6 Best Executive Coaching Certifications

Executive coaching certification is a  program that provides you with the education and experience necessary to become an accredited coach through a specialized coaching organization. A certified professional coach works with their clients to help them succeed and develop the abilities required for senior roles. 

Executive coaching certification is important because it proves you’ve gone through the necessary training to become a capable executive coach. The most important benefits of executive coaching training include the ability to provide quality coaching to clients, being up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques, committing to ethical practices, and having more experience. Obtaining certification enhances your coaching abilities and integrity by demonstrating that you have the necessary education and experience. It helps you attract more clients and leads to increased success and career longevity.

The three types of executive coaching programs are the Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), the Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH), and the Continuing Coach Education (CCE). The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is one of the top organizations for coaching certification in the world. The ICF coaching program is recognized globally.

Here are the best certified coaching programs to take into consideration if you want to become a certified executive coach.

1. Center for Executive Coaching Coach Certificate Program/ACTP

The Center for Executive Coaching Coach Certificate Program/ACTP is selective and small, which means that training and support are more personalized. The Center for Executive Coaching Coach Certificate Program/ACTP takes two to four months to finish. 

The Center for Executive Coaching is a top provider of executive coach training and certification for executives,  leaders, business owners, managers, entrepreneurs, and up-and-coming talent. Over 2,000 coaches in 32 countries have received training from the Center on how to create strategies that provide realistic, quantifiable results for clients.

The Center for Executive Coaching goes above and beyond the key competencies of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), offers a remarkable network of coaches, and has a royalty-free license to more than 20 coaching toolkits. It is a fantastic choice for working professionals due to its flexible choices for mentoring and training. You have the option to select virtual classes and webinars to work at your own pace through distance learning, and you are able to decide how quickly or how long it takes you to complete the training.

The Center for Executive Coaching Coach Certificate Program/ACTP costs between $5,000 and $7,500, depending on the training format you choose. 

2. ACT Leadership Brown Next Level Coaching Program/CCE

The ACT Leadership Brown Next Level Coaching Program/CC includes the eleven ICF Core Competencies and the Code of Ethics. The ACT Leadership Brown Next Level Coaching Program/CC is focused on leadership and organizational development. Participants in the program gain competence and confidence in their ability to coach a variety of diverse personalities within businesses using theories from fields like leadership development and developmental psychology.

Brown’s Ivy League reputation inevitably gives the ACT Leadership Brown Next Level Coaching Program legitimacy and authority. It is a fantastic program for providing coaches with a wide range of tools and coaching approaches to be able to teach executives and leaders at every level due to its focus on ICF Core Competencies and experienced staff.

3. Academy of Executive Coaching Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching Certification/ACSTH

The Academy of Executive Coaching Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching Certification/ACSTH program is a four-month experiential program that gives you the opportunity to start using coaching techniques right away. The Academy of Executive Coaching Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching Certification program enables you to comprehend how people behave, develop, and change by learning about the psychological foundations. 

The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring Coach Council (EMC), and the Accredited Award in Coach Training (AC) have all granted the Academy of Executive Coaching program a unique triple accreditation. The program is available in multiple locations all around the world (including the UAE, the UK, Poland, and Ireland). It provides both in-person and digital training. 

The Coaching Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching Certification program is far less expensive than a semester of college (costs approximately $5,600) and is beneficial for professionals at all levels, in groups, and in a variety of career fields.

4. Erickson Coach International Erickson Solution-Focused Coach Certificate/ACSTH &ACTP

The Erickson Coach International Erickson Solution-Focused Coach Certificate/ACSTH &ACTP program helps you develop a strong foundation in the theory and practice of solution-focused coaching. The Erickson Coach International Erickson Solution-Focused Coach Certificate program enables you to employ highly successful coaching approaches as a solution-focused coach to support people in making lasting, positive changes.

Erickson Coaching has been around since the 1980s and has helped develop executive coaching into what it is today. Erickson’s executive coach training program is known for its “Art and Science of Coaching approach”, which is built on the theories of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, core leadership competencies, and neuro-linguistic programming. Erickson solution-focused coaches are carefully selected and meticulously trained coaches who are knowledgeable in their fields and provide both online and in-person instruction.

