8 Business Coaching Certification Programs

Business coaching certification is a credential that establishes you as a qualified business coach with the knowledge and skills to assist individuals and organizations achieve their business objectives. Business coach certification is required for those who want to work as coaches to help businesses solve problems or implement growth strategies. It is very important that the business coach program you choose is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Small businesses need business coaching. Starting and running a small business requires lots of effort, strategies, and resources, and that’s why coaching for small businesses is beneficial. A small business coach is an expert who’s familiar with the aspects of operating a business and helps small business owners with management, boosting sales, generating more income, etc. Business coaching certification is important because it shows your commitment to the job and adds credibility and makes you appear professional. So, how to become a business coach? The three requirements to become a certified business coach include the completion of 125 hours of business coach training, ten hours of mentoring, and 500 hours of coaching experience. Here are 8 business coaching programs to keep in mind. 

There are  8 best business coaching programs to choose from. The Radiant Coaches Academy, the Coach Academy International, the NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS), the Center for Executive Coaching, the Academy for Coaching Excellence, Active Results LLC, the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), and the Brown University School of Professional Studies. 

1. Radiant Coaches Academy

The Radiant Coaches Academy is a social company that qualifies holistic life coaches, wellness coaches, and business coaches with accredited hours from the renowned international Coaching Federation (ICF). 

​​The curriculum is focused on cutting-edge science and business education and encompasses quantum physics and metaphysics as well as neuroscience and neuropsychology. The special offerings include lessons on Family Constellations, Narrative Enneagram, Intuition Development, and Trauma-Informed Care. Coaches learn a variety of skills ranging from active listening and goal-setting to setting up private practice and marketing. 

The tuition includes up to 175 ICF-accredited hours. The applicant earns graduates as a Certified Holistic Coach (CHC) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) or Professional Certified Coach (PCC). The price is $4997 for ACC+CHC and $9997 for PCC+CHC and includes certification and 10+ hours of ICF Mentor coaching for credentialing

2. Coach Academy International

The Coach Specific Training courses at Coach Academy International are authorized by the British Coaching Council (BCC) and the International Coaching Federation (ACSTH). 

The Positive Coaching’s Coach Certification Program is ideal for both aspiring coaches who are just starting their coaching career and established professionals who want to add coaching certification to their resumes. Two of the three application requirements for ICF certification—up to 75 hours of coach-specific training and 10.5 hours of mentor coaching—are fully satisfied by this program. Additionally, Coach Academy International offers an ​​Advanced Certification Program, Mentor Coaching Programs, and Internal Coach Training. 

The price is  $5,995 for early bird tuition or $6,995 for full tuition. The program includes 66 – 69 hours of training for both virtual and in-person courses. 

3. NYU School of Professional Studies

The Certificate in Executive Coaching and the Certificate in Professional Coaching are two coaching qualifications offered by the NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS). Both programs use theory and science, evidence-based models and tools, and the International Coaching Federation core competencies to develop coaches. Both have been approved for coach-specific training hours recognized by the ICF.

The NYU School of Professional Studie offers 50 coach-specific training hours with ICF for each 12-week course, which includes 36 synchronous hours and 14 asynchronous hours. The courses are available on-site, online, and hybrid.

4. Center for Executive Coaching

The Center for Executive Coaching is the industry leader in coaching training and certification for individuals looking to succeed as coaches to executives, managers, and leaders. The Center for Executive is accredited as an ACTP with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and has e trained 2,000 coaches in over 30 countries. Additionally, the Center for Executive Coaching provides training for those who want to earn the Board Certified Coach certification.

The program includes 125 hours of ACTP coach training and 90 hours of ACSTH coach training. Each applicant gets personal mentoring and assistance, tried-and-true coaching methods and tools, as well as toolkits they are able to use right away with clients. The course is practical and based on applied theory and best practices from the fields of psychology, emotional intelligence, leadership research, and neuroscience. 

The Center for Executive Coaching provides certification programs that last two to five months, depending on your level of experience. Costs for sessions range from $5,000 to $7,500.

