Coaching qualifications

Posted by Helen Bryant on April 17, 2013 at 11:15am in Being An Effective Practitioner

I am thinking about doing some coaching qualifications as part of my personal development.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on which ones are best and why.

I work full time and have a busy life, so it has to be something that fits with that. Otherwise I am pretty open to any approach.

Thanks in advance!

Helen

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coaching, coaching qualification, personal development, coaching qualifications

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Replies

John Renshaw April 29, 2013 at 8:50pm

Hi Helen.

I guess it depends on why you want to develop coaching skills that will determine what will be the most appropriate qualification for you. A few years back I completed ILM's level 5 diploma in management coaching and mentoring. At the time I was working with managers and sellers in Halifax Bank of Scotland's (HBOS) mortgage sales force. The qualification equipped me well for coaching in an environment that was business focused and the objectives very clear. If you were looking to use your coaching skills in executive or life coaching I imagine that there are other qualifications that would be better aligned to your personal requirements. The structure of the course, a mixture of study days and self-study work packs was very similar to DPG's CIPD courses. I completed it over an academic year through my local FE college's management centre.
- Helen Bryant > John Renshaw May 7, 2013 at 1:12pm
  
  Thanks for the help John. I have been really pleased with the response, it has helped me structure my thoughts, and given direction.
  
  Much appreciated.
  
  Helen
Andrea Hazelton April 26, 2013 at 11:43am

Hi Helen

Just came across your post and wanted to tell you about the Coaches Training Institute. As far as I am concerned, they really are the top coaching providers and I think maybe even the pioneers. They are based in San Francisco and run courses all over the world. They are accredited by the International Coaching Federation, which gave me peace of mind when looking into it myself.

It is Life Coaching based on the principles that your clients are creative, resourceful and whole.

CTI teaches how to coach the whole person, rather than certain areas, in that although one may want to create a coaching niche for themselves such as business coaching, or weight management coaching (which is possible), CTI understands that all areas of ones life is linked. For example, if I wanted to specialise as a business coach, there is an awareness that the client may need coaching on areas relating to their home life which is in turn affecting the ability to reach business goals. CTI also place an emphasis on the differences between mentoring, coaching, and counselling which I liked and is very clear on what we as coaches are able to offer. Coaching sessions are entirely driven by the clients. We were taught tools which equipped us to cut through clients 'stories' very quickly, and get to the clients truth. It was at this place of truth that real changes started to happen. I find it very powerful.

The courses are very involved (face to face). I did my courses in Dubai, in 2009 and it consisted of (from memory) 1 weekend course per month over 6 months. The format may be different here in the UK, I don't know.

They were expensive, but I do believe you get what you pay for. I would recommend them for someone who was really looking to become a Coach on a full-time basis.

In a nut-shell though Helen, they changed my life for the better. They stripped me bare of all my assumptions and beliefs (misplaced), and I went on to have one of my most succesful years to date both personally and professionally.

Good luck Helen, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Andrea.
- Helen Bryant > Andrea Hazelton May 7, 2013 at 1:10pm
  
  Thanks Andrea.
  
  You are not the first to tell me that coaching qualifications have been much more than qualifications, more life learning! I am looking at the ICF providers as an option.
  
  Thanks for taking the time. Helen
Murdo Mackay April 21, 2013 at 2:04pm

Hi Helen

I did a diploma level programme in coaching through the Academy of Executive Coaching while I was workind in a full time job. I would thoroughly recommend the programme which consists of (if I remember) three workshops of 2 days duration each. The trainers are excellent; you get lots of practice in coaching; and you are introduced to a number of different coaching models. At the end of the programme, you are assessed on your own coaching model and a coaching role play. The programme is highly practical and has been invaluable to my practice as an internal / external coach.

Hope this helps.

Murdo Mackay

Associate Facilitator
- Helen Bryant > Murdo Mackay April 24, 2013 at 12:22pm
  
  Thanks Murdo.
  
  I will look at them - practical is definitely my way of learning!
  
  Helen
Kevin Faulkner April 20, 2013 at 9:25am

Hi Helen,

I would concur with what has been said already. All I would add is what type of coaching are you wanting to explore/develop? This will have a major influence on your options

I decided to take the path of pursuing Business coaching qualifications back in 2005.

Having explored what was out there, I initially decided on the ILM route on the basis of time to complete it ( in my case 6 months) cost, and the assessments being about theory and practical application.

My reaction to my experience of ILM studies - This was a great way to really get into what is still a very misunderstood arena.

Since then I have also taken a more academic road, however this decision was not taken lightly given I was signed up for a year and the challenges this brings whilst working full time.

If business coaching is your focus, access the ILM website. you can search for a provider in your area using your post code.

Shop around too as costs can vary greatly.

Hope this helps and good luck in finding what you're looking for.

Kevin
- Helen Bryant > Kevin Faulkner April 24, 2013 at 12:20pm
  
  Thank you very much Kevin.
  
  I am looking into ILM. You make a great point on the level of commitment versus what I want to achieve. I like your approach of starting on something manageable and subsequently assessing the more 'full on' approaches.
  
  Cheers, Helen
Claire Shryane April 19, 2013 at 1:46pm

Hi Helen

Although we are an approved ILM Centre we only deliver inhouse Coaching programmes at the moment. The best place to look would be your local college and they may be able to secure funding for you as well.

Claire
- Helen Bryant > Claire Shryane April 24, 2013 at 12:22pm
  
  Thanks for letting me know Claire
  
  Helen