| Summary. This article emphasizes the importance of obtaining a formal certification in coaching. A certification establishes credibility, helps coaches master comprehensive skills, upholds ethical and professional standards, provides opportunities for continuous professional development and, differentiates coaches in a competitive market. Certified coaches also have a higher client retention rate and potential for higher revenue. Overall, a professional certification is essential for serious coaches looking to succeed in the industry. |
The coaching profession has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. And while rapid turn-around courses and weekend workshops have surfaced to meet this demand, the true value lies in obtaining a formal certification.
For those considering a serious venture into coaching, it’s absolutely essential to get quality, approved training under your belt, here’s why a comprehensive certification should be top of your list.
1. Certification Establishes Credibility and Authenticity:
In a saturated market, certification serves as a hallmark and stamp of approval for genuine expertise. Clients these days, especially those with discernment, are much more inclined to seek services from coaches whose credentials resonate with competence and authenticity. And in 2023, people do a great deal more research to check before making a decision. i.e on Linkedin, Google and so on.
2. Certification Helps You Master Comprehensive Skills:
While brief courses can introduce the rudiments of coaching, a certification program delves deep into methodologies, ensuring a coach is well-equipped to handle a myriad of client scenarios. This depth in skill set is not just beneficial—it’s essential. A coach who has undergone certification is more likely to be familiar with a wide range of tools and and approaches for a diverse range of contexts, this isn’t merely ‘do this then do that’ because of course human beings are far more complex than that. Certified coaches are more prepared for whatever can turn up in their sessions and how to plan effective strategies.
3. Uphold Ethical and Professional Standards:
Certified programs such as our LPCC program emphasize the importance of ethics in coaching, here at ACT we pay close attention to this aspect and ensure our students fully comprehend it. Being totally aware of ethical and professional standards brings confidence to our coaching and adhering to them not only safeguards client interests but also elevates the reputation of the coaching practitioner and the profession as a whole.
Building on this, we are very mindful at ACT that our unconscious biases can play a part in our decision making – that’s why we spend time shining a light on this and exploring our assumptions. To be a powerful coach who is well versed in DE&I matters means that we can approach a wide and diverse range of situations from a place of thoughtfulness and insight.
4. Continuous Professional Development:
A formal certification often opens the door to advanced training opportunities, ensuring that a coach remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Many courses and advanced training requires that we have a certification to even be considered. This continuous growth is not only fulfilling but positions a coach as a lifelong learner in the eyes of clients, it demonstrates their commitment and longterm view on the profession.
5. Differentiate in a Competitive Market:
With a multitude of coaches vying for attention, a professional certification distinguishes one as a serious practitioner with a vocation and commitment to the profession. This not only assures potential clients of quality service but also translates into a much more lucrative coaching practice as your rates can be higher and packages more valuable.
Bonus Insight:
Recent studies indicate that certified coaches have a client retention rate 35% higher than non-certified counterparts. This not only underscores the trust that certification instills but also translates to significant revenue benefits in the long run of course. Moreover, in a survey conducted in 2022, 68% of clients expressed a willingness to pay higher fees for certified coaches, citing their confidence in the superior quality of service so it really is a win-win!
In closing:
The trajectory of the coaching profession in 2023 underscores the necessity of professional certification. With the added benefits of enhanced client retention and willingness to pay a premium for certified coaches, the importance of formal training becomes even more pronounced.
If you’re curious about training to become a fully certified leadership coach with one of the most respected coach training schools in the world, read more about our ACT Leadership LPCC course here.
Quick Reference Table: Benefits of Professional Coaching Certification in 2023
| Key Benefit | Description |
| Credibility & Authenticity | Certification stands as a benchmark of true expertise in a crowded market. It assures clients of a coach’s genuine skills and authenticity. |
| Mastery of Skills | Certification stands as a benchmark of true expertise in a crowded market. It assures clients of a coach’s genuine skills and authenticity. |
| Mastery of Skills | These programs emphasize the importance of ethics, ensuring the protection of client interests and enhancing the reputation of both the coach and the profession and being aware of unconscious biases. |
| Continuous Professional Development | Certified coaches have access to advanced training opportunities, positioning them as industry leaders and lifelong learners. |
| Market Differentiation | Certified coaches have access to advanced training opportunities, positioning them as industry leaders and lifelong learners. |
| Bonus: Client Retention & Revenue | Certified coaches see a 35% higher client retention rate. 68% of clients are willing to pay more for certified coaches, indicating higher trust and potential revenue opportunities. |