5. Co-Active Training Institute Coach Certificate Program/ ACTP

The four courses of the Co-Active Training Institute Coach Certificate Program/ACTP build on the knowledge gained from Co-Active Fundamentals by examining the key coaching principles of process, balance, fulfillment, and synergy. The Coach Certificate Program/ACTP from the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) promotes extensive development on both a personal and professional level. The completion of this program enables you to create a solid coaching framework and become proficient in co-active coaching, one of the most in-demand and rapidly expanding leadership skills. 

The Co-Active Training Institute has been around for almost 30 years and has developed over 65,000 coaches representing a third of Fortune 100 businesses. The Co-Active training model is acknowledged as the most adaptable and tested coach training approach available because it offers each coach trainee relevant, experienced learning that is genuinely transforming.

6. John Mattone Global, INC IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE

The John Mattone Global, INC IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE program is a three-day immersive online experience in executive coach development. Ultimately, the John Mattone Global, INC IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE program enables coaches to assist executives in unleashing their potential and becoming the greatest leaders possible. 

The John Mattone Global, INC IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE program focuses on igniting and strengthening a leader’s inner and outer cores, which enables leaders to realize four important outcomes: affiliation, achievement, abundance, and altruism (the four A’s). The program is short but packed with crucial pre-work, seminars, conversations, and activities that teach executive coaching principles.

John Mattone is a former executive coach to Steve Jobs and is regarded as one of the best executive coaches in the world. Over 300 outstanding executive coaches have graduated from John Mattone Global, INC. The John Mattone Global, INC IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE program is packed with the leadership expertise that elevated Mattone to the top of the executive coaching industry.

What Are the Types of Training Certifications?

The three types of training certifications are the Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), the Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH), and the Continuing Coach Education (CCE). The three types of executive coaching programs are described in more detail below. 

1. Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)

The Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) is a comprehensive coach training program that learners must complete in order to apply for their coaching accreditation with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

The 125 hours of coach-specific training in the Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) include in-depth instruction on the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the program’s curriculum includes observed coaching sessions, mentor coaching, and a thorough exam that assesses a student’s coaching proficiency.

2. Approved Coach-Specific Training Hours (ACSTH)

The Approved Coach-Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) program is for coach training providers who want their training program to be approved by ICF Coach Training. The Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) programs are considered “al la carte” training programs. At least 30 hours of student interaction time are necessary for ACSTH accreditation. 

Graduates of the Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) program are able to use the ACSTH application path to apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential or the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential. 

3. Continuing Coach Education (CCE)

The Continuing Coach Education (CCE) program is designed for educational institutions and organizations that want the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to accredit their education and training program. Additionally, Continuing Coach Education (CCE) is regarded as supplemental and ongoing education for people seeking new knowledge and/or renewing their ICF credentials. 

Applicants are able to choose between ​​Synchronous Learning (SL), i.e. learning environment allowing real-time interactions between participants and faculty, and Asynchronous Learning (AL), i.e. learning environment outside of real-time interaction. No single program exceeds 40 clock hours because CCE accreditations are intended for additional and continuing education for persons desiring to acquire new knowledge and professional growth.

What Is an Executive Coaching Certification?

Executive coaching certification is a program that provides you with the education and experience necessary to become a certified coach through a specialized coaching organization. You are awarded a certificate, much like a degree or diploma, when you successfully finish the executive coaching certification program and demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for an executive coach. 

What is executive coaching? The term “executive coaching” refers to leadership or role-specific training intended to help executives develop their leadership skills, build their reputations, and enable them to achieve success at the highest levels. Executive coaching focuses on the executives’ professional and personal growth.

Why an Executive Coaching Certification Is Important

Executive coaching certification is important because it proves you’ve gone through the necessary training to become a capable executive coach. Executive coaching certification is important because it ensures that executive coaches are knowledgeable and dependable professionals who adhere to a strict code of ethics. 

Having executive coaching certification helps you completely understand your role and obligations as a coach and makes it possible for you to make sure you always put the needs of your clients first. Additionally, having executive certification boosts your credibility and gives you a significant competitive edge. This allows you to increase your inner confidence and get more clients in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Acquiring an Executive Coaching Certification?

The most important benefits of executive coaching include the ability to provide quality coaching to clients, being up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques, committing to ethical practices, and having more experience. The details of the most important benefits of executive coaching are described below. 

