| If life coaching certification by the International Coach | | | | 8. Hones in on what is most important |
| Federation (ICF) is like the Harvard degree of the | | | | 9. Communicates cleanly |
| coaching world, the International Association of | | | | 10. Shares what is there |
| Coaching (IAC) designation is like getting a B.A. from | | | | 11. Champions the client |
| the University of Phoenix. | | | | 12. Enters new territories |
| Practical, down-to-earth, flexible, and considerate of | | | | 13. Relishes truth |
| your past experience, certification by the International | | | | 14. Designs supportive environments |
| Association of Coaches is the way to go if you want | | | | 15. Respects the client's humanity |
| a credential....AND you don't have an interest in going | | | | The examination process happens in two steps. |
| through the Cirque du Soleil contortions required by the | | | | Step One: the 200 question written exam. There are |
| ICF (not to mention the expense!) | | | | 150 questions on demonstrating proficiency (in 15 areas |
| Unlike ICF, IAC offers only one level of certification. | | | | mentioned above), 30 on choosing the appropriate |
| You either have it, or you don't. | | | | proficiency to match different scenarios, and 20 on |
| The IAC tests applicants against 15 competencies that | | | | legal and ethical issues. |
| it's defined as important for successful coaching. They | | | | Step Two: an online exam that will force you to |
| are: | | | | demonstrate a thorough understanding of and ability to |
| | | | effectively use the 15 proficiencies |
| 1. Engages in provocative conversations. | | | | If some level of certification is important to you for |
| 2. Reveals the client to themselves | | | | professional or personal reasons, the IAC may be the |
| 3. Elicits greatness | | | | way to go. Just be clear that the ICF is quickly |
| 4. Enjoys the client immensely | | | | becoming Ruler Supreme of the life coaching world |
| 5. Expands the client's best efforts | | | | and that an ICF credential will likely earn you more |
| 6. Navigates via curiosity | | | | respect from your colleagues. |
| 7. Recognizes perfection in every situation | | | | |