Purpose
The CBC designation:

• Sets international standards for practitioner business coaches through a practitioner designation, and clearly identifies these standards for buyers of business coaching
• Provides an independent, robust, transparent assessment process that recognizes appropriate levels of education and continuing professional development for practitioner business coaches
• Contributes to the definition, development and self-regulation of the business coaching profession

Overview
The WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) designation is intended for practitioner-level business coaches. It is an international designation that recognizes business coaches who apply their coaching to a narrower range of contexts. Business coaches at this level may be internal coaches who practice within one organization, or external coaches who provide limited services to a narrow client base, usually to a fixed agenda related directly to business outcomes. The CBC is an independent credential (no prerequisite credential required) and the first level of certification.

Guiding standards
The CBC designation is the product of rigorous research, development and testing. The program is guided by a definition of business coaching and a set of practitioner-level coaching competencies developed by WABC through extensive study and industry consultation. CBC is an evidence-based designation that undergoes a comprehensive annual review to ensure that it stays relevant and continues to set the highest international standards for practitioner-level business coaches.

Granting institution
The CBC designation is awarded by WABC, headquartered in Canada. To keep the process transparent and independent, candidates undertake a program and assessment with a third-party WABC Accredited (Practitioner Level) training provider. For training providers to become accredited by WABC, they must be evaluated by third-party assessors from the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) in the UK.

How to obtain the CBC designation
You are an ideal candidate for the CBC if you actively practice as a practitioner-level business coach. Specifically, you must meet these requirements:

• Must meet minimum WABC membership requirements for practitioners, currently WABC Affiliate Membership (you have one year from the date you graduated from the WABC Accredited (Practitioner Level) program to become a member); and
• Must successfully complete a WABC Accredited (Practitioner Level) program.

How to list the CBC designation
Current holders may list this WABC designation in full as follows: WABC Certified Business Coach™ or as initials without periods as follows: CBC™ or both ways as follows: WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™).

Please Note: WABC members who hold any educational degrees, or any professional designations from organizations other than WABC, must have these credentials (now and in the future) verified by WABC if they wish to list them in any materials that display WABC trademarks (e.g., WABC name, logo, designations). This requirement applies to members' own materials (e.g., marketing and promotional material, résumés, business cards, website, email signature block) that contain WABC trademarks as well as to WABC materials (e.g., website, member correspondence). For full details, refer to our Use of Designations Policy, Trademarks and Logo Use Policy and Logos and Guidelines.

How to maintain the CBC designation
You must renew the CBC every five years. Renewal is strict but not onerous. You must meet the following requirements:

• Must meet, every year, minimum WABC membership requirements for practitioners (currently WABC Affiliate Membership); and
• Must submit a record of your professional development, which includes client input, for approval five years from the date you graduated from the WABC Accredited (Practitioner Level) program, and every five years thereafter.

Effective in the near future (date TBD), a fee of approximately £150 will apply for the review of your five-year PD record. If you submit your record after the final deadline, extra fees will apply.

Taking a sabbatical
Taking a sabbatical during your career may affect your CBC designation.

• If you offer business coaching services during your sabbatical, you will retain your CBC as long as you continue to meet the requirements listed above under "How to maintain the CBC designation." If you do not meet those requirements, your CBC will be revoked (see "Can the CBC designation be revoked?" below).
• If you do not offer business coaching services during your sabbatical, you are no longer eligible for WABC membership. You must resign your membership as specified in our Terms of Membership, and your CBC will be revoked (see "Can the CBC designation be revoked?" below).

Can the CBC designation be revoked?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Examples include not meeting the credential verification or re-certification requirements or being cited for a legal or ethical violation. If your CBC credential is revoked, you will no longer be able to use the designation and you must remove all references to it, including logos, from your marketing, promotional and other material. You must also return your non-refundable certificate to WABC.

What's your next step?
Learn more. Get more details about the CBC programs available.
Get in touch. Contact WABC.

What others say
Here's what some of our CBC Holders have to say.

More information

*What is certification?
Certification is a voluntary process by which a nongovernmental body recognizes an individual who has successfully met predetermined qualifications.

What is unique about a professional certification designation?
It is the most rigorous level of professional credentialing available for individuals. Professional certification programs that follow industry best practices require validation, carry re-certification requirements and are subject to revocation. The CBC program adheres to these best practices.

Why do I have to renew my professional certification designation?
Professional certification programs grant "working or applied" credentials. Unlike certificate, degree and other education programs, which transfer knowledge and skills, professional certification measures how an individual uses knowledge and skills in real-life situations. By certifying that the holder is able to practice at a certain level, certification maintains public trust in the delivery of a certain service. For a professional certification designation to remain valid, the holder must stay abreast of the current practice and theories. That's why it's a certification best practice for holders to meet ongoing requirements, such as continuing professional development, to maintain their designations.

What are the benefits of a WABC Accredited^® program?
The CBC designation is only available through WABC Accredited programs. When you take a WABC Accredited program, you're getting the most credible, reliable and relevant business coach training there is. Learn more about the benefits of a WABC Accredited program.

Other WABC programs
Credentials for Business Coaches

WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) designation, including the right to change the requirements of the CBC designation, and to replace the CBC designation.