There are many wonderful non-certified coaches already enjoying the wonderful reputation they deserve because of their excellent coaching methodologies. However, there are many others who tout themselves as coaches and who, in fact, leave a poor taste in the corporate mouth because of a lack of skill or training, or simply by misuing the word “coach” when they are really consulting.

I believe as we enjoy this present transformation, it is even more important to ensure the definition of a standard of excellence. I believe that certification as marketing tool may have become secondary at this point (arguable), but I feel strongly that it serves as a marker for the industry so that we can continue to enjoy and to co-create transformation through best research, education, and practice.

What strikes me is that we, coaches, are still having the certification conversation. Coaching is on the verge of being morphed into the next really great thing – a transformation so to speak – and yet we are still hunkering down wondering if we need to be certified.

In the early years of finding our way in this profession, the impact of certification vs. non-certification was an unknown. So, many of us acted on the side of perceived safety. The training was great and remains that way and I recommend good solid coach training to everyone – whether its to learn or to refresh skills. However, is not necessarily the same with certification.

It’s a known now -very few organizations aside from coach training organizations and the US government and associated organizations require certification. If you want to coach for a coach training organization, the EPA, NASA, or some similar agency, then certify. If not, just be ethical, get educated, and do the best job you can for your client – meet their needs.