
IAC® CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
Coaching is a transformative process for personal and professional awareness,
discovery and growth.
As the coaching profession grows, and the practice of coaching evolves and transforms, it is imperative there be a coach certification process designed specifically to uphold, and advance, the highest standards of coaching excellence.
What does that look like?
Because many professionals from various industries are transitioning into coaching, or use a coaching approach a variety of ways in their business or practice The IAC® Certification Process™ focuses on the distinct qualities of masterful coaching.
We do not require a set number of training hours in order to assimilate coaching skills, necessitate logging coaching hours, require training from a particular coach training program, nor value one style of coaching over another.
Measuring the number of hours one has coached is vastly different from measuring the skill with which one coaches. Evaluating coaching style is not the same as evaluating coaching mastery.
Our certification is based on both a cognitive understanding of coaching AND demonstration of coaching mastery.
The standards for IAC certification are high.
Uncommonly so.
This is because of masterful coaching must reinforce leading edge communication skills, a keen awareness of human and cultural differences and how to work with these effectively, the ability to generate innovative and client-centered ways to shift perspective, thus expanding possibilities, and the importance of co-creating sustainable plans to produce uncommon results.
This is the hallmark of the IAC® certified coach.
Measuring the number of hours one has coached is vastly different from measuring the skill with which one coaches. Evaluating coaching style is not the same as evaluating coaching mastery.
As the coaching profession grows, and the practice of coaching evolves and transforms, IAC is furthering the interest of coaching worldwide through a rigorous certification process designed specifically to uphold, and advance the highest human standards of universal excellence. This is the hallmark of the IAC® certified coach
As many professionals from various industries around the world are transitioning into coaching, or use a coaching approach in a variety of ways in their business or practices, the IAC® Certification Process™ focuses on the distinct qualities of masterful coaching.
These qualities are reflected in our certification which we refer to as The Coaching Masteries ®. This certification process requires accomplished skill, and a thorough comprehension of that skill. Although no one particular coach training method is required, it is essential that knowledge and application of these skill sets are mastered.
Masterful coaching must reinforce leading edge communication skills, a keen awareness of human and cultural differences and how to work with these effectively. The ability to generate innovative and client-centered ways to shift perspective, thus expanding possibilities, and the importance of co-creating sustainable plans to produce meaningful results are critical.
The IAC does not evaluate the coaching style of the coach but evaluates the demonstration, by the coach, of The Coaching Masteries ®. The standards by which coaching mastery is measured at the IAC® reinforces leading edge communication skills, time honored philosophical archetypes and the humanity of coaching relationships.

To ensure high quality coaching, the IAC® certifies coaches based upon:
- Demonstrated willingness to continue their learning and growth in coaching mastery by submitting a Masteries Professional Development Plan.
- Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of The Coaching Masteries ®, the IAC legal and ethical standards of coaching, through an online exam.
- Demonstrated ability to incorporate The Coaching Masteries ® into their work with clients through an evaluation of two thirty to forty-five minute recorded coaching sessions. (two recordings for IAC-Master Coach™ and one recording for IAC-Certified Coach™)
The IAC Masteries Practitioner™, IAC-Certified Coach™ (IAC-CC™) and IAC Master Coach™ ( IAC-MC™) are all certification programs and services of the International Association of Coaching to promote the professional and personal development of coaches in the field of personal, life, and professional growth.
Our certification is based on both a cognitive understanding of coaching and demonstration of The Coaching Masteries®.
To become an IAC certified coach, you need to complete two steps:
Step 1: IAC-Masteries Practitioner™ designation
Purpose: Cognitive understanding of The Coaching Masteries®
Process: Pass Online test with a score of 70% and complete MPDP review
On successful completion: IAC-Masteries Practitioner™ designation
Step 2: IAC-Certified Coach™ / IAC-Master Coach™
Purpose: Demonstration of The Coaching Masteries®
IAC-Certified Coach™ Process: Submit one, 30 to 45 minute recorded coaching sessions (with written transcript in English)
IAC-Master Coach™ Process: Submit two, 30 to 45 minute recorded coaching sessions (with written transcript in English)
On successful completion: Certified by IAC as IAC-Certified Coach™ (IAC-CC™) or IAC-Master Coach™ (IAC-MC™)