Purpose
The ChBC designation:

• Sets international standards for senior professional business coaches through a chartered 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 the highest standards of professionalism in business coaching
• Promotes high-caliber leadership in business coaching services for the benefit of clients
• Contributes to the definition, development and self-regulation of the business coaching profession

Overview
The Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) designation is intended for senior professional business coaches. It is an international designation that recognizes business coaches who apply their coaching in a variety of contexts, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. Business coaches at this level are accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation. They exercise substantial personal autonomy and show significant influence and leadership within their organization, the profession or academic settings.

Chartered status tells the wider community that a business coach has a senior level of specialized subject knowledge and professional competence. The ChBC designation recognizes the experienced practicing business coach who has demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of business coaching, significant personal achievements in the field, professionalism and leadership in the workplace, and a commitment to maintaining expertise through continuing professional development. The ChBC is an independent credential (no prerequisite credential required) and is the third, or highest, level of certification.

The ChBC designation can also lead to a fully accredited master's or doctoral degree. The Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) program is offered and delivered by PDF, an academic partner of Middlesex University, based in the UK. The degree is validated and awarded by Middlesex University. There are no residency requirements for this degree program, and it is open to ChBC holders. So is the Doctorate in Professional Studies (Business Coaching) program, offered by Middlesex University.

Guiding standards
The ChBC designation is the product of rigorous research, development and testing. The program is guided by a definition of business coaching and a set of master-level coaching competencies developed by WABC through extensive study and industry consultation. ChBC 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 senior professional business coaches.

Granting institution
The ChBC 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 (Chartered Level) training provider, currently Middlesex University and its UK partner, the Professional Development Foundation (PDF).

How to obtain the ChBC designation
You are an ideal candidate for the ChBC if you actively practice as a senior professional business coach. Specifically, you must meet these requirements:

• Must be a WABC Full Member in good standing;
• Must have at least five years of business coaching experience (external or internal coaching or a combination of both); and
• Must successfully complete a WABC Accredited (Chartered Level) program, currently offered exclusively by Middlesex University and its UK partner, the Professional Development Foundation (PDF).

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

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 ChBC designation
You must renew the ChBC every five years. Renewal is strict but not onerous. You must meet the following requirements:

• Must remain, every year, a WABC Full Member in good standing; 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 (Chartered Level) program, and every five years thereafter.

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 ChBC designation.

• If you offer business coaching services during your sabbatical, you will retain your ChBC as long as you continue to meet the requirements listed above under "How to maintain the ChBC designation." If you do not meet those requirements, your ChBC will be revoked (see "Can the ChBC 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 ChBC will be revoked (see "Can the ChBC designation be revoked?" below).
  

Can the ChBC 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 ChBC 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 in the ChBC: Is it for You brochure.
Get in touch. Contact WABC.

What others say
Here's what some of our ChBC 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 ChBC 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 ChBC designation is only available through a WABC Accredited program. 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 Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) designation, including the right to change the requirements of the ChBC designation, and to replace the ChBC designation.