5. Academy For Coaching Excellence

The Academy for Coaching Excellence offers an ICF-certified program that is designed for people with a strong sense of purpose who are prepared to overcome their roadblocks and enable other businesses to do the same. The course was created to be a fundamental part of the Coach Certification Program and acts as the benchmark for leadership development and career growth.

The Academy’s Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) qualifies applicants for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential and fulfills all educational requirements for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential, which they are able to earn after 500 hours of coaching experience. Additionally, the Academy for Coaching Excellence offers twice as many mentor coaching hours as what the ICF requires for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential. Prices start at $757 per month.

6. Active Results

Active Results LLC is a global training and consultancy organization that activates managers and staff to produce stronger corporate results and develop their personal leadership abilities by providing intensely practical and highly interactive training. 

Active Results’ program has been endorsed by the International Coach Federation and focuses on incorporating coaching mindsets and methods into current leadership roles. Participants combine coaching techniques with reflection on their present behavior and leadership styles to develop a special blend for increased leadership effectiveness. Active Results has a total of 150 hours of ICF ACSTH-approved training.

7. Co-Active Training Institute

Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) has been guiding coaches and leaders worldwide toward greater connections, and comprehensive solutions, and making a significant influence on the world since 1992.

More than 130,000 coaches have been trained by CTI, the largest and most reputable professional coach training organization in the world, including staff members of more than a third of Fortune 100 firms. The Co-Active Professional Coach Training is considered one of the most rigorous professional coach training and certification programs on the market. The curriculum equips applicants to confidently coach anyone on any subject using the Co-Active Model, the most adaptable and tested methodology in the coaching world. 

​​Three steps make up the coach training pathway: Fundamentals, Intermediate courses, and Coach Certification Program. The intermediate courses (Fulfillment, Balance, Process, and Synergy) are combined for a discounted price of $6,899, saving you a total of $697.

8. ACT Leadership at Brown University

The Brown University School of Professional Studies offers the ACT’s Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification Program in partnership with ACT Leadership.  The ACT Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification Program is approved for Associate Certified Coach accreditation via the ICF ACSTH pathway. The program’s coaching concepts are based on neuroscience, research in leadership effectiveness, and developmental psychology.

ACT’s Leadership & Performance Coach Training Certification Program lasts six months and is comprised of three live experiential sessions plus online individual and group learning. Classes in the spring and fall are hybrid (both in-person and online), while those in the summer and winter are entirely online. The cost: is $10,495 for the virtual and $11,495  for the hybrid program. 

What Is Business Coaching Certification?

Business coaching certification is a credential that positions you as a professional coach who possesses the abilities and skills to support a wider range of organizational and business-oriented objectives and goals.

Becoming a great business coach requires a winning combination of business savvy, excellent communication skills, and coaching experience. The coaching experience is typically achieved by either accumulating relevant work experience in a management or business role or by completing a business coaching certification training program. 

Aspiring business coaches have the option to enroll in an accredited business coaching certification training program offered by organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Who Needs Business Coaching Certification?

People who want to become business coaches to help businesses solve their problems or implement certain growth need business coaching certification. 

The business coaching certification training programs accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) are created with the intention of teaching students about current industry-based problems and preparing them to handle all difficulties with a problem-solving mentality in order to assist the organization in reaching their desired levels of success.

Individuals with business coaching certificates possess the necessary skills to help their clients and are ready to tackle the demanding perspective of business. Candidates have the option to select from hybrid, in-person, or business coaching online programs.

Why Business Coaching Certification Is Important?

Business coaching certification is important because it demonstrates your dedication to your career through additional training and certification. Business coaching certification is essential to staying competitive in such a rapidly expanding industry. 

Employment for business coaches is anticipated to grow by roughly 11% until 2029 According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics. These projections exceed the general average growth rate for all occupations by a wide margin. The Bureau claims that the quick growth is a result of the increased demand for experts who provide coaching for small businesses to help them manage costs and operate more efficiently. The annual salary range for business coaches is between $73,774 and $106,722.

