Top 10 Career Coach Certifications

Certifications are important for a career coach in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge and credibility that employers look for when selecting a coach. Certifications show potential employers that the coach has taken extra steps to expand their knowledge base and have been formally tested on their understanding of career coaching principles. They also provide assurance to employers that the coach is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications can help set a career coach apart from other coaches, which often leads to increased demand for their services and higher rates of pay.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Career Coachs and demonstrate how they can help advance a career coach's professional development.

What are Career Coach Certifications?

Career coach certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to provide career coaching services. Career coaches help individuals identify and reach their goals related to career development, job search, and career advancement. Through individualized assessments, goal setting, action planning, and accountability, career coaches help clients create an effective plan for success.

Career coach certification provides professionals with the necessary tools to effectively guide clients through their journey of self-discovery and job search. With certification, coaches develop the core competencies required to ethically assess client needs and competencies; match clients with appropriate resources; create action plans that are tailored to each client’s goals; mentor clients through their job search process; and provide ongoing support throughout the transition period. Certification also ensures that coaches have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply industry best practices in order for their clients to achieve success.

Having a career coach certification can make professionals more attractive candidates for potential employers as well as increase their credibility among peers in the field. It also gives them access to additional training opportunities which can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and new methods of providing effective coaching services. Ultimately, having a career coach certification will allow coaches to offer higher quality services that will lead to more successful outcomes for their clients.

Pro Tip: When considering a career coach certification, look for one that is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF sets global standards for coaching and provides accreditation to ensure that you receive quality training and education. Accredited certifications will also provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your career coaching role.

Related: What does a Career Coach do?

Top 10 Career Coach Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Career Coachs today.

1. International Coaching Federation (ICF)

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a professional organization that provides certification, accreditation, and standards of practice for coaches across the globe. ICF was founded in 1995 and is now the largest global coaching organization with over 30,000 members in more than 135 countries. The ICF offers three levels of credentialing: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).

To become an ACC coach, you must complete a minimum of 60 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited training program. You must also pass the ICF’s Core Competency Assessment and submit three client references. To become a PCC coach, you must have at least 500 hours of coaching experience as well as 75 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited program. You must also pass the ICF’s Advanced Coaching Competency Assessment and submit five client references. Finally, to become an MCC coach, you must have at least 2,500 hours of coaching experience as well as 125 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited program. You must also pass the ICF’s Expert Coaching Competency Assessment and submit seven client references.

The cost to become certified through the ICF varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. The cost for ACC certification ranges between $1,200 - $2,000 USD; PCC certification costs between $2,500 - $3,500 USD; and MCC certification costs between $4,000 - $5,000 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee for each level ranging from $50 - $300 USD depending on your level of certification.

2. Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is an internationally recognized credential awarded by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It is the highest level of professional coaching certification available and demonstrates a coach’s commitment to excellence in the profession.

The PCC credential requires a minimum of 125 hours of coach-specific training, 600 hours of documented coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching. The training must include components that address core competencies, ethics, and business knowledge. In addition, applicants must pass a written exam to demonstrate their mastery of the ICF Core Competencies.

To get the PCC credential, applicants must first complete an approved coach-training program and submit documentation verifying their completion. They then need to apply for ICF membership and register for the ICF Credentialing Exam. After passing the exam, they can apply for the PCC credential through ICF’s online application system.

The cost to obtain the PCC credential varies depending on which coach-training program you choose. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000 - $4,000 USD for tuition plus additional fees for books and materials.

3. Association for Talent Development (ATD)

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is a professional organization that provides resources and services to individuals and organizations in the field of talent development. ATD’s mission is to help professionals in the fields of training, learning, and performance improvement develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities.

It takes approximately two weeks to join ATD after submitting an application online. The application process includes providing personal information such as name, address, email address, phone number, and other contact information. After submitting the application, members must pay an annual membership fee which varies depending on the type of membership chosen.