• Ability to provide quality coaching to clients. Certified coaches are trained professionals who are able to offer clients high-quality coaching because of their knowledge and experience. A certified coach possesses all the skills required to become a professional coach after undergoing extensive training and passing a series of exams. Practical training enables the coach to learn more information and develop new abilities, helping them to become the best coach possible. 
• Being up-to-date on the most recent trends and methods. One of the most important benefits of executive coaching certification is the fact that certified coaches are always up to date with the latest training. For instance, new training sessions and other requirements must be met if an ICF-certified coach wants to renew their certification. This keeps them informed of new developments in the coaching industry, as well as novelties when it comes to coaching methods and techniques. 
• Following ethical standards. Receiving considerable training and experience helps the coach develop into an ethical expert who serves their clients with great care and respect. A coach needs to follow industry best practices, which are available only with coaching certification, in order to have a successful coaching career. These abilities enable the coach to stand out in the field and attract more customers.
• More experience. Certified coaches have more experience because they are required to participate in a variety of practices and training sessions. For instance, receiving an ICF credential requires hours of practice and training. A qualified associate coach completes more than 60 hours of training and more than 100 practice sessions. Additionally, they spend hours practicing with a certified mentor, which helps them get in-depth knowledge of the area they are working in. 

What Are the Requirements for Executive Coaching Certification?

The requirements for executive coaching certification include coach-specific training, coaching experience, mentor coaching, performance evaluation, and the creation of a coach knowledge assessment.

• Coach-specific training. You must first complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training through an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) or ICF Approved Coach Specific Training Hours Program (ACSTH) in order to become an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
• Coaching experience. A minimum of 100 hours of coaching experience is required for executive coaching certification. 
• Mentor coaching. Additionally, you must have ten hours of Mentor Coaching over a period of at least three months. 
• Performance evaluation. Another requirement for executive coaching certification is to undergo a performance evaluation. The performance evaluation is conducted by your faculty if your training program is an ACTP.
• Coach knowledge assessment. Lastly, you must write the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment to demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of the necessary abilities. 

What Are the Most Reputable Executive Coaching Certification Programs?

The three most reputable executive coaching certification programs are ​​the programs offered by the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL), the College of Executive Coaching, and the Coach Training Alliance. The three most reputable executive coaching certification programs are described below. 

• ​​The Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) is a reputable, reasonably priced Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). It provides free resources like a blog, podcast, and videos to learn more about coaching or to gain feedback on executive coaching practices in addition to offering online instructor-led courses via Zoom.
• College of Executive Coaching. Post-graduate students pursuing the ICF Professional Coach accreditation (PCC) or Board Certified Coach (BCC) accreditation are the target audience for the ICF-accredited College of Executive Coaching. The College of Executive Coaching provides a range of training alternatives, including a two-week online program, an intensive short course, and other virtual courses. 
• The Coach Training Alliance. Several certification programs are available from the Coach Training Alliance that have been accepted by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). There are programs available to help you get ready to coach individuals and groups, launch your own executive coaching practice, or write and publish your first book.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Executive Coaching Certification?

It takes anywhere from a few days to a year to get an executive coaching certification. It usually takes six to twelve months to earn advanced credentials like the ICF’s professional coaching certification, which calls for at least 500 hours of coaching experience. 

Some providers offer intensive executive certification training. The Center for Executive Coaching, for instance, offers an intense executive coach training seminar that provides applicants with the distinction of Certified Executive Coach as well as credit hours for the ICF or BCC in just three days.

How Much Does an Executive Coaching Certification Cost?

An executive coaching certification program usually costs from $1,000 to $20,000, or between $3,000 to $5,000 for people who already have a degree. The additional training and mentoring that is required if you don’t already have a degree add to higher-end expenditures. The more expensive programs give you the academic and practical training required to pass the certification requirement

What Is the Difference Between Executive Coaching Certification and Other Coaching Certifications?

The difference between executive coaching certification from other coaching certifications is in the curriculum. Having the best credentials which attest to your skills, accomplishments, expertise, and capacity to generate high-impact results is very important given the coaching industry’s explosive growth. 

The length of the course depends on the coaching program you select, whether you opt to become an executive coach or another form of coach (such as a business coach, life coach, health coach, etc.). Make sure to research all of the respected programs available to select the one that best suits you.

