, accreditation takes time and money! So, does that mean they’re only shiny trinkets? No!
Credentialing provides structure, standards, and credibility, and often appeal to more organizations and employers who want the security of having that standard of care, while non-accredited coaches often prioritize flexibility and hands-on experience in ironing out a niche early on before money is spent getting a credential. Each option offers different ways to grow and serve clients, so understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make the best decision for your situation, whether that’s trying to choose between an accredited or non-accredited coach as a client, or searching for the right path for yourself on the way to this fulfilling career.
Join CLCI Live as Jen Long (ACC), Samuel Gozo (ACC), Anthony Lopez (MCPC), Brooke Adair Walters (ACC), and Lisa Finck (MCC) explore these options.
Credentialed Coaches
The first option for a life coach is to go the route of credentialing through accredited schools. What does this mean? These are multiple ‘governing bodies’, so to speak, that provide credentialing according to their education standards, required experience, and ethics.
Three of the most common and well-respected institutions are the International Coaching Foundation (ICF), Board Certified Coach (BCC), or the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Specifically regarding CLCI, the ICF was founded in 1995 and since then has been a “leading voice for the global coaching community.” This popular option offers three levels of credentialing (ACC, PCC, and MCC) that signify compliance to their gold standard, core competencies, and recognition for coaching skills.
Accrediting agencies/organizations offer accreditation to schools that helps standardize the profession, providing clear expectations and raising the quality of coaching services. Going this route sets up a certain amount of expectations, whether for a prospective coach or for a client on the search for one. Some of these institutions outline specific standards and specializations, allowing clients to choose coaches based on the accreditation that best fits their needs-for example, a business can be a client and can search through the BCC for coaches that specialize in what they specifically want coaching for.
As a coach, the perks of being credentialed through the ICF, BCC, or NBHWC range from being ethical for your intended practice, joining a professional network of coaches, to looking more desirable to clients, and even serving as prerequisites for hiring opportunities at certain organizations.
According to the ICF’s 2022 global survey, they found that
85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential. Earning an ICF Credential provides you with instant credibility and increased visibility to prospective clients.
Approved Schools
But a coach doesn’t have to go directly to one of these institutions straight away and apply. In fact, rather than going to the International Coaching Federation to receive those hours directly, they approve a wide variety of independent ICF-accredited and some nonaccredited schools. The ICF, BCC, and NBHWC each supply lists of hundreds of acceptable education services meeting their respective standards.
Approved schools will provide certifications and training based on the values of the institution who gave them this accreditation. Sometimes, this can be an easier starting route. It can be less pricey, though the schools will still have fees and time requirements to meet. Meeting ICF requirements for a credential means going through Level 1 and Level 2 training, and both levels on their own may cost hundreds of dollars to enroll in.
On the plus side, these courses don't have to be taken back to back, and count themselves as successful coaches after taking a portion of Level 1 and only receiving their certification (the educational portions).
As a coach, becoming certified through an accredited school means you can expect to be taught according to the standards of the affiliated accrediting institution (for instance, the ICF) and given chances to practice the required amount of hours needed. As a client, finding a coach that is certified with an accredited school offers confidence that they understand the values and competencies they were trained on and have experience and education under their belt. But it doesn’t necessarily offer the total confidence and security that an institution credential itself would.
Non-Credentialed
The alternative route available is to bypass accreditation altogether. This can mean a coach with no ICF, BCC, NBHWC, or other accepted institution credentials or registration, no schooling, or someone who has taken classes through non-accredited schools (ones not on the accepted directory of the accreditation body).
A coach might pick this path to save money and get hands-on experience. It can allow them to focus on gaining practical experience and developing their skills before committing to certification. This approach can offer flexibility, giving a prospective coach time to explore the field and its specializations without the pressure of meeting formal requirements.
But what about the clients who want to see certification? Wouldn’t this route be a mistake? Not necessarily. In fact, certification does not guarantee success—many of the well-known celebrity, independent coaches have built "successful" careers without formal accreditation. With that said, lacking certification might limit credibility with certain clients and could make your business as a coach harder for them to find when searching.
For both coach and client, however, this independent route doesn’t carry the security of being affiliated and respectful of established, consistent ethical codes and standards of practice.
The “Right” Answer?
It's getting an ICF credential using Certified Life Coach Institute!
Okay, ultimately, there is no single right or wrong path to becoming a life coach: both credentialed and non-credentialed routes have their own merits and drawbacks. The best option depends on your intentions as a coach, what aligns with your values, and what will serve your clients ethically and responsibly. In short: choose the path that best fits your goals, values and situation.
And remember that these routes aren’t mutually exclusive. Any single one can be chosen as a starting point, but credentials can also be built up to with a background of experience and outsourced education. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer— only what’s best for you.
Thank you,
Jen Long (ACC), Samuel Gozo (ACC), Anthony Lopez (MCPC), Brooke Adair Walters (ACC), and Lisa Finck (MCC)!
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