Become a Coach

There are many reasons to become a coach.

However, there are also several things to consider if you are planning to embark on the journey to becoming a professional coach:

• Are you the person that others naturally come to for support?
• Are you passionate about helping others come to their own solutions?
• Are you curious, courageous and committed?
• Great coaches have great coaches – are you willing to invest in a mentor coach?
• Are you someone who takes pride in advancing your profession and training?
• Have you talked to other coaches about what is takes to build a successful business?
• Are you ready to take on the challenges involved in building a profitable business?
• Do you enjoy marketing?

Essentially, four factors will contribute to your success as a coach:

1.  You love to coach.
2. You are committed to your professional training, credentialing and ongoing development.
3. You are clear on who your ideal client is and what you can offer them.
4. You are a self-starter, have marketing know-how and are willing to invest in the support you need to grow your business.

What Professional Coaches Have to Say About Their Profession and Why They Coach

Coaching is a fulfilling profession.
These are some of the reasons some of our members love coaching:

“Coaching allows me to live my values and align my life purpose with the work that I do everyday.”
Laura McCafferty
, Inspired Coaching & Development

“After I finish a coach session, I am left in wonder at the amazing capacity of human beings and in awe of the gift that my client gives me to be a witness to their growth and honesty.”
Carol Vickers, ACC
, Applied Appreciation Coaching & Consulting

“Coaching allows me to connect with myself and with others at a level that feeds my soul.”
Halli MacNab, ACC
, Power for Life Coaching

“As we remind others about their greatness, ability and courage to change and grow, we’re also reminded of our own potential, and where we can still improve and grow, which helps us to strive to be our best as well.”
Angela Neumann, MA, PCC
, Neumann Leadership

“To be a Coach is a fulfilling job
 when, at the end of the day, I sleep 
peacefully knowing that my Clients
 embark upon a more enlightened life.”
Betska K Burr, 
Coaching and Leadership International Inc.

A satisfying career as a professional coach starts with training which will help call you forth as a professional coach.

How to Become A Coach

There are more than 100 ICF Accredited Coach Training Programs (ACTP) worldwide and there even more programs offering Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH).

There are also several avenues to becoming a coach and to achieving your ICF credentials. Visit the ICF’s Becomea.coach website to learn more about how to begin your journey to becoming a coach.

One of best ways to research which avenue and which program is the right one for you is to:

• follow the ICF link to search the programs,
• read up on the ones that appeal, and then…
• talk to coaches who are graduates of the program in your shortlist.

Obtaining your training from an accredited training program is the first step towards gaining an ICF credential. To research all available ICF Accredited Training Programs and ICF Approved Coach Specific Training Hours, visit the Training Program Search Engine on the ICF website.