This brand new coaching credential aims to help potential clients identify professional levels of achievement among life coaches and establish a universal standard in training. It's an especially welcome development in a field that, despite increasing popularity, has been largely unregulated since it emerged in the 1980s. The BCC is designed mainly for master's and doctoral level degrees, in particular for those in connected careers such as therapists and counselors. The credential establishes a code of ethics adopted in September 2010 that governs standards of conduct, legal compliance, performance, conflicts of interest and impropriety.
As of February 2011, only one college had been selected as a BCC provider, the Institute of Life Coach Training. According to the ILCT's founder, psychologist Dr. Pat Williams, "Consumers and professionals alike will be very well served by this credentialing service" as other colleges follow suit and become selected. During the inaugural period, which lasts until 31 December 2011, the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) may accept "coach specific training from other training organizations" and there is a list on their website of colleges already included for consideration.
The ILCT specializes in training therapists, social workers and counselors to become life coaches and builds on students' existing educational achievements and professional experience. It is estimated that for the most experienced and qualified therapists, the BCC credential could be earned in as few as 40 hours' training. Classes begin at the start of each month except December and are conducted through teleconference calls. The tuition fee for the 40-hour Foundation Class is quoted as $2,295, as of February 2011.
Included on the list for potential BCC accreditation, this college offers seminars, workshops and intensive courses in coaching. The academy is also accredited by the International Coach Federation, the most widely accepted professional accreditation before the BCC was introduced. The Coach Training Program is for students wanting to change career and become a professional coach; business people wanting to improve their management skills and members of the helping professions wishing to broaden their skills base. There are two directions in which students can proceed: the Entrepreneurial Professional Coach Track or the Internal Organizational Coach Track. Details of both of these programs may be found on the website. Practical experience is an essential element of the coach training packages available, some of which must be professionally paid work.