Cathy Liska 
Coaching is one of the fastest-growing industries because the return on investment clearly demonstrates the value of engaging a coach. As a result, many different certification programs for coaches have sought to meet the demand. Because training is not all equal nor is the content all the same, it is important to investigate both what is taught in a coach training program and the ability of the instructor to effectively teach the material.
What is the most recognized coaching certification? Thoughts on this vary. Ultimately determining credibility is key. This will include looking at the accreditations of the coach training organization, the clarity of their offering, and the public testimonials.
The gold standard in coaching is programs accredited by the International Coaching Federation, ICF. The ICF accredits coach training programs based on coaching-specific content. The training must develop the core competencies of a coach and teach coaching ethics. These accreditations are the most recognized world-wide in the coaching profession.
The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, IACET, authorizes offering Continuing Education Credits based on quality process for designing and delivering training. IACET accredits organizations to offer continuing education units, CEUs. This accreditation means professionals in a multitude of fields can apply the training as continuing education to maintain their designation.
The Center for Coaching Certification, CCC, offers ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 programs historically accredited as ACTP training cohorts and ICF-approved ACSTH coach training programs. Combining the ACSTH programs is how the ACTP cohorts complete the hours and mentor coaching required. The programs include: Certified Professional Coach, Certified Master Coach, the Certified Advanced Coach (for Academic Specialist, Addiction Specialist, Business Specialist, Career Specialist, Executive Specialist, Holistic Specialist, Leadership Specialist, Life Specialist, or Wellness Specialist), a Coaching Experience class, and Mentor Coaching.
CCC is available to answer your questions, provide information on the practical aspects of coaching, and support your coaching work. In addition, our graduating coaches have the option of posting a listing on www.FindaCertifiedCoach.com, writing a chapter in the Coaching Perspectives book series, guest blogging, being a podcast guest, and guest presenting an online webinar for exposure to new audiences. All graduates are provided a dashboard they can personalize and use to administer assessments plus the dashboard includes resource materials.
