[Ailist] Certification and/or Credibility?

[Bruce Elkin]

> I would advocate taking a coaches training program that is ICF-certified.  You
> know you have a certain standard of quality and key competencies, which have
> been well developed over the years with a lot of input.  As far as
> certification, in my world (Washington DC area) the requirement to be
> certified is growing, and is often a prerequisite to even being considered.
> Having said that, I know quite a few successful coaches who are great at what
> they do who aren't certified, but it is a harder road for most and it narrows
> your options.  
> 
> Often considered the top 3 ICF-certified schools are:  The Coaches Training
> Institute (CTI), Newfield Network (Julio Ollalo) and New Ventures West (James
> Flaherty).   They are very different styles, so check out which style
> resonates with you.  They all incorporate positive psychology in some way,
> shape or form.   Mentor Coach is also highly regarded, and David Rock's
> Results Coaching, based on neuroscience principles which focus on what you
> want (vs what's wrong), is gaining ground.
> 
> Cheers, 
>  
> Cynthia

I agree with Cynthia about her recommendations, particularly Newfield, New
Ventures, Mentor, and David Rock.

But there are a couple of things to consider.  Usually the only people who
want certification are government bodies.  I¹ve never known a corporation to
ask for certification, only government orgs.  So, I can see why it¹s
important in the DC area.

So, if you want to work for a government agency, get certified.  If you want
to work in your own practice, build your credibility.  That involves picking
and choosing your training to suit your desires and needs (a week with Jim
Flaherty and company),  a couple of intensive workshops with David Rock¹s
group,  a retreat with Ben at Mentor Coach, Š

Rather than plunk down $10,000 to one organization and become one of them,
be yourself, draw from the best and put it together yourself.  You will
certainly build credibility in your own capacity and in the eyes of others.
However, you may not qualify for certification from ICF, as their criteria
are a bit spurious.

For example, when I applied for certification during their ³grandfathering²
phase, certifying the few coaches and coach trainers with long experience, I
scored 89/90 in 9 of the 10 key areas, but 0/10 in references.  You needed
90 to qualify.  

I was shocked as my references ranged from mentors such as Robert Fritz
(found for the field of structural dynamics and structural consulting) to
CEO¹s of Fortune 500 companies to College Presidents to a range of
successful independent professionals and ordinary folks who¹d created new
lives and careers for themselves.  ZER0 points!  Why?

I was told that all of my references were rejected because none of them were
associated with Coach U, the main ³training² institution at the time, or
ICF.  So be careful!

Most of the coaches I know who successful set up and sustain successful
practices do not rely on one source of training.  They take the best they
can from the best they can find.

End of rant.

Cheers!
Bruce
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BRUCE ELKIN: Life/Work Renewal Coach & Consultant
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