Tips on choosing best program for coach training

MANILA, Philippines – Coaching is rapidly becoming globally recognized as a powerful tool in unlocking an individual’s personal and professional potential.

Being the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession, the International Coach Federation (ICF) recently spearheaded a Global Consumer Awareness Study, which indicated that professional coaching is widely being used to help people around the world improve work performance, expand career opportunities and increase self-esteem.

Coaches who were part of the study also reported that their coaching clients expect their coaches to have formal coach-specific training. 

This shows that the demand for coaching is growing and that professionalism in practicing coaching is greatly emphasized.

For those who are seriously considering becoming a certified professional coach, getting a formal training is the first step.

While there is a multitude of coaching programs available, aspiring coaches should choose the one that will equip them with the proper training and credentials to be able to meet industry standards and get a good headstart in the profession. 

Benchmark Consulting, the only company in the Philippines offering ICF-approved and certified coach training programs, explains important considerations in choosing the best coach training program.

ICF recognition. This is a must as ICF is the recognized global authority of coaching and it offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program.

To get the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credential, aspirants need to complete a program that provides at least 60 hours of ICF-approved training. For the Professional Certified Coach (PCC), the requirement is 125 hours of accredited training.

Programs that are not specifically approved by the ICF may be a waste of money, time and effort, as they may not be considered when you apply for accreditation.

Faculty credibility. The credential, experience, and expertise of the mentor coach or faculty teaching the course is most critical.

Always go for faculty who are practicing coaches and have a PCC or ACC credential to ensure that they are qualified to teach the art and science of coaching. Learning the right skills is pivotal in applying for certification and passing requisite ICF oral exam.

If the faculty member does not specifically say he is ICF-certified, check the ICF website and verify his credential.

Since coaching is heavily influenced by culture, it is also important for the faculty to know how coaching processes and skills are adapted to the peculiarities of a culture.

Training delivery. Face to face or tele-classes are two effective delivery modes you can choose from.  Face-to-face trainings are usually fast-track programs while tele-class programs take longer time to complete. It would be better if the mentor coach offers options suitable to your learning style, budget and schedule.

Supervision in jumpstarting the coaching practice. Go for a training that provides an ICF-credentialed mentor coach who will guide you as you coach an actual client for at least three months. Practicum inside the classroom is not enough as it is still a “role play” and does not give an actual taste of real coaching practice.

Mentor coaching for the ICF oral exam and in completing the logged coaching hours. Aside from completing the required training hours in getting an ICF credential, it is also required to accomplish logged coaching hours (100 hours for the ACC, 750 hours for the PCC) and mentor coaching.

In the latter, you will spend 10 hours with two ICF credentialed coaches who will mentor you for the oral exam. At the end of the sessions, you will be given two reference letters, which should be submitted along with the exam and certification application.

Majority of training programs do not include mentor coaching. Getting this separately will significantly increase the cost of your training.

For aspiring coaches, Benchmark Consulting offers the Accelerated Coach Training Program (ACTP), a 68-hour, four-month training designed to fulfill the education requirement for ICF accreditation.

It is delivered live by the country’s first and only certified coach with PCC designation, Julius Ordonez, founder and managing director of Benchmark Consulting.

For more information or to enrol in the next ACTP slated in January-May 2011, call 812-7177, e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.benchmark-consulting.net.