How To Become A Board Certified Coach (BCC)

Board Certified Coach Requirements

There are differences in requirements that may vary from one individual to another. Your requirements for a BCC credential will be governed by your academic history and work experience.

In general, expect to complete a minimum of 30 hours of coach training and as much as 120 hours in some cases. You also have to log 30 hours of coaching experience, in which you work with actual clients, earn a professional endorsement through one of your peers, and pass the BCC exam.

The exam is offered through a system of computer-based testing and made available at sites throughout the world.

But why the difference in requirements?

A gap analysis between coaching competencies and counseling was conducted by subject matter experts. The study revealed significant crossover between the two, as well as varying levels of crossover in certain social sciences, most notably including the practices of social work and psychology.“The subject matter experts identified overlapping portions and independently verified that NCCs and fully state-licensed counselors have met many competencies through a rigorous measurement and credential verification process,” according to the Center for Credentialing and Education. Their findings went on to highlight “overlapping competencies for other social sciences, such as social work and psychology, if CCE could verify that those competencies were covered in the respective credentialing verification processes.”

To learn more about the process of BCC credentialing for your unique situation, choose the option below that most closely aligns with your background experience:

• National Certified Counselor (NCC) or a full professional counselor license (e.g., LPC, LPCC, LMHC)
• Master’s or Ph.D. in counseling
• Doctoral degree in a social or behavioral science (e.g., social work, education, health, business)
• Master’s degree or higher in social or behavioral sciences (e.g., social work, education, health, business)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
• Recognized coaching credential and a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
• At least 2,500 hours of experience over a period of at least five years and a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field

Specialty Designations

The CCE also offers specialty designations to further position yourself as a subject matter expert within specific coaching practices. To pursue this option, you’ll have to complete 30 hours of coaching within the area of your chosen specialty in addition to the standard BCC requirements. You’ll also have to obtain and submit an endorsement that verifies your expertise with the practice you’ve selected, and pay a nominal review fee (around $30).

There are currently four specialty designations available:

• Executive/Corporate/Business/Leadership Coach
• Health and Wellness Coach
• Career Coach
• Personal/Life Coach

Credential Maintenance Requirements

Due in large part to the CCE’s commitment to ongoing training and continuing education, your BCC credential will have to be recertified every five years. This ensures your familiarity with the most up-to-date best practices as well as any changes to the CCE’s policies and procedures.

Within that timeframe, you will also be required to complete 70 hours of continuing education each year to maintain certification. An annual fee of $40 also applies.

BCC Application Assistance

The CCE guidelines can be confusing at times, especially if you aren’t exactly sure which coaching certification path to take. If you need additional guidance in pursuing a BCC credential, we’re here to help.

One of CTW’s certified professional mentor coaches can quickly walk you through the process, answer any questions you might have, and guide you toward your best decisions.

Get ready for the fastest, most efficient BCC certification possible! Contact us today to get started.

To Learn More about our BCC Programs

* All CTW Coursework Applicable for both ICF and BCC Credentials!