Certification Changes
by Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC
Q:
I’m curious about what’s going on with different levels of certification at the IAC and also recertification. I’ve heard bits and pieces and wonder what it’s going to mean for me.
A:
Your timing is impeccable. As the IAC prepares to launch this new phase, I must say there is great excitement being expressed around the virtual water cooler!
Since its inception, the IAC has been researching which certification renewal requirements best align with the IAC philosophy. As a result of the recent strategic planning process, which included extensive input from members, we believe the perfect solution has emerged!
Another result of the strategic planning process was the new designation of IAC-Practitioner. Although not a level of certification as a coach, the IAC-Practitioner does offer a stepping stone to coaches who are in the process of sitting for the certification exam. It also formally recognizes the coaches who want to demonstrate their commitment to continued growth as a coach, whether or not they are currently on the IAC-CC path.
As representatives of the IAC’s high standards in coaching, IAC members now will join fully with other professions that commit to excellence through continued learning. The result is a facilitated process in which all IAC-Certified Coaches (IAC-CCs) and IAC Practitioners can demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning through the completion of annual Learning Agreements. The IAC understands that mastery is an on-going process and the annual Learning Agreements are designed to support coaches as lifelong coaching masters.
Unlike many other associations which spell out requirements for Continuing Education Units or other activities, the IAC Learning Agreements represent a uniquely personalized approach to professional accountability and support. Those who choose to participate in the process are spelling out for themselves how they will explore, learn and grow in relation to the IAC Coaching Masteries® every year. We expect the process will be challenging, helpful and encouraging for one and all.
Here is an overview of how this important new step will be implemented:
Each year, on your membership renewal date, you will complete and file a Learning Agreement Proposal. The first year that you submit a proposal, you will meet with a Certifier for an initial review. This review will provide you assistance in clarifying goals, as needed, or in identifying resources to meet the goals. At the end of the first year, a completed Learning Agreement will be submitted and reviewed for clarity and completeness, followed by another meeting with the Certifier. Every fifth year thereafter, you will meet with a Certifier to review your portfolio of your five annual Learning Agreements. The fee for the initial submission is $150.00, with an additional $150.00 fee every five years when the review is conducted.
In order to maintain either the IAC-CC status or the IAC-Practitioner designation, coaches must submit an IAC Learning Agreement every year. The IAC’s objectives are to encourage and support continued professional growth for coaches and to preserve the reputation of the IAC as a gold standard in coaching mastery.
Check out the website where all materials are currently available for download and submission in Word format. Samples of completed forms are also available to assist you in this self-directed learning process. After the new IAC website goes live, you will be able to complete and submit your Learning Agreements online.
Natalie Tucker Miller, Lead Certifier and Susan R. Meyer, Vice President are available to answer any questions about this new process and requirement.
We think you’ll be as inspired as we are with this innovative way to help coaches keep their skills fresh and on the cutting edge!
Do you have a question that you’d like to ask the certifiers? Submit your questions here: http://certifiedcoachblog.typepad.com/blog/ask-the-certifiers.html.
Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC, is the Lead Certifier and a certifying examiner at the IAC, as well as Past-President. Natalie is founder of Ageless-Sages.com Publishing (www.ageless-sages.com), and creator of the literary genre, Picture Books for Elders™.
Please send your questions on the IAC Coaching Masteries® and the certification process to certification@certifiedcoach.org.