What Are the Skills of an Executive Coach?

The most important skills of an executive coach include active listening, communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and decision-making. These skills allow the coach to work with clients and assist them in achieving their career goals. Here’s a list of the five most important skills of an executive coach:

• Active listening. Giving your clients advice and direction is a big part of your job as an executive coach. Good active listening skills are typically necessary for executive coaches in order to process client inquiries and provide helpful feedback.
• Communication. Communication is key for executive coaches who depend on regular contact with their clients. Clear and transparent communication enables the coach to provide simple yet effective guidance and answers to client inquiries by clarifying actions and giving clear advice. 
• Emotional intelligence. You need to have a solid understanding of emotional intelligence in order to be able to determine the most efficient coaching strategy for each individual client. 
• Critical thinking. Being able to think critically enables you to choose the most effective strategies for advancing your clients. Executive coaches analyze their clients’ strengths and areas for improvement using critical thinking abilities, then offer recommendations and direction based on their findings.
• Decision-making. Executive coaches occasionally assist clients in making timely and significant decisions. Making wise decisions is essential to ensuring that clients always feel supported.

What Does an Executive Coach Do?

An executive coach evaluates the coachee’s professional and personal goals and analyzes their strengths, weaknesses, and relationships before creating a special service package to suit their needs. Executive coaches help improve a leader’s teamwork skills, productivity, or other critical management abilities

Executive coaches meet with their clients on a regular basis to assess progress and provide guidance for tasks and exercises. These discussions are private in order to enable the coach to provide honest feedback and encourage personal development.

What Are the Responsibilities of an Executive Coach?

The most important responsibilities of an executive coach include building a coaching course, working together with the client to achieve their goals, providing tailored feedback, and writing regular reports. The most important responsibilities of an executive coach are described below. 

• Building a coaching course. Every executive coach needs to build a results-oriented coaching course because that is what people truly care about, rather than any other features, such as the number of sessions or supplementary materials. The coach must consider the final objective they help their client to achieve when developing a coaching course. The coaching course must be centered on achieving that objective.
• Work together with the client to achieve their goals. The executive coach must schedule regular meetings with the executive in order to learn the executive’s objectives and what they hope to accomplish. The coach works together with the executive to create comprehensive plans that address a lack of resources, skill shortages, etc.
• Providing constructive feedback. Executive coaches need to provide thorough feedback to clients in order to help them perform better and reach their career objectives. Giving specific feedback is crucial to the coaching process since it aids the client in achieving their goals quickly and efficiently. 
• Writing regular reports. The executive coach writes in-depth reports about the coachee’s performance and how they react to feedback. This report includes an assessment of the client’s, cooperation efforts, skill progress, job satisfaction, and determination, as well as their improvements and the need for additional support. 

Can I Be an Executive Coach?

Yes, you can be an executive coach if you have a desire to help others develop and achieve their objectives. A certified professional coach works with their clients to help them succeed and develop the abilities required for senior roles. You can be an executive coach if you have at least ten years of leadership experience before pursuing a career in coaching. Additionally, you can become an executive coach by obtaining credentials from reputable institutions, which show that you are dedicated to career-long learning and executive coaching.

Is Executive Coaching Certification the Highest Coaching Certification?

The highest coaching qualification is Master Certified Coach (MCC) in executive coaching. The ICF refers to MMC as the gold standard in coaching because it demands the greatest amount of coaching education. You need 200 hours or more of coaching training and experience in coaching for 2,500 hours in order to qualify. 

Is ICF Coaching Recognized Globally?

Yes, ICF Coaching is recognized globally. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is one of the top organizations for coaching certification in the world. The ICF coaching program is known for creating coaching core competencies, establishing a code of conduct and standards for professionals, and establishing a credentialing scheme with international recognition. The ICF is the voice of the international coaching profession, representing more than 143 nations and more than 35,000 professional personal and corporate coaches.

What Is the Difference Between Executive Coaching and Business Coaching?

The difference between executive coaching and business coaching is that the former focuses on improving individual performance, while the latter provides solutions to actual problems. Business coaching improves organizational processes and techniques, whereas executive coaching focuses on empowering the leader. Both executive coaching and business coaching both aim to raise organizational performance.