But what is the purpose of coaching? The purpose of coaching is to help the client develop their capabilities and interpersonal skills with an aim to maximize performance and reach their full potential. 

What Is the Benefit of Getting a Business Coach Certification?

The main benefit of getting a business coach certification is that it gives you immediate credibility and enhanced visibility to potential clients in a developing field. 85% of coaching clients expect their coaching practitioners to have a business coach certification. 

Another benefit of getting a business coach certification is that it helps you expand your network of contacts in the corporate world. You are able to join a global network of more than 70k professional coaches once you become a certified business coach. 

Untrained individuals are the main barrier to advancement in coaching, according to the 2020 Global Coaching Survey. ICF believes in the significance of education and credentialing even though this industry is not governed by a single authority for a few major reasons. 74% of respondents claimed they now possess a credential or certification from a professional coaching organization, which is up from 70% in 2016.

How to Become a Certified Business Coach?

Becoming a certified business is not a complicated process. The three requirements to become a certified  business coach include

1. Completion of business coach training: You must complete 125 hours of coaching training, which is conducted online or in a live classroom setting.
2. Mentoring: In accordance with ICF guidelines, you must participate in ten hours of mentoring.
3. Experience: The third ICF coaching criterion is to have 500 hours of coaching experience.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the most reputable coaching organization in the world, provides three business coaching programs:

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC), which requires 100 hours of experience in addition to 60 hours of training.
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC), which requires 500 hours of experience in addition to 125 hours of training.
• Master Certified Coach (MCC), which requires 2,500 hours of experience and 200 hours of training.

These coaching courses provide students with significant coaching experience as well as the knowledge that helps them become long-term successful coaches. There are currently more than 58,000 business coaches in the world with ICF credentials.

Another option is The Global Coach Institute, where students are able to complete their Business Coaching Certificate (BCC) through self-study, online coursework, or telephone interaction. Additionally, excellent business coaching programs are offered by colleges and universities around the world and in the US. Be sure to always verify the ICF certification status of the business coaching program you choose.

What Are the Stages of Coaching?

The five stages of coaching include awareness, analysis, setting goals, redefining, goals, and evaluation. 

• Awareness

The first stage of coaching is awareness. The coach and coachee first meet during the awareness stage and develop a relationship with one another. The coach and coachee discuss the objectives and anticipated results, exchange information, and organize the coaching process and activities. A “confidentiality agreement” is typically signed during the awareness stage that specifies what information is allowed to be shared and with whom.

• Analysis

The analysis stage is when the coach actively works to obtain an understanding of the client. The coach analyzes the client in order to comprehend the client’s perspective and get to know them better. Additionally, the coach identifies the problem. Identifying the problem is a crucial step because it is difficult to come up with a solution and the coaching process is unsuccessful without it.  Finally, the coach analyzes the client’s goals and aspirations to determine whether they are realistic and attainable. 

• Setting goals

The coach develops an action plan to help achieve the client’s aspirations during the goal-setting stage.

The coach divides the issue into manageable chunks to pinpoint the areas that need improvement.

The coach works with the coachee to make sure the action plan is well-written and emphasizes three to four “mission important” developing areas. The problems are outlined, the goals are chosen, the plans and timelines are established, any barriers to accomplishing the main goals are identified, and solutions to them are researched.

• Redefining goals

The coach evaluates the coachee’s advancement toward the set goals after several sessions. The coachee has an opportunity to discuss what they’ve learned, acknowledge their accomplishments to date, and plan out the upcoming coaching sessions. The coach and coachee have a chance to change the original objectives or restate the contract’s guidelines (redefining of goals).

• Feedback 

The coach and the coachee discuss what has been accomplished, what the coachee has learned, and what following measures they plan to take to apply their learning and performance improvement to their daily job after the pre-agreed number of coaching sessions has been completed. Additionally, the coach gets a chance to receive feedback on the value they offered from the coachee. 