The cost for individual membership is $199 per year for U.S.-based members and $239 per year for international members. Professional memberships are available at a higher cost of $299 per year for U.S.-based members and $339 per year for international members. Corporate memberships are also available at a higher cost of $499 per year for U.S.-based companies and $599 per year for international companies.

Membership benefits include access to a variety of resources such as webinars, podcasts, white papers, research reports, books, magazines, conferences and events, discounts on products and services from ATD partners, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field of talent development through online forums or local chapters across the United States and Canada.

4. Master Certified Coach (MCC)

Master Certified Coach (MCC) is the highest credential available from the International Coach Federation (ICF). It is designed to recognize experienced coaches who have achieved a high level of mastery in their coaching practice. The MCC credential requires a minimum of 500 hours of coaching experience and at least 100 hours of coach-specific training.

To become an MCC, applicants must first complete the ICF's Credentialing Process, which includes submitting an application and providing evidence that they meet all the requirements. Once approved, applicants must then pass an oral assessment with a panel of ICF-approved assessors. This assessment consists of a two-hour simulated coaching session and an additional 30 minutes for questions from the assessors.

The cost to apply for the MCC credential is $325 USD plus any applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining coach-specific training or preparing for the oral assessment.

5. Professional Career Development Practitioner (PCDP)

Professional Career Development Practitioner (PCDP) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of professional practice in career development. It is awarded by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). The PCDP credential is designed to recognize those practitioners who have achieved a level of expertise in their field and are committed to providing quality services to clients.

The PCDP credential requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of career development theory, assessment, counseling, program management and evaluation. To qualify for the PCDP credential, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and have at least three years of experience in the field.

To get the PCDP credential, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with documentation demonstrating their qualifications. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NCDA that tests their knowledge and skills related to career development theory, assessment, counseling, program management and evaluation.

The cost for obtaining the PCDP credential varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NCDA. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members it is $295. The cost includes an application fee as well as fees for taking the exam and receiving your certificate once you have passed it.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to receive your PCDP credentials after submitting your application and passing your exam.

6. Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF)

Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to facilitate career development in a variety of contexts. The program focuses on providing comprehensive career guidance services to individuals at all stages of life. It is accredited by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The GCDF certification requires completion of a minimum of 120 hours of training. This includes both classroom instruction and supervised field experience. The training covers topics such as career assessment and exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and more. In addition, candidates must pass an exam administered by the NBCC in order to become certified.

In order to get the GCDF certification, individuals must first complete an approved training program. These programs are offered through universities, colleges, or community-based organizations around the country. Once an individual has completed their training program they can then apply for the GCDF certification through the NBCC website.

The cost of obtaining the GCDF certification varies depending on where you receive your training from and what type of program you choose to take part in. Generally speaking however it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD for tuition and fees associated with completing a training program and taking the exam.

7. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a professional organization that provides certification and credentialing to counselors. It is the largest national organization of mental health professionals, with more than 80,000 members in the United States and Canada.

In order to become certified by NBCC, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, pass a rigorous examination, and demonstrate professional experience in counseling. The process typically takes about two years to complete.

To get started on the path to becoming certified by NBCC, individuals must first complete an accredited master’s degree program in counseling or a related field. After completing their degree program, they must then pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), which is administered by NBCC. Once they have passed the NCE, they must then gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in counseling over a period of two years or more. Finally, they must submit an application to NBCC for review and approval.

The cost of becoming certified by NBCC varies depending on the state in which you are located and whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a group. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for individuals to apply for certification through NBCC.

8. International Association of Coaches (IAC)

The International Association of Coaches (IAC) is a professional organization that serves as an international resource for coaches, providing education, certification, and networking opportunities. It was founded in 2002 with the mission to “promote excellence in coaching worldwide”.

It takes about 6-12 months to become a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through IAC. To become a CPC, you must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training from an IAC approved provider and pass the IAC Certification Exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies related to coaching knowledge and practice.

The cost of becoming a CPC varies depending on the program you choose. Costs typically range from $2,500-$8,000 USD. This includes the cost of tuition, examination fees, and membership dues.

In addition to becoming a CPC through IAC, members have access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on continuing education courses, networking opportunities with other coaches around the world, and access to resources such as webinars and articles related to coaching topics.

9. Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is an internationally recognized professional certification program that provides HR professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage people and organizations. The SHRM-CP is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the core competencies necessary for effective job performance in the field of human resources.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the SHRM-CP program, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exam. To become certified, you must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as: strategic management, workforce planning and employment, employee development and performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, health safety and security, risk management, organizational development and change management.

To get started on your journey towards becoming a SHRM-CP certified professional, you will need to register with SHRM by completing an online application form. Once registered, you will receive access to a range of study materials including practice exams and webinars. You will also be able to take advantage of discounts on conferences and other events hosted by SHRM.

The cost of becoming a SHRM-CP certified professional varies depending on which route you take - whether it’s through self-study or attending courses. The cost of the exam itself is $300 USD for members or $400 USD for nonmembers. Additionally, there are fees associated with membership in SHRM which range from $35-$199 USD per year depending on your level of membership.

10. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) is an internationally recognized professional coaching organization that provides training and certification to those seeking to become professional coaches. The iPEC program offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to learning that includes the development of both personal and professional skills.

The iPEC program consists of two levels: the Core Essentials Program and the Advanced Coaching Program. The Core Essentials Program is designed to provide students with basic coaching skills, such as active listening, goal setting, and communication techniques. This program takes approximately 8 months to complete and costs $3,500.

The Advanced Coaching Program builds upon the skills learned in the Core Essentials Program by providing more advanced techniques for working with clients. This program takes approximately 12 months to complete and costs $5,000. After completing both programs, students are eligible for iPEC’s Certified Professional Coach (CPC) designation.

To enroll in either of these programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field such as psychology or counseling. Applicants must also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and have a commitment to ongoing personal growth and development.

Do You Really Need a Career Coach Certificate?

When deciding whether or not to pursue a career coach certificate, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of having one. A career coach certificate can be beneficial in several ways. It can provide you with a foundation of knowledge, skills, and techniques that you can draw on when helping others. It also provides credibility and recognition among potential employers and clients who may be looking for someone with specific credentials.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to having a career coach certificate. First, it is an added expense that may not be necessary depending on your current level of experience and expertise. Additionally, certain types of coaching require specialized knowledge that may not be covered in a basic course or certificate program. Finally, there is no guarantee that having a career coach certificate will lead to any more success than without one.

Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to pursue a career coach certificate should depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you have the financial resources available and feel that having a credential would make you stand out from other coaches in your field, then getting certified may be worth it. However, if you already have strong experience in coaching or don’t think that certification would give you any additional advantages, then it might be best to save your money and focus on expanding your skillset through other means instead.

Related: Career Coach Resume Examples

FAQs About Career Coach Certifications

Q1. What is a Career Coach Certification?

A1. A Career Coach Certification is a professional qualification that provides individuals with the training and skills to help others identify and pursue their career goals. It includes courses on topics such as career assessments, job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing skills, networking and more.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Career Coach?

A2. To become certified as a Career Coach, you need to complete a program that may include online or in-person classes, workshops, and exams. Most programs are offered through universities or other organizations that specialize in career coaching certifications.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Career Coach?

A3. The length of time to obtain certification varies depending on the type of program you choose and how often you attend classes or workshops. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary coursework and receive your certification.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Career Coach?

A4: Becoming certified as a Career Coach allows you to provide your clients with the best possible advice and guidance when it comes to their careers. Additionally, obtaining this certification can help increase your credibility in the field and open up new opportunities for professional growth and development within your organization or company.

Q5 What type of jobs can I apply for with my Career Coach Certification?

A5: With your certification, you will be qualified for various positions within the field of career coaching such as job placement specialist, career counselor, human resources consultant or recruiter at companies or organizations offering career services or guidance programs for employees or potential employees.