What Are the Business Coaching Services to Offer After Being Certified Business Coach

What are the business coaching services to offer after you are certified as a business coach? Business coaching services involve professional coaches working with individuals or groups of employees to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, define their objectives and purposes, and better understand how their motivations and beliefs influence their behavior. Additionally, coaches assist people in better understanding how their business defines success and what is expected of them in their roles. 

The best business coach programs develop the skillset and mindset of individuals, teams, and leaders and align them with the company’s needs. Business coaching becomes transformative when done at an organizational level, advancing careers and accelerating corporate results.

Do Small Businesses Needs Business Coaching?

Yes, small businesses need business coaching. Launching and running a small business is not an easy task and that’s why business coaching is very useful. Small business coaches are experts who are familiar with all aspects of operating a business. A small business coach offers suggestions for improving management, dealing with the pressure of being a business owner, generating more income, and boosting sales. Additionally, a small business coach assists you in creating a company plan, executing your idea, and creating a successful business model. The coach helps you diagnose problems and serves as an objective judge of your ideas. Lastly, the coach helps you on a personal level by assisting you in overcoming the obstacles preventing you from becoming the successful entrepreneur you were born to be.

Is There an Organization That Provides Certification for Business Coaches?

The International Coaching Federation is the leader when it comes to organizations that provide certification for business coaches. The International Coaching Federation is a well-respected nonprofit organization that adds immediate credibility when it provides certification for business coaches, any business coaching services, or business coaching programs. 

It is crucial to ensure that the business coaching program you choose has been accredited by the ICF, i.e. undergone thorough evaluations by industry professionals to exceed the highest criteria that the ICF demands.

Three main types of coaching programs are recognized by the International Coaching Federation:

1. Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH)

The Approved Coach Specific Training Hours program requires 30 hours of rigorous, coach-specific training which includes mastering the ICF Core Competencies and observed coaching sessions. The program is a great choice for people who need more flexibility in their training because they are able to select their coach or mentor and customize their training schedule and hours to suit their needs.

2. Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)

Accredited Coach Training Program is the most comprehensive program for new business coaches. The program includes a minimum of 125 hours of training specifically for business coaches, in-depth instruction on the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, mentor coaching, and a thorough final exam that assesses the candidate’s proficiency and prepares them to coach in the real world. The Accredited Coach Training Program is best for business coaches who are just beginning their careers and want to make sure they are skilled in leadership coaching, business consultation, and strategic coaching. 

3. Continuing Coach Education (CCE)

The Continuing Coach Education program is essentially advanced training for coaches who have completed the fundamental ICF training and already have some coaching experience. The program expands on the knowledge that coaches already possess in order to prepare them for the next stage of their coaching careers. 

Can I Be a Business Coach Without Business Experience?

Yes, you can be a business coach without business experience. You don’t need to have a degree or any business experience to be a business coach. Additionally, there are no official regulations dictating that you must undergo any specific coaching program or be approved by a mandatory sanctioning body in order to launch a business coaching business. The only requirement is that you must get results. 

However, having previous experience as a business owner is quite useful. Business experience in combination with certification and formal training help build credibility and improve your coaching skills. What skills are required for business coaching? Excellent communication, listening, and organizational abilities are a huge plus as well.

Are Certifications Necessary for Business Coaching?

No, certifications are not necessary for business coaching. However, earning a certification does offer a useful structure for successful and effective coaching.

One of the most well-known business coach training and certification programs is offered by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Several factors make certificates important for business coaching, including the following:

• Coaching certifications enhance your reputation as a coach. Having a coaching certification gives you an advantage over your competition and adds a layer of credibility.
• The process of obtaining a coaching certification aids in the development of your personal network of peers and mentors. Being a part of a group of people who share your views is beneficial as they are able to provide help when you encounter obstacles, share valuable tips, and provide referrals. 
• Going through a business certification program helps you get ready to handle a variety of situations and problems. It adds a variety of tools to your coaching arsenal so you are better equipped to help your clients.
• Lastly, getting a coaching certification helps you to attract more clients, increasing the likelihood that your coaching business is going to be a success. Additionally, certified business coaches are less likely to drop out of their